Much better than expected.

Rating: 8/10 (27 January 2005)

I just rented it and very much enjoyed it. It is extremely difficult, especially nowadays, to make a historical movie without offending someone. "Extremists" from both sides will find something to dislike about this movie. Hence the many bad reviews from the mainstream media who, no doubt, disliked the portrayal of the butcher, Santa Anna. From the other side, some may not like the depiction of the American "heroes", especially Davy Crockett. (Thornton is not your John Wayne Crockett) But for anyone interested in a beautifully filmed, well acted, presentation of an important event in American/Mexican history, you will enjoy the film. My problems with the film. 1)Although the Constitution of 1824 is mentioned, its importance in the rebellion is not fully explained. Hollywood seems to always have problems depicting the reasons people rebel. (See Braveheart/The Patriot) 2) A couple of just plain silly scenes. (e.g. Travis suggesting the dying Bowie leave the fort just before the final attack). But nothing major. It is a shame that this movie did not get the attention it deserved.