Bogus Redemption

Rating: Null/10 (19 December 2003)

*** Some General Spoilers painted in broadstrokes ***
If Capt. Algren had been serious about making amends for his crimes against humanity, he would have returned to the scene of his crimes and there submitted himself to the judgment of a tribunal administered by the people(s) whose members were his victims. In so doing, his longing for death would have been fulfilled straightaway.
In place of this, we see Capt. Algren undergo a healing of mind and body within the confines of a paradisiacal mountain village. Considering the unblemished beauty and noble character of the villagers, only a heart of stone or a corpse could have failed to experience emotional bonding. When trouble invades the rustic quiet, the born-again soldier rises to defend the martial pedigree of his adopted culture. Determined to get it right this time, he hurls himself into the teeth of the dehumanizing, modern machines of war.
In the same breath the film encourages disapproval of the Euro-American, imperial juggernaut and exalts its fugitives from justice. Instead of facing execution or prison in his homeland, Capt. Algren, summarily washed clean by good intentions, finds peace in the arms of the beautiful wife and brilliant son of a slain native.
For the most part, this is feel good, Hollywood malarkey.