Great Film, Bad Plot

Rating: 8/10 (12 October 2005)

I would have given this 9 stars .... but..
I tend to agree with Rob Taylor from the UK (who seems to have the only constructive post on this board). This was an all-around great film, but the plot was a horrific piece of suck. As a German American, I'm sorry Roland Emerrich is no Ridley Scot, (or Fritz Lang) or Terry Gilliam.
I get a kick out of every person on this board who acts 'surprised' that this film wasn't 'historically accurate,' as if there's a Hollywood film in existence that is.
Aside from the one-dimensional British archetypes, because i'm sure the English weren't like that during the Elizabethian Age. I think Mel Gibson's performance in this film was his best since 'the Bounty' although i haven't seen 'gallipoli.' The scene where Mel is talking to Chris Cooper trying to justify death and war after his second son dies, is just masterful, if you aren't moved by that you're stone-dead, it's as good as anything 'Gladiator' or 'Bridge over the River Kwai' has to offer.
Jason Isaacs was born for his Tavington role, and i hope he gets discovered, because he also shined in 'Blackhawk Down.' Costumes great, outside of mel and isaacs, acting needed more depth.... Ledger sucks, but he's the best my vomitous acting generation has to offer (speaks volumes about this American 'culture').
I would have given it 9 stars....but I'm going to brush up on the 1920-1960's films , keep my options open.