With Great Expectations

Rating: 10/10 (5 July 2000)

As an ardent film and history buff and a descendant of at least three Revolutionary War Soldiers, I was waiting for this film since I first saw the trailers. I had unreasonably high expectations and hoped for the kind of historical film that is capable of being made - some day. Still, I think this offering will become a classic. I think - for American citizens - this film will be very well received and enjoyed by many for years to come.
Though not a historical piece, this film could be very useful to generate interest in students not otherwise inclined to enjoy history. However, I expect a good number of British citizens may not care for it at all, as it's too close to truth. As much as they wish to predictably deny it, the British Army/Navy/Government has a long history of brutal treatment of fringe citizens in times past (India and Ireland, for example). Even the treatment we later regrettably subjected the Native Americans to was only a copy of the earlier British treatment of the Irish & Scots. Thus, I feel that from all the histories I have read, there is a common thread of truth concerning the "old" "British Empire" reflected in this film. Yes, the British did commit many objectionable acts (though not burning a church full of parishioners as far as I know - though the Scots did it at least once), but there were villains to be sure. Many of these kinds of things did happen to Revolutionary War figures: they fled persecution, had their homes and possessions seized, and they and their families were killed. There were also figures such as the Gibson character who used stealth and guerilla tactics, so one could say the film was created from a host of historical fact.
What I did appreciate in this offering is the way Cornwallis was portrayed as a bit more human, and complimented on his genuine skill. I also liked all of the references to the early ineptitude of American forces, which was true, though not much was given for how they improved and eventually triumphed.
All-in-all, the film was a work of visual joy. Rich scenery and special effects, though falling short - as usual - of the "real" reality of war. (I also wonder how they managed to elude capturing the awful humidity in South Carolina.) The acting was solid and enjoyable (given the shortcomings of the script), the score wonderful and the factually represented military equipment, sets and costumes are worth the admission alone. But I do wish Hollywood would learn to write a less predictable story; the overall plot was the most disappointing feature.
What I - and I think many others would enjoy more - is a factual story of real Revolutionary War figures done with this kind of production quality; something akin to "Gettysburg", which sang of realism throughout.
I would recommend this film to all Americans, especially history deprived students who could use it as an excellent springboard for interest as many did with "Braveheart". I'm buying the DVD when it comes out. After all, it is a MOVIE, and this one is great entertainment. Bravo.