Too Broad, Too Cliche

Rating: 7/10 (29 June 2000)

This is one of those films that you feel you have to see. For those of you with discriminating taste in film, I'm letting you in on a secret: You don't have to see this.
This is a film for a mass audience appeal, not for those of us who want our history and action served to us with a touch of humility and a dash of realism. This film attempts to capture the feel of two superb films: Braveheart and Saving Private Ryan. While both were brilliant, and at times understated, this film is never allowed to be either. Robert Rodat's script is average fair, borrowing heavily from Ryan, Braveheart and Last of the Mohicans. This script is not terrible, but it is not a stroke of genius. It lacks depth but is full of breadth, trying to do too much in just under three hours.
Still, this movie could have faired better under the supervision of a better director. Roland Emmerich, who in MHO has not made a good film since Stargate, bungles any of the chance Gibson or Ledger, or even Jason Issacs might have to make this film a classic. He paces the film poorly, does not allow his characters to become anything more than catalysts for special effects, and leaves the audience wondering if the Brittish were truly that evil.
If you liked U-571 instead of Das Boot, then this might be the film for you. But if you are looking for a classic, go see Gladiator, wait for August 29th for Braveheart on DVD, or purchase Last of the Mohicans. In those films, I promise you will not be disappointed.