Clichéd, predictable, Hollywood-style screen-play.

Rating: Null/10 (23 December 2002)

The story of the Navaho code talkers of World War II is intrinsically dramatic and exciting. The Windtalkers screen-play attempts to infuse additional drama and excitement, but instead only injects clichéd, predictable plot elements. For example, the mawkish dialog repeated signals which soldier will die in the next scene. The uniforms and equipment are historically inaccurate -- U.S. Marines seem to be outfitted from a military surplus store, and their weapons have an inexhaustible supply of bullets. On the other hand, Japanese soldiers are unable to hit anything at point blank range with their weapons. The pyrotechnics are spectacular but quickly become repetitive. Adam Beach (Ben Yahzee) and Roger Willie (Charlie Whitehorse) turn in respectable performances as the code talkers. Nicholas Cage does well in spite of the screen play. For the true story of the code talkers, read any of the available good books. See Saving Private Ryan for an authentic war story -- even better see Band of Brothers.