Too bad...

Rating: Null/10 (30 October 2002)

I have one daughter who is interested in WWII in Europe and the other is more into WWII in the Pacific. Between the two I've seen every recent war film and naturally, everything in the past 60 years. I was really pumped for Windtalkers as I like Nicolas Cage and had read about the Navajo code talkers over the years. Unfortunately, the film failed to deliver on the people, the history and the importance of these brave and patriotic Native Americans. After having their culture destroyed by "whites" they still volunteered..for America. ("The Tuskegee Airmen" also pointed out quite well the conflicts raging inside during WWII). Hopefully, sometime in the next 30-40-50 years they will do a remake of this film and get it right.
Speaking of remakes, how about doing one on "Hell to Eternity". This Jeffrey Hunter vehicle about a Japanese raised Hispanic kid in LA and his Marine action in WWII is still strong. He too had multiple conflicts tearing him apart and we need to see these, know these. "The Thin Red Line" was built in this mode but was too heavy handed for many viewers. I highly recommend "Hell to Eternity" for anyone who has not seen it.