His task was to protect the code; yet, he protected much more...

Rating: 6/10 (25 March 2007)

I have read many comments about this movie and I am pretty shocked that so many people severely criticize it saying that it is one of the worst movies they have ever seen. I am aware that every film may rise some controversial feelings due to its shortcomings or misinterpretations, but so strong ones are rather rare?... When WINDTALKERS was released in theaters a few years ago, I did not feel a special need to see this movie because of its upsetting war theme. Although I have nothing against these films, they despair me in a way. Most of the history is still quite fresh and its drama is so intense that I simply don't feel good after watching the movies of this genre (with a few exceptions). However, recently I have hired a DVD and saw the entire film having been recommended by my friend. Although its action takes place in the "heyday of WWII", it is a slightly different movie than most of the rest.
There are historical facts about Americans on the Japanese island of Saipan during WWII but, foremost, our attention is drawn to characters of MARINES among whom there are two Navajo Indians. What are their psyches, their thoughts, their behavior in the hell that war supplied them with? Two characters are ever present: Sergeant Joe Enders (Nicholas Cage) and a Navajo Indian Ben Yahzee (Adam Beach). Although they meet in very strange circumstances, they become friends in time. Joe has the task to protect the code in Navajo language; yet, he himself wonders how much else, in time, appears to be under his protection... Joe is a hero, a real soldier, a particularly noble character. I feel a need to say that people who criticize his part are wrong. His part is an advantage of the movie. If there is a problem, it lies somewhere else. Ben Yahzee is a warrior but also a family man. Yet, we do not get much insight into Indian culture except for some minor moments about beliefs and ghosts. Pete Henderson (Christian Slater) is an interesting character, firstly unwilling to cooperate with code talkers, then, however, finding a true friendship with the Indian, Whitehorse (Roger Willie). When concerning the male characters, there is a brilliant moment of their talk about longing for families and peace of mind. The problem with characters, however, lies in Rita (Frances O'Connor) the woman Joe loves, someone who appears to be the representation of all precious values that Joe heads for in his life. Her part is well introduced but very badly executed later...
I also found the action of the movie quite thrilling. It did keep my attention, sometimes the fighting scenes are deadly too long and unrealistic, but they are not that weak in general. I liked the first half of the movie when you watch and wait what will happen next. But the second half is also not tedious whatsoever. All the moments are pretty balanced and events well executed. Touching scenes, for instance, supply the movie with a feeling so that we can stop for a while and think. "You think too much": that is what war forbids, however, that is what this movie does allow and even does promote, particularly in the final 10 minutes - that was the climax for me which really shocked me and moved me and that is the aspect I consider a strong side of WINDTALKERS.
The performances are not the best for sure. However, I cannot say I didn't like most of the cast. Cage does a pretty good job as Enders. There isn't, perhaps, a charisma in his performance but it's at least to say: GOOD. I would agree that too much emphasis is put on his part but I wouldn't say that his plot is useless. Adam Beach, although sometimes pale, gives pretty fine performance as Yahzee. When you watch the movie carefully, you will find some pearls in his part where he really fits to the role. I loved Frances O"Connor as Rita, she is brilliant and it is a pity she was given so little time on screen. As I have already said, her character should have been developed more! Christian Slater is strange as in most of his roles (I am not his particular fan), but not bad. All in all, there are some shortcomings in the performances - that aspect really lowers the value of WINDTALKERS as a movie in general.
But if there is a talk of any problem, it lies in the lack of Navajo culture development - wind talkers, code protectors...and what at the end. I cannot spoil your curiosity because you would not see the film with enthusiasm but the title and the gist seems to be lost somewhere. The film is anti-war, it shows its lack of humanity and logic, but it could have been more powerful if executed as a real masterpiece. There had been an idea for sure which was lost somewhere in the middle. A few scenes more would help this and solve the problem partly, more focus on Navajo.
To be absolutely honest about this movie, it is in no way a dull film, an upsetting picture that too viewers can stand. It has some really powerful moments, has nice shots and foremost the two factors I have mentioned: action and good insight into young men's psyches whose only duty was to shoot to kill until being killed. Indeed, WINDTALKERS is another anti-war film filled with nice thoughts and reflections. Therefore, accusing this as one of the worst films ever is a misunderstanding and baseless criticism. It lacks something here or there, that's all. Worth seeing as a picture which once again shouts out "NO MORE WAR!" A movie to be seen objectively, which will make you realize it's quite worth a search.