Four Feathers? (2002 with Heath Ledger) (1 Viewer)

[bradleyl30]

Has anyone seen this? Is it any good from an entertainment and/or historical perspective?

Recording it on cable today and not sure if it is worth it.

 

[marco55]

It's not bad but the best one IMO is the 1939 version.
Mark

 

[BLReed]

Wikipedia gives a run down of all seven movie versions.

Here is the 2002 version:
"Starring Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, and Kate Hudson. Made by an Indian director, this version takes a revisionist stance on the original novel's themes of masculinity, empire and the clash of Western and Islamic civilisations. Unlike earlier versions, this one bases its big battle scene on the 1885 Battle of Abu Klea (thirteen years before Omdurman). The British soldiers also wear their iconic scarlet tunics when they had already changed to wearing khaki. Since the film seeks to portray the British Empire negatively, in this film the British lose the battle of Abu Klea, which in reality they won, by having their square broken, in a fashion that alludes to the famous poem, Vitai Lampada."

 

[bradleyl30]

Wow, sounds like I should just get the book and read it as all the adaptations have to trim the rich details to fit it on the screen.

The 1977 version sounds pretty interesting, as well.

 

[simmo]

Accurate portrayal of actual events? Don't really mind as its a good action film, good actors and the rugby match at the beginning is great!

 

[larso]

Yes, the rugby game at the start is an excellent beginning. I think I prefer the older versions, it's hard to credit Ledger as a coward. I've also never really enjoyed/accepted the part about his going native to save his friends. It kinda undoes the story for me? It's still an interesting story about a fascinating campaign.
I remember when Jack and I were in the army reserve. Jack gave it away after only a year or so. I organised some of the other guys in the troop to send him 4 pink feathers!

 

[Artillery_crazy]

Wow, sounds like I should just get the book and read it as all the adaptations have to trim the rich details to fit it on the screen.

The 1977 version sounds pretty interesting, as well.

Thanks for the info, I have the 2002 and the 1939 versions but was not aware that a 1977 version existed...how does if compare to the other two?
Historical accuracy apart, I enjoyed both versions, there was good action/fighting and well rounded up picture of the society described at the time.
Cheers
Artillery_Crazy

 

[marco55]

I liked the 39 version as some of the old people in it fought in the Omdurman campaign.
Mark

 

[GICOP]

Another version is Storm Over the Nile, which is a 1955 film adaptation of the novel The Four Feathers, this film used many action clips from the original 1939 film.
In my opinion the 2002 film bears no relation to the original.

Cheers

Martyn

 

[Martin Tabony]

Love the rifle drill in the original, especially the pre SMLE "Sand at Ease"!
Drill is like a pill. Take it every day to make you feel better!


Martin

 

[Der Alte Fritz]

I liked the made for television version with Beau Bridges and Jane Seymour. I assume that this must be the 1977 version referred to previously. Jack losing his eyesight in battle makes more sense than it does having him go sun blind because his helmet fell off of his head ( in the 1939 version).

 

[DMNamiot]

Have to say I enjoyed all the versions of this story. But my favorite is the 39 version as well. Great battle scenes and a cast of thousands!

Dave