As a HS world history teacher I would highly recommend this user-friendly supplement exemplar for a unit on the rise of a nationalist movement against imperialist oppression. The rarely told story of the 19th C Greek revolt against the Ottoman Empire is beautifully rendered here, replete with all the various points of view of the various levels of participant in both sides of the struggle. Feminists will love the female hero leader. It is rarely simplistic and satisfyingly complex. The characters are refreshingly multi-dimensional and motives are well developed. Costumes and battle scenes are appropriately juicy for a period piece of modest origins. Great story based on a novel. I was pleasantly surprised at how engaging it is! Great stand-out performances by the cast in general but especially from the notables Christopher Plummer, Patti Lupone, Billy Zane et al. A fun 2'15" film.
Reviews
2 Reviews
United 93
(2006)
Absorbing, intense, and appropriately moving
6 May 2006
Clearly comes across as a story that ought to and had to be told and never too soon... a reenactment that drives home the impact and meaning of that tragic day.
In no wise is it exploitative nor lurid entertainment, but satisfactorily an artful, tasteful, apt and appropriate tribute to the human spirit in the face of fear, terror and misguided fanaticism.
The brilliant editing, with its insightful cross-cutting from various POVs is superb and the pacing, suspense and intensity at times is unnerving. The heart-pounding progression toward inexorable fate renders a harrowing experience that culminates in a moving (lump-in-throat, tear-inspiring) close.
I cannot urge enough that those that will resist or refuse to allow themselves to go through it, should shrug away the misgivings opposed to it and give the episode its due. You must not look away--Lest we forget...or let it sink into postscript-of-history status. The filmmakers have done the entire thing proud and have rendered a true homage to those who lost their lives heroically. A fine work indeed.
In no wise is it exploitative nor lurid entertainment, but satisfactorily an artful, tasteful, apt and appropriate tribute to the human spirit in the face of fear, terror and misguided fanaticism.
The brilliant editing, with its insightful cross-cutting from various POVs is superb and the pacing, suspense and intensity at times is unnerving. The heart-pounding progression toward inexorable fate renders a harrowing experience that culminates in a moving (lump-in-throat, tear-inspiring) close.
I cannot urge enough that those that will resist or refuse to allow themselves to go through it, should shrug away the misgivings opposed to it and give the episode its due. You must not look away--Lest we forget...or let it sink into postscript-of-history status. The filmmakers have done the entire thing proud and have rendered a true homage to those who lost their lives heroically. A fine work indeed.
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