I was here but now i'm gone! Also post on Dooyoo as BIKE-DUDE.
I was here but now i'm gone! Also post on Dooyoo as BIKE-DUDE.
Member since:18.12.2005
Reviews:83
Members who trust:43
BUFFALO SOLDIERS (1997)
Buffalo Soldiers was a made for television movie that tackles head on issues of genocide, slavery and racism, with an unflinching, intrinsic, methodical approach. Set in the aftermath of the American Civil War, late 1800's and during the American Indian Wars, Buffalo Soldiers uses an entertaining slant to emphasise the cold harsh reality, as well as danger of ignorance and prejudice. Buffalo Soldiers won two awards and was nominated for a further six.
Film Specifications
Director: Charles Haid, Nip/Tuck, The 'L' Word, NYPD Blue Running Time:100 Min Certificate: 15 Release Date: 07th December 1997
Synopsis
Buffalo soldiers sees Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, Silverado) Playing sergeant Washington Wyatt in the U.S Cavalry leading a troop of Buffalo Soldiers. There is some ambiguity surrounding the origins of the name but Buffalo Soldiers became the generic
title awarded all black serving soldiers. As aforementioned, the film is set during the American Indian Wars with Sgt. Wyatt and hid troop stationed at a fort in the heart of Indian Territory. Many of the Indians are by this point subjugated and assimilated onto numerous reservations. However, Victorio is an Apache chief is leading a band of renegade Apache warriors on a rampage against the might of the aggressors, whilst attempting to lead his tribe to some kind of sanctuary. Naturally this is not acceptable to the embarrassed white high ranking officers who are already pissed off at being garrisoned at this god forsaken hole. Not wanting to dirty their hands or lose white troopers, Wyatt and his men are charged with the task of stopping Victorio and his men. The trouble is that has time goes on and issues arise, Wyatt starts to question the ethos of what he is doing out of a sense of duty for those undeserving.
My thoughts
What Buffalo Soldiers brings to the front is the stark reality of the foundations of the United States of America. The film shows in a thought provoking manner that even after securing "freedom" as a result of the Civil War, the black man is still repressed. The soldiers are treated very differently to white troopers especially by officers, and are extensively used and manipulated for the dog jobs. It brings to light issues such as troops not being allowed to ride through town to a parade, have to ride so many feet behind white troops, and that Negro's can never be made officers even though Sgt. Wyatt's record is exemplary. The film also conveys in a brutal fashion the horrific treatment and genocide of the Native American people. The film does gets its message across in many ways and in some senses could shock and anger, it is that adept at delivering the point. For example the wanton execution of a Native American man who is a prisoner in the fort, just to silence him from singing. The man is not even asked to be quiet but just blatantly shot in the head. There are also scenes of lawmen hanging children from a tree to encourage them to divulge the location of Victorio, even though it is a different tribe that wouldn't have any knowledge of his whereabouts. The film does stimulate thought but there are also scenes that are funny, and witty and the film is a good film in its own right. It is also enjoyable to see the psychology of Sgt. Wyatt as he starts to question the morality of what he's doing and his messed up sense of duty. Like the chief Victorio says, "Why do you murder my people for those who made you less than cattle?" The acting in the film is very good and Danny Glovers experience shines through. Costumes etc are top notch and the action is convincing and gritty. I do also like the touch that one of Wyatt's white officers is nice and respectful to the black soldiers as well as the Native Americans which is the films way of balancing it out and saying that at least some white people are decent and do not conduct themselves in such a manner. The film is 100 min and there are far worse ways to spend those min. Never destined for greatness the film is still a very enjoyable western.
Cast
Lamont Bentley ... Cpl. Sea Tom Bower ... Gen. Pike Timothy Busfield ... Maj. Robert Carr Danny Glover ... Sgt. Washington Wyatt Bob Gunton ... Col. Grierson Robert Knott ... Capt. Draper Carl Lumbly ... Horse Glynn Turman ... Sgt. Joshua 'Joyu' Judges Ruth Michael Warren ... Cpl. Eddie Tockes Mykelti Williamson ... Cpl. William Christy David Jean Thomas ... Cpl. Roseman Lloyd
Production Year: 1971 - Westerns - Director: Richard Benedict, Douglas Heyes, Leslie Martinson - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Ben Murphy, Pete Duel
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (94%):
helpful by (3%):
