This violent drama is based on an allegedly historic encounter between white settlers and the Cheyenne Indians, of the west. Based on Theodore V. Olsen's novel ARROW IN THE SUN,... more
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Advantages: Anti war film. Disadvantages: Horrific
...The horror of war is frequently displayed in films such as “Saving Private Ryan” but what is not shown is the blood lust that can develop in a moment. It turns a man into an animal bent on destruction of his fellow man, who will maim, disfigure and ultimately destroy anyone in the vicinity who does not belong to his own kind. This film, “SoldierBlue” shows in graphic detail what happens when blood lust strikes. This film is not for the faint hearted, but it should be watched as it shows vividly to what depths man can sink to given the right circumstances.
First released in 1970, SoldierBlue was first shown in cinemas across the UK, but after public outcry over the content, which included murder of women and children, dismemberment, rape, beheading and much, much more, it was toned down and subsequently shown on national television...
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Actor(s): Candice Bergen, Peter Strauss, Donald Pleasence
Director(s): Ralph Nelson
Genre: Westerns
Classification: 18 years and over
Production Year: 1970
Consumer Advice: Contains strong bloody violence and one scene of strong sexual violence
Video Category: Feature Film
Country Of Origin: United States of America
Release details
DVD Region: Region 2 (Europe)
Studio(s): OPTIMUM HOME ENTERTAINMENT; ELEVATION SALES; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Languages
Main Language: English
Technical information
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound: Dolby Digital
Professional reviews
Review: A staggeringly powerful, magnificent film (New York Times, 28/07/2008)
DVD Description
This violent drama is based on an allegedly historic encounter between white settlers and the Cheyenne Indians, of the west. Based on Theodore V. Olsen's novel ARROW IN THE SUN, the account enacts the struggle of a U.S. soldier named Honus Gant (Peter Strauss) and a white woman named Cresta (Candice Bergen) who has been captured by the Indians two years earlier. The pair is hoping to stay alive until they can reach the nearest army outpost. When the Cheyenne slaughter the paymaster's party, with which they have been travelling, the two carry on to encounter several unusual characters. Donald Pleasance is perfect in his portrayal of Isaac Q. Cumber, who holds them captive, while hoping to sell the Cheyenne guns, in order to acquire some of gold they stole from the paymaster. When Honus is wounded, Cresta goes ahead alone, only to discover that the army plans to wipe the Indians out entirely. She hopes to return to help Honus, and warn the Cheyenne to flee, before the handful of them that are left, are wiped out. Ralph Nelson directs, and keeps the allegiances even, revealing the true tragedy behind the conflict.
Advantages: Thought provoking, entertaining Disadvantages: good but never quite great
...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...
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Advantages: Seeing the ex-husband & wife team in a movie together Disadvantages: the movie
...Not another flop movie for Madonna, but unfortunately, that’s exactly what it is. Being a Madonna fan, I was obliged to watch it… that’s my excuse.
The Queen of Pop plays Gloria Tatlock, a missionary that tries to convince Glendon Wasey (Sean Penn), to find a whole load of Opium to use on suffering Chinese soldiers.
The shipment of Opium belonging to Walter (Paul Freeman) was on its way out of the country when he was hunted down by the boys in blue and forced into hiding.
Now, it’s up to the once married pair to find it and put it to good use.
Obviously there’s more than one person looking for the stash.
As I said before, I was obliged to watch this movie for the reason of Madonna, otherwise it would be a waste of money to rent or buy it.
Sorry Madonna....
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Advantages: Classic and compelling viewing Disadvantages: Incomplete story
...content and the violence. But then the show is the handy work of Steven Bochco the man behind NYPD Blue, Murder One, and Hill Street Blues so I guess you should expect it.
Every actor pulls out a excellent performance; but for me the star of the series was shown in Episode 5 and 6 in the form of actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar in the role of John Moffat. Gosselaar is probably best known for his 6 year role as Zach Morris in the kids show Saved By The Bell. He potrays such depth of character and you can really sympathise with his wanting to do right by the soldiers he has come accustomed to and regards as his brothers. His capture as a prisoner sadly echoes that of British captive Ken Bigley; and you are moved by his plight hoping for a safe outcome.
The show was a very daring attempt to show the true damage of the Iraqi war; but like so many things...
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very helpful 29.04.2006
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