Windtalkers (Definitive Edition)

Advantages: Lots of Battle Action If You Like That
Disadvantages: Superficial Plot, A Lost Opportunity

...but that doesn't really add anything to the tale in my opinion. Personally, I feel this was a wasted chance to tell a fascinating story in more detail. With a running time of just over 2 hours, there was plenty of scope to do so. As we were watching the Collector's Edition DVD, there are the following special features: Actors' Bootcamp - showing the gruelling physical training the actors went through. Windtalkers Bravo Special - making of featurette with cast and crew. Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery. Two Feature Length Audio Commentaries with main actors. Fly on the Set Diaries. I have to admit I have not watched any of the features and do not feel inclined to do so.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Interesting premise
Disadvantages: Disapppointing delivery

..., the US Marines have assigned native Navajo Indians, whose language is used to transmit vital information during conflict. Enders and another officer are assigned to protect two of these Navajo Marines during an attack on Japan. Their instructions are quite explicit – on no account are either of the code breakers to be allowed to fall into enemy hands, even if that means that the two officers kill the Navajos themselves. In the heat of combat, Enders must make the hardest decision of his life. What should he put first – his duty to the military, or his loyalty to a fellow officer? Directed by John Woo, Windtalkers is one of the latest Hollywood war movie offerings. Woo is perhaps not a surprising choice to direct such a film, having previously directed a number of fast-paced, stylish action films. Whilst the scene of a battle could... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Some good acting, set pieces, an original idea, talented cast.
Disadvantages: The idea isn't fully realized, poor script, glossy feel, poor directing, battle scenes.

...War films were once made to tell a story of inhuman experiences; to depict the true grim reality of battle. Classics such as “Hamburger Hill,” “When Trumpets Fade,” “Saving Private Ryan” among others express the true immorality and graphic nature of war without exploiting it to make money based on shock value. While one may think with a title like “Windtalkers” that the inquisitive, philosophical nature of the film would be inevitable, many will find that it's the complete opposite. Expectations will probably not be met with a movie of this nature directed by action-extraordinaire John Woo (“Broken Arrow,” “Face/Off”) and starring an actor who I have yet to see in a War film. Nicolas Cage is a great actor, although his demeanor, which I suspected, wouldn't fare to well in a movie of this genre. But building upon my statement of films... Read review

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