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This American Civil War drama has the episodic structure of a TV mini-series, but
superior performances and Ang Lee's sure-footed direction lift it way, way
higher.
The Plot: It's 1860s Missouri and the American Civil War is
raging. Childhood chums Jake (Maguire) and Jack Bull (Ulrich) join the
pro-slavery Bushwackers, a guerrilla army searching for bands of anti-slavery
types to slaughter mercilessly.
What's right with it? The ambitious mix of epic, sweeping
war drama with intimate buddy story works to great effect. Maguire and Ulrich
are impeccable and handle the demanding but witty dialogue with ease, while
even dippy singer Jewel charms as the love interest.
What's wrong with it The episodic style gets repetitive and
the character of the black guy somehow fighting on the pro-slavery side feels
shoe-horned into the story as a PC gesture.
Length: 138 minutes.
Verdict: A big, old-fashioned, quality film with plenty of
unexpected rewards for your time and patience.
[Four Stars]
BOYD HILTON
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