ceaselessly replicating the past.
We were talking about films, but the argument can extend easily to historically-rooted,
narrative fiction, as well as sculpture and virtually all other art. He’s much
more of a futurist, and thus enamored with speculative works — films, books and
series that take past lessons of humanity and extrapolate forward. It’s an
essential component of the vicarious human experience, though, I think, slipping
back into another time to witness or experience past events both major and trivial.
It breeds empathy and perspective, I would argue. All of which brings us to something
like Battle of the Brave.
Set against the sweeping outdoor backdrop of mid-18th century
wartime passion and sacrifice — elements that certainly resonate in today’s anxious
times. When
is besieged by British forces, two lovers fearlessly risk everything in an
effort to protect both the freedom of their homeland as well as the bonds of their
own devotion. Poor single mother Marie-Loup Carignan (Noémie Godin-Vigneau) is
madly in love with French-Canadian trapper Francois (David La Haye). After
Francois discovers that local French authorities are in cahoots with the
British, however, he becomes a resistance leader, a course of action which
naturally endangers everything which he and Marie hold dear.
faintly recall the Mel Gibson-starring The
Patriot, more bloodthirsty viewers will surely be disappointed. Gorgeously
shot by Louis de Ernsted — who also lensed Luc Dionne’s under-regarded Aurore — Battle of the Brave is a far more ruminative and naturalistic work,
concentrating on the difficulties of everyday life that filter down from macro
decision-making rather than brutal battle. Large passages of the film work, certainly
aided by a talented international cast (Gerard Depardieu, Tim Roth, Jason
Isaacs, Colm Meaney and Irene Jacob) that holds your attention. But Pierre
Billon’s screenplay leans too often on stodgy speechifying and on-the-nose monologues
to advance plot rather than some form of definitive action. Céline Dion pops up
to contribute “Ma Nouvelle
to the soundtrack, which is admirably anchored by Sense and Sensibility composer Patrick Doyle’s stirring score.
Overall, though, this is a taxing affair (143 minutes) more evocative to the
eyes than the heart.
is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, with an English language 5.1
Dolby digital surround sound audio track and optional English subtitles. There
are unfortunately no supplemental extras on the disc, making this title an
uphill
for those hardcore arthouse set. C+ (Movie) C- (Disc)