Director Hugh Hudson adds optional narration and a new introduction to his 1985 period piece about the American Revolution, which stars Al Pacino as a New York trapper who becomes a reluctant revolutionary when his son (Dexter Fletcher) is drafted to fight. Donald Sutherland, Nastassja Kinski and Joan Plowright round out the film’s cast, with singer Annie Lennox making a brief appearance as a “liberty woman.”
Seen today, I am completely fallen into the story. Nice experience, a very rare experiment with colours and photography.
It falls apart with such instancy and extremity that it's difficult to find any redeeming features. Nevertheless, Hugh Hudson's decision to shoot completely on hand-held cameras is bold and surprisingly effective. This is a very handsome and unique-looking piece. I also admire Pacino's dedication to his craft, and he manages to shape a distinct performance when he appears to have very little to work with.