The Horse Soldiers (1959) :
Brief Review -
Years later, it still leaves many of us modern cinephiles confused with its contemporary inferior take on Civil War, which feels much better than modern films. Legendary John Ford's "The Horse Soldiers" was panned by a critic at the time of its release and was also a commercial failure due to the high salaries of two superstars it brought together. However, if you can look at it as a simple civil war movie with no spicy romance or heroic action, then it looks underrated. Yes, there are reasons to call it a slow film and almost a film with no context. But think of the era it is set in and how an unconventional plot keeps you glued for two hours. You certainly can't believe it actually happened. The film is about a Union cavalry leader, Marlowe, who is sent on a raid behind Confederate lines to destroy a railroad and supply depot at Newton Station. He is joined by an army doctor, whom he despises for no reason. It is later revealed that he hates all the doctors since his wife died of medical malpractice. A beautiful lady named Hannah Hunter is taken by Marlowe as she was spying on them and could provide information to others that could destroy his plans. As expected, Hannah and Marlowe fall in love, but we don't see any hugging, kissing, or romantic ballades. Moreover, the action scenes during the war aren't two-sided. The other side goes all out, while Marlowe and his soldiers do not get into much action. That's one of the major shortcomings of the film, besides the overlong runtime. The film could have been trimmed by half an hour or 20 minutes, and I guess it would have been a much better experience. Wayne and Holden have done decent jobs, while Constance Towers does nothing else but look beautiful. Ford's tiresome flick emerges as a winner with a solid climax that leaves things unofficially complete, yet complete, be it a love story (Hannah), social work (by Dr.), or national duties (Marlowe heads forward with an injured leg). Half a star extra for Ford's belief in the story.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.
Years later, it still leaves many of us modern cinephiles confused with its contemporary inferior take on Civil War, which feels much better than modern films. Legendary John Ford's "The Horse Soldiers" was panned by a critic at the time of its release and was also a commercial failure due to the high salaries of two superstars it brought together. However, if you can look at it as a simple civil war movie with no spicy romance or heroic action, then it looks underrated. Yes, there are reasons to call it a slow film and almost a film with no context. But think of the era it is set in and how an unconventional plot keeps you glued for two hours. You certainly can't believe it actually happened. The film is about a Union cavalry leader, Marlowe, who is sent on a raid behind Confederate lines to destroy a railroad and supply depot at Newton Station. He is joined by an army doctor, whom he despises for no reason. It is later revealed that he hates all the doctors since his wife died of medical malpractice. A beautiful lady named Hannah Hunter is taken by Marlowe as she was spying on them and could provide information to others that could destroy his plans. As expected, Hannah and Marlowe fall in love, but we don't see any hugging, kissing, or romantic ballades. Moreover, the action scenes during the war aren't two-sided. The other side goes all out, while Marlowe and his soldiers do not get into much action. That's one of the major shortcomings of the film, besides the overlong runtime. The film could have been trimmed by half an hour or 20 minutes, and I guess it would have been a much better experience. Wayne and Holden have done decent jobs, while Constance Towers does nothing else but look beautiful. Ford's tiresome flick emerges as a winner with a solid climax that leaves things unofficially complete, yet complete, be it a love story (Hannah), social work (by Dr.), or national duties (Marlowe heads forward with an injured leg). Half a star extra for Ford's belief in the story.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.