The Four Feathers ***½ (2002, Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, Kate Hudson) – Classic Movie Review 2851

Young Aussie star Heath Ledger (aged 23) cuts a convincing and stylish dash as English gentleman Harry Faversham in director Shekhar Kapur’s lusty 2002 epic movie version of The Four Feathers by A E W Mason, previously filmed in 1915, 1921, 1929, 1939, 1955 (as Storm over the Nile) and 1978.

Michael Schiffer and Hossein Amini’s screenplay brings a more contemporary edge to the classic tale, asking whether, in an age of patriotism, it is braver to go to war or to avoid it.

In the 1870s, Harry questions the need to fight in The Sudan, and quits the British Army, to the dismay of his fiancée Ethne (Kate Hudson) and the disgust of his fellow comrades in arms, who give him the Four Feathers symbol of cowardice as a leaving present.

Exquisitely filmed against the austere beauty of the Moroccan desert and in grand English stately homes, this thrilling movie of the famous tale exposes exotic cultures seldom seen on film and explores the conflict between contrasting civilizations. Despite its attempts at being ‘modern’, this remains a gripping, suitably old-style adventure story of heroic redemption, undying loyalty and rivalry in love.

With Ledger gainfully employed in a good role for him, Wes Bentley also does well as Harry’s rival Jack Durrance and Djimon Hounsou is a striking presence as Harry’s Middle East guide, Abou Fatma.

Also in the reliable British stalwart cast are Michael Sheen, Tim Pigott-Smith, Alex Jennings, Rupert Penry-Jones, Kris Marshall, Angela Douglas, James Cosmo and Lucy Gordon.

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© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2851

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