Mikaela,
I'm glad you discovered the British weren't quite the villains they were portrayed as.Now I can go and watch the dvd and see Heath in all his period costume loveliness. I was getting a little unsure up till your post.
As a Brit. in the states, it was getting a little warm in this seat!!!!!
Oh, I never for a moment thought they were... that kind of villains, I mean. Although of course, in war, any war, especially as that war progresses and intensifies, there's not much room for humanity or dignity or restraint. And.... well, the film is a Mel Gibsom vehicle. He's the most unsubtle guy since....oh, I don't know, - Attila the Hun? Things are either black or white, no shades of grey.You're with us or against us. You're all good, or all bad. That kind of perspective.
Although I was a bit uncertain about a certain church burning depicted in the film. I found it nearly incredible that that scene would have been included if it wasn't historical fact. But it was bogus. Turns out (from Shasta's historical site) that in fact, it is based on the worst atrocities of the Nazis towards the end of WW II.
Do go forth and watch the film!
I am almost embarrassed to admit that despite the pathos and OTT bloodshed and improbabilities I did find it entertaining. Not just Heath or the grand costumes and scenery either. It's a rippin' tale. Just don't think it portrays Brits in a kind or truthful light, is all. Especially Colonel Malfoy, he's a real devil, he is. Until our pal Mel and his not-so-merry men perform the proper exorcism.
And yes, Meryl, you're so right.
Though it's interesting.... in much of the film Heath looks older and more mature than those 18 years. An unusual occurrence, when actors are normally required to play High School kids till they're passed 25! (Thinking Jake in Day After Tomorrow, for instance...)