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Turn (2014)
Subversion or Heroism? - TURN: Washington's Spies
"Autumn 1776. Insurgents have declared war on the Crown. Following a successful naval landing, His Majesty's Army has forced Washington's rebels into the wilderness."
The AMC Network, perhaps most widely known for the smash "The Walking Dead" franchise, has hit another home run with the 10-episode season one of the 2014 TV series "TURN: Washington's Spies", which explores the formation of the network of Colonial spies during the American Revolutionary War. Based on the remarkable original research by historian-author Alexander Rose, his book is the basis for the series which focuses on the shadowy underworld of political and military espionage.
Closely on the heels of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Jamie Bell (Tintin, Billy Elliot, Jumper) plays the mild-mannered New York farmer Abraham Woodhull, who pressured by his town Magistrate father, Judge Richard Woodhull–played by Kevin McNally ("Gibbs" in Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise), serves family-honor by marrying his murdered brother's fiancé and working his brother's land
all the while in love with a young woman sympathetic to the "Rebel" cause. This sense of being trapped in another's man's life leaves him vulnerable to be approached by his childhood friend and now Colonial Army Captain, Ben Talmadge, played by the relative new-comer, Seth Numrich, who pressures Abe to help the Colonial army by passing information about British troop activity in the area of their little hamlet of Selauket, Long Island.
Growing up as school children in the United States, we learn about the tyrannical British King George III, taxation without representation, John Hancock and the signing of the Declaration, the Red Coats, Paul Revere and more. These historical depictions primarily focused on influential leaders and key battles. We see pictures of Washington heroically posed, crossing the Delaware river, the lantern in the window of the North Church, and Nathan Hale being hanged, having declared, "I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
One of the most fascinating aspects of this series is that it is based on real people and real events, masterfully pulled from the pages of history by the adapted book's author Alexander Rose. Ben Talmadge, for example, was a real life Yale classmate of Nathan Hale, who served as a First Lieutenant in the Connecticut militia. Talmadge is credited with establishing the now famous "Culper Ring", the spy network around which the show is based.
In watching each episode, I was repeatedly compelled to consider the humanity of the "ordinary" folks who risked their present and future to stand against British oppression, and to pursue a dream of freedom. They were not perfect. Many, like Abe Woodhull, were not even initially willing to participate. As the town Magistrate, Abe's father was the right-hand of the British commander who's garrison "protected" Selauket".This is an all too familiar father-son battle, as Abe desperately seeks his father's approval. But it is the Judges' desire to control the destiny of his son that ultimately pushes Abe to reluctantly begin helping Talmadge and the insurgents.
The Ring's primary adversary is Major John Andre, played by J.J. Field (Captain America, Centurion), who is a charismatic British officer tasked with the discovery and destruction of the colonial spy ring. He instantly transforms between proper of English gentlemen, brilliant tactician, and merciless killer. Major Andre comes to represent the epitome of the megalomaniac British military leaders, from a colonial perspective of course.
Although the series' level of graphic depiction does not rival previous Oscar-winning historical epics like "Braveheart" or Glory", it is not appropriate for younger audiences, due to the degree of violence and adult themes. With educational goals in mind, we began watching the pilot episode with our ten year old son; but it only took a few minutes to press pause and reevaluate. It does, however, neither glorify nor linger on these aspects of the story, but realistically addresses them as parts of the genuine historical experience.
This was a time when email was sent on horseback, meeting invites came on heat-sealed stationary or by covert signal, and democracy had been born, but had yet to be realized. The show is immersing. Smell the smoke from the cannons. Feel the frost bite as you trudge through the snow to reach the next town. Risk summary execution as a subversive. Come face to face with General Washington before he became
"George Washington".
Were this type of uprising to occur today, the movement would be immediately declared traitorous and its members classified as terrorists. Interestingly, this was exactly the perspective of our former sovereign, King George III. Here is the key question: how and when does "subversion" transform into a righteous battle for freedom?
TURN is a fascinating and compelling series. I have already watched the complete first season twice through, discovering additional depth and nuance. Be cautioned by the level of its realism, but don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself. Season one is on Amazon Instant Video and season two is coming April 2015 on the AMC channel.
The Shadowlands (2003)
First rate indie scifi for the whole family
A great balance of mystery and action, I have watched this film many times, and consider it to be one of my favorites. An interesting performance by Oscar-nominee Gary Busey as the evil king compliments the innocence of the outcast children. Through the animation and FX didn't come from ILM, the filmmakers did a pretty good job of adding some interesting dimensions with the space ships, droids and tentacled beast in the pit. I also like the fact that the film had some depth and underlying spiritual content that is so lacking from a lot of films these days. When I was in the Shadowlands, I wanted the king to die, the kids to be saved and the leads to fall in love...watch the film to see if I got my wish :-)
The Harvesters (2000)
Quality Action Thriller
I saw this movie at a Christian film festival screening where it was met with rousing applause and won "Thriller of the Year". I enjoyed the acting, the story and high production value. Although it's a bit intense in places, it's a good family film (maybe not for the little ones)! The young girl, Dani (played by Krystal Hernandez/Amber) was tender an innocent, while I rooted for all of the villains to come to justice, or, you know...die! They were creepy! The female lead, Rachel (played by Dianne Luby) was beautiful, strong and captivating, which balanced out the more mild-mannered Jeff Carver (played by Robert Lee). Everyone who saw it, recommended it to others. I only wish it could be purchased in the United States...we are waiting!!!