Luke
stu-kicks
CibbuanoThe Last Valley
March 26th 2007 06:45
The Last Valley (1971)
This is one of those forgotten films that have come tumbling out of obscurity thanks to the wonders of the DVD age. Directed and adapted for the screen by James Clavell (who made 'To Sir, With Love', penned the screenplay for 'The Fly', co-wrote 'The Great Escape', and authored various well-recieved novels set in Japan and Hong Kong) and starring Michael Caine and Omar Shariff, this film focuses on that most forgotton of wars, the Thirty Year War... a horrific, senseless war that epitomised the greed and callousness of late medieval European politics.
Omar Shariff plays Vogel, an intelligent man just trying to survive amidst the ruined countryside of 17th century Europe. Whilst fleeing the indiscriminate brutality of German mercenaries he happens upon a quiet and peaceful village in a secluded valley, miraculously untouched by carnage and destruction. Unfortunately, in his wake come said mercenaries, led by the Captain (Michael Caine). Acting fastly, Vogel suggests to the Captain that they stay their hand and opt to settle in the village for the winter - taking advantage of the prosperity and peace to rest and eat well for several months - in essence, taking a break from the war. And so an uneasy peace develops between the peasants and the soldiers, with Vogel acting as a mostly unwelcome peacemaker between the two groups. Of coure, there are complications... beyond the valley the war rages on, and the mercenaries require food and sex from the peasants if peace is to be maintained. Add in some seemingly incompatible religious differences, a very obstinate priest, and the machinations of those unhappy with the arrangement, and you've got yourself the proverbial tense situation.
I've never been a fan of Omar Shariff, he's pretty much the cinematic equivelent of a wet blanket, and while he seems to be the 'hero' of the film, he doesn't really do anything all that heroic or of note. Also, the Casablanca-like ending involving Vogel and his village sweetheart seemed a bit out of place and had me scratching my head. The real star of this film is easily Michael Caine... his character is the most interesting facet of the piece, and he gives a cold, restrained performance as the shrewd and ammoral Captain.
I really enjoyed this movie, it had some great epic action and some serious points to make about religious hypocrisy and war in general. The film offers a fascinating glimpse at a seldom-seen era in history... a harsh world governed by ignorance and religious intolerance. When this era is shown to us it's usually from the eyes of the leaders and in the cities, never from the point of a view of a lowly village or a largely unimportant regiment of mercenaries. The direction, cast and score is the stuff of class... some of the more cliched-drammatic scenes threaten to become hokey but overall it's a very A-grade event and it's hard to see why this film isn't more well-knowned or appreciated.
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Comment by Theresa
Today's World
I had no idea this film existed, or
that James Clavell had ever directed a movie.
I am so glad you reviewed it;
now I just have to find a copy.
Theresa
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Theresa, it should be pretty easy to find... HMV had it for 12 bucks when I got it a year ago. JB HiFi should have it too.