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CT•Ranger
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
October 14 2002
Status: offline
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 Posted - January 25 2005 : 9:59:18 PM
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There's a new French & Indian War film out now called Nouvelle France. Its a French Canadian production and was released Nov. 19. I don't know if its been released in the US yet. Its looks like mostly a romance between two French Canadians during the French and Indian War culminating in the Siege of Quebec, its a cheesy cliche love story, but it might be ok. Jason Isaac and Tim Roth have cameo roles as Wolfe and Pitt.
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YMHS,
Connecticut•Ranger
Thomas Thacher
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Fitz Williams
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 19 2002
Status: offline
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 01 2007 : 10:47:33 AM
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In looking through my local Hollywood Video rental store this weekend, I literally stumbled upon this. This French Canadian movie has now been released on DVD under the unlikely title "Battle of the Brave."
This movie was not quite what I expected. While it does take place in Quebec City during the French & Indian War, the war itself serves only as a minor background to the story. The main story line is definitely a love story. It is the story of a deep, lasting love between a man and a woman, but it is also the story of an even deeper, sacrificing love between a mother and her young daughter. And that is where the word "Brave" from the title applies, rather than from men fighting in a battle.
Yes, the Siege of Quebec in 1759 is portrayed, but only very, very briefly. For those who are searching for a good battle movie, it will not be found here. I read somewhere that there were more battle scenes, but they were left on the cutting room floor. It is a pity, for they would have been an improvement to the movie.
All in all, however, I enjoyed the movie very much. It is a love story, yes, but I didn't think it was cheesy. Sorry, CT-R! This is possibly simply a difference between a man and a woman's point of view.
The costumes were quite good, for the most part. I cannot speak for accuracy of things like uniforms and weaponry, etc., but the French-Canadian peasantry costumes seemed accurate. The feminine lead, Marie-Loup, even wore leather jumps (semi-boned stays) for much of the movie. The more elegant gowns were lovely.
The acting was quite good, with special mention going to the young child actress who played the daughter. Also worth mentioning were several cameo roles: Colm Meany looked very much like a youngish Ben Franklin, Jason Isaacs was a convincing Wolfe who was anxious to get to battle, and Tim Roth was a much tamer (than his usual roles) William Pitt.
The photography was very well done. There are some beautiful scenic shots, and some artistically done close-up shots. Again, the brief siege scene left much to be desired.
The actors do speak in English, except between the Native American characters and those lines are subtitled. The French-Canadian actors are not dubbed. Some of the accents are a bit heavier than others, but if you have trouble understanding, you can turn on the subtitles for help.
So, ladies and gents... if you are looking for a good war flic with lots of battle action, stay away. However, if you are looking for a good love story set in an historical background, with a bit of intrigue involved, rent it.
Two thumbs up, but with reservations. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 17 2005
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Posted - January 01 2007 : 10:55:31 AM
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| You can also buy the DVD under the title "Nouvelle France", and the dialog will be in French so you don't have to listen to it in "Anglois". |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 01 2007 : 11:00:36 AM
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And just who -- besides you, Lay Fran-say -- would want to listen to an entire movie in French? As a good, English-speaking Pennsylvania Provincial campfollower, that would be against my religion.
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"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 17 2005
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Posted - January 01 2007 : 5:03:26 PM
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But you need to watch a French movie in French, even if you don't understand everything they say. Besides, there are subtitles for the "François" challenged.
Camp follower? Now you have become a camp follower? Mon Dieu!!! |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
March 14 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - January 01 2007 : 5:19:04 PM
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| Heh, heh, - what are you suggesting Fitz? |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
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 Posted - January 01 2007 : 5:48:09 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Fitzhugh Williams
Camp follower? Now you have become a camp follower? Mon Dieu!!!
Hey! Now wait just a minute here. I don't think I like the implication here.  Sounds like I need to set Miss-yer Lay Fran-Say straight on something.
First of all, I thought you were aware that I applied for membership in the 3rd Battalion Pennsylvania, the Augusta Regiment, last January. My role with that group is a camp follower.
Now, I don't know what campfollowers do on the Fran-say side, but from your reaction, I think I can guess. And I can tell you that they do not do what you are apparently thinking they do, on the English side. 
Here is the definition. Campfollowers are women, children, old men, sutlers and tradespeople who follow the army. Many times they are the families of the soldiers who do not, or can not, stay at home for whatever reason.
The sutlers and tradespeople peddle their wares, providing the armies with some needed supplies and items. The women often are put to work at various duties. They may work as nurses in the sick tents, tending to soldiers who are sick or wounded. They may work as cooks, laundresses, or seamstresses. (I am a seamstress who works in camp, mending soldier's clothing and sewing new items as needed. I am well-protected and well-respected.) They are often put on the army's payroll at half-pay (I think it is), and are given blankets and rations. Children work at chores, such as hauling water or gathering firewood. Campfollowers are an important part of the military unit.
Yes, there were Loose Women who at least attempted to join in this group, but their presence was highly discouraged, and they were often forced to leave. But to automatically assume that because a woman is a campfollower she is a woman of ill repute is extremely unfair to the thousands of women who endured extreme want and physical hardships to follow their menfolk in the armies.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. I am ashamed of you, Miss-yer Lay Fran-say! I will accept your humble apology when you are ready!
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"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 17 2005
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Posted - January 01 2007 : 10:55:00 PM
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quote:
Yes, there were Loose Women who at least attempted to join in this group, but their presence was highly discouraged, and they were often forced to leave.
The Anglois really are a strange lot.
My heartfelt apology if I in any way demeaned your virtue, which I am sure, is beyond reproach. However you did attach yourself to the Anglois camp, but that is merely an error in judgement, which can be corrected at any time.
I guess that's about as humble as it gets. |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
March 14 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - January 02 2007 : 07:50:36 AM
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| I can see why the French lost so often, - too busy with "other things". After all, you can only do so much, .... ;) |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 02 2007 : 09:04:37 AM
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Well after all, MG... it is only to be expected. Remember what General Webb said?
"...we have little to fear from the French. They have not the nature for war. Their Latinate voluptuousness combines with their Gallic laziness and the result is: they would rather make love with their faces than fight."
As for you, Miss-yer Lay Fran-say... I shall accept your heartfelt, if unhumble, apology and merely attribute your impure thoughts to your so-called "Latinate voluptuousness" and to your Gallic laziness. ~ sniff ~ And I must say that it is most obvious to me that I have, indeed, attached myself to the best possible camp. Unlike you and your fellow co-horts, my Pennsylvania Provincial soldiers are true gentlemen!
[WW snaps her fan shut, turns angrily in a flurry of petticoats and stamps back to her welcoming campfire to continue her important task of sewing for her menfolk.] |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 17 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - January 02 2007 : 10:26:34 AM
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| And I shall be in the tavern with the François, as the song goes, "une femme sur les genoux". |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - January 02 2007 : 11:30:25 AM
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Quite. Well, you have just proven my point.
And with that... I rest my case! |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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