The Crossing
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Movie Reviews of The Crossing
Movie Review: Interesting, but not accurate
Summary: 4 Stars
If you're looking for an interesting video on the battle of Trenton, but not concerned with a factual depiction of this event, you won't be disappointed.
This is the only video I could find on the Battle of Trenton and I was looking to show it in history class. This video is useful in a classroom setting, but there is some minor profanity.
The highlight's of this video are:
Washington's discussion with his fellow commanders- Their reactions are well portrayed, especially that of Horatio Gates.
The actual battle itself- Many assume there was no fighting at Trenton, but this video (although inaccurate in many ways) shows that fierce fighting did indeed take place.
The actor who plays Henry Knox- Fat and funny, he provides some humorous moments.
Some of the details left me wondering if the producers of this show did any research on the Battle of Trenton.
Alexander Hamilton was not General Washington's personal aide, and he did not storm the Hessian guardhouse and slaughter five soldiers with only his sword. Where this came from, I have no idea.
The scene after the conclusion of the battle shows Washington asking how many casualties were sustained at the battle. A fellow commander replies, "none sir." Two continental soldiers did die of exposure on the ten mile march to Trenton.
Some important details were left out, many were distorted, but this is entertaining and the actors were well cast.
If you want real history read Washington's Crossing.
Movie Review: Great Story
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Crossing" was a great made for tv film from the A & E networks. While some may quibble with the historical accuracy (which in these adaptations there is always something missing that someone doesn't like) it does show the desperation of the forces in the winter of 1776 and how this small victory began to help turn things around in the "rebels" favor. As others have stated Jeff Daniels plays an outstanding George Washington (better than Kelsey Grammar IMHO). While I think the roles of Knox (at least they got an overweight actor albiet one that is about 15 years older than Knox was at the time) and Greene (also too old for the real Greene) were miscast the rest were fairly well portrayed. Yes, it would have added to the story to show Rall putting away the note informing him of the Continental advance, it's something that isn't really missed (again IMHO). There are also many historians who quibble over whether or not the Hessians were somewhat hung over or not which was somewhat implied but not shown. The music does add to the story as others have mentioned. I show this to my middle school students every year and they seem to enjoy it (it also gives them the opportunity to find the truth vs. fiction in the movie).Movie Review: Be Careful Crossing
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this film to use in my classroom while discussing one of the most pivotal moments in the American Revolution. Upon previewing the film though I was very disappointed in the amount of, what I felt, was unnecessary cursing. The words, I am guessing, were placed there to help the viewer understand the desperation of the situation, but unfortunately, this made the movie unviewable for my classroom.
With regards to the movie's overall impression; Jeff Daniels does an admirable job as George Washington and projects a very convincing presence. You are witness to a man who has been beaten and defeated in every battle and skirmish for the last 18 months, and Daniels denotes this very well in his body language and demeanor. Many of the men who would become his original cabinet are also seen (Hamilton, Knox) by his side in this story. Would have been a great history lesson had it not been for the language.
Movie Review: A good solid effort
Summary: 4 Stars
GW is a very hard man for Americans to warm up to the. The Man is like another Virginian that comes to mind, Robert E. Lee. Both seem to be Marble Men (Not of real flesh & blood). All I can say is Thank God we have men like them when we needed them.Mr Daniels does his best to create the persona of out Founding Father and I feel that he comes pretty close to the mark.
This films captures what I feel is the key moment of Washington's life as a General. In a bold and courageous move he won a good solid victory that helped keep the cause alive. No one else could of done it. I also feel that it showed accurately for a movie at least what ot must of been like to have been there.The uniforms seemed correct as was the weopons and tactics.
All around a good addition to ones collection.
Movie Review: Patriotic Revival
Summary: 4 Stars
Good films on the Revolution are hard to find. This one was packed with action and the drama of Washington's last roll of the dice when the odds were so severly stacked against him. The film is truly worthwhile, if only to further instill some patriotism in your kids and remind yourself what our ancestors went through to gain our independence. And Washington would be a hard character to play: unless your Jeff Daniels. He nails it and truly captured the heroic aspects of that great man.