Gets better with repeated viewings!

I did not get a chance to see REVOLTUTION in a theatre (back in '85) because the movie came and went so fast. I had hoped to see it then because I had much anticipation for the film. Instead I had to wait for its release on vhs, about a year later.

I admit that the first time I saw REVOLUTION, I was not impressed with it. Believe it or not, I was never critical of Al Pacino's acting (the most common criticizm of the movie). My problem with the movie was that it seemed to be a bit over-the-top. A lot of the characters and situations seemed outlandish and/or cartoonish. Both the opening and closing scenes of the movie featured mobs of people acting crazy, running around, and saying silly things. Also there seemed to be a lot of vulgar dialogue... lots of talk of "British bastards" and "Yankee whores." The scene where someone paints "Piss on all British" on a wall made me cringe!! Did people actually talk like that back in 1776???!!!!??

Then there was only one big battle scene. I enjoyed the battle sequence, but felt that the movie needed one other of the same kind. The Siege of Yorktown was ok, but not what I wanted. Ultimately I was dissapointed with the film's action sequences. So due to the above misgivings, I did not see the movie again for almost 25 years!!

When the REVOLUTION REVISITED dvd was released I knew I had to get it, because I really wanted to see the movie again, and give it a new viewing. The new title was so correct, because I was going to revisit it. And I'm so glad I did, because some 25 years later, my opinion has changed. It's now one of my favorites. I thought that it was visually spectacular. The costumes and flags and uniforms are so nice to look at. As far as the plot goes, the movie successfully tells its story. Back in '86 I was expecting a history film where the Revolution is dealt with on a large scale....sequences with George Washington and Benjamin Franklin and John Adams and King George.

However this movie is about the common man... Al Pacino plays a humble and regular person who is caught up in the war. I feel he has great chemistry with his son, and their story is very well done. The actors who play Young Ned and Merle are convincing and engaging in their roles. Yes the film's flaws remain. A lot of the characters are quite silly such as Lord Hampton and Lord Darling. Hampton's high pitched voice can be rather annoying. However the scene where Hampton gets nearly castrated is hilarious! I still like the opening visual of the statue of King George III coming down. A great way to open the movie.

It took me repeated viewings to realize that it is a well written script and a satisfying movie. If you can, find the original movie, I like it better than the re-worked REVISITED cut. It's available as an import, but in English.