It’s time to take a look at a 2002 war film and one I’ve never seen before and it stars Nicolas Cage and is directed by John Woo. So without further ado here’s my Windtalkers blu-ray review.
- Windtalkers (2002)
- Genre: War Film
- Directed by John Woo
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 1
- Released By 20th Century Fox
- Blu-ray Released: 14 May 2007
Plot
Nicolas Cage is plays soldier Joe Enders during World War II, he suffers both physical and emotional damage when he loses his entire squad. Upon been cleared to return to action he is given the job of looking after Navajo code talker Pvt. Ben Yahzee. He is told that he cannot allow the Japanese to capture Yahzee and has to protect the code at all costs meaning killing the private rather than surrendering.
Will it really come down to Enders having to make that tough decision? You will need to watch the film to find out.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by John Woo with the cinematography handled by Jeffrey L. Kimball. Woo really delivers an excellent action based film that really gives some idea of the hell that both sides faced. He achieves this with a mix of standard and action cam shots that really give the sense of total confusion and disorientation that occurs in war. It’s a really well shot film and one well worth watching.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by James Horner fits the genre well.
Acting / Characters
Nicolas Cage is plays soldier, Sergeant Joe Enders during World War II in which he suffers both physical and emotional damage when he loses his entire squad.
Adam Beach is Private Ben Yahzee a Navajo code talker whom is placed in the protection of Joe and this is where the heart of the film lies. The two have a profound effect on each other but ultimately Joe may have to carry out orders that go against everything he stands for.
Both actors are excellent and keep you invested in their stories. The support cast is also excellent with the likes of Christian Slater and Mark Ruffalo keeping things interesting.
Cast
- Nicolas Cage as Sergeant Joe Enders
- Adam Beach as Private Ben Yahzee
- Peter Stormare as Gunnery Sergeant Richard Hjelmsted
- Christian Slater as Sergeant Peter “Ox” Henderson
- Noah Emmerich as Private First Class Charles “Chick” Clusters
- Mark Ruffalo as Corporal Milo Pappas
- Roger Willie as Private Charlie Whitehorse
- Brian Van Holt as Private Andrew Harrigan
- Martin Henderson as Private Thomas Nellie
- Frances O’Connor as Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class Rita
- Jason Isaacs as Major Mellitz
Conclusion: Windtalkers (2002) Film Review
John Woo delivers a thoroughly engrossing story with plenty of action as you might expect. Meanwhile Nicolas Cage gives a splendid performance of a man seemingly on the edge and feels the need to get back into the fight no matter the cost but finds a Navajo code talker that begins to affect the way he views the war and his part in it.
Cage’s character appears at times to have no regard for his own life due to feeling responsible for the loss a squad under his command.
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Conclusion: Windtalkers Blu-ray Review
The films from 2002 so there are no issues with audio or picture quality. There are no extras included but thankfully the most important thing on any disc, the film is flawless.
Extras
- NONE
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Windtalkers (2002)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Windtalkers (2002) Blu-ray
Windtalkers (2002) is available now on blu-ray on Amazon although it’s a little hard to obtain this one I think it needs re-issuing.
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Windtalkers (2002) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That’s the Windtalkers blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them over on our Facebook page.
Summary: Windtalkers (2002) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Windtalkers (2002)
Duration: 134 mins
Director(s): John Woo
Actor(s): Nicolas Cage, Adam Beach, Christian Slater, Mark Ruffalo, Noah Emmerich, Peter Stormare, Roger Willie, Brian Van Holt, Martin Henderson, Jason Isaacs, Frances O'Connor
Genre: War
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
Summary
A thoroughly engrossing story with plenty of action
