Nic Cage has got more action than my man John Woo in this battle hardened tale of an oft overlooked element of World War II, the use of Najavo Code as an uncrackable means of communique for American troops.
Cage is Joe Enders, an about to go off the deep end Marine, given the task of shadowing Najavo radio operator Ben Yahzee (Adam Beach), which a keep it to yourself sub-mission of preventing the code talker from falling into Japanese hands, by any means necessary.
Whereas most modern World War II epics take a leaf out of Saving Private Ryan’s book with grim and gritty, hand held realism, John Woo takes a more stylised approach with a slew of crash zooms, a hint of slow motion, and plenty of fast cuts to keep the pace moving. Sadly historically accuracy (and no doubt a spoiler-sport producer) didn’t allow any trademark white dove appearances.
Cage and Beach have a good chemistry, evoking comradeship and the tension of Ender’s order. A film that no only shines a light on the horror of war, but also the heroic contribution of Navajo soldiers, whose code was an instrumental in the war effort and the victory that followed.
Nic Cage has got more action than my man John Woo in this battle hardened tale of an oft overlooked element of World War II, the use of Najavo Code as an uncrackable means of communique for American troops.
Cage is Joe Enders, an about to go off the deep end Marine, given the task of shadowing Najavo radio operator Ben Yahzee (Adam Beach), which a keep it to yourself sub-mission of preventing the code talker from falling into Japanese hands, by any means necessary.
Whereas most modern World War II epics take a leaf out of Saving Private Ryan’s book with grim and gritty, hand held realism, John Woo takes a more stylised approach with a slew of crash zooms, a hint of slow motion, and plenty of fast cuts to keep the pace moving. Sadly historically accuracy (and no doubt a spoiler-sport producer) didn’t allow any trademark white dove appearances.
Cage and Beach have a good chemistry, evoking comradeship and the tension of Ender’s order. A film that no only shines a light on the horror of war, but also the heroic contribution of Navajo soldiers, whose code was an instrumental in the war effort and the victory that followed.
