Best Image Created by Sean Bean—without a doubt Richard Sharp
I have read all the books of Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe series (about 20 of them). For the first time I watched several series of film adaptations of books about him back in the 90s. I didn't know anything about books then. But the image of a daring Major Sharp from the lower classes, fighting somewhere in Spain burned in memory. After reading all the books about him, I watched the series again. Below will be a review of not only the first series of “Sharp’s Arrow”, but also the entire series, because if you start watching the first series, watch the whole story. I'm going to talk about books.
Honestly, I’m a fan of both books and the series, so I’ll be biased somewhere. So why am I so excited? And because after reading the books willy-nilly became involved in the history of the Napoleonic wars (from the position of England, her vision). So involved that he read several cycles about the same era, only at sea - a cycle about Captain Hornblower (also there is a stunning film adaptation) and no less good cycle about Jack Aubrey (based on several books, the super-film "Master of the Seas" was shot).
Sharp's story begins in chronological order, unlike books, in the middle of his soldiering career, when Sharp is already in his 30s. The film omits the years of service in India, where Sharp began as a private, and shows Sharp as a sergeant in the Iberian Peninsula. Sharp saves the future Duke of Wellington from death, and he makes him an officer - immediately a lieutenant (in the books, of course, everything was more interesting - the salvation itself was still in India, and first Sharp received the title of warrant officer).
And here begins the most interesting, which is perfectly shown in both the book and the series. The fact is that in England at that time, unlike Napoleonic France, it was very rare when officers were made from privates - from non-nobles, so to speak. As a rule, if this happened, few of them were successful for a number of reasons. The main one is lack of money. An officer's life is expensive. In addition, such officers from the bottom constantly suffered ridicule from the nobles. It is understandable, because they do not know etiquette, can not afford a servant, clean new clothes. Plus, the privates did not perceive such an officer as an officer, because only yesterday he was one of them, the son of a whore.
And here's the interesting thing about Sharp's relationship with his shooters. And not just the shooters, but the elite of the time. After all, we are talking about shooters equipped with Baker's screws - the first rifled rifles with muzzle loading at that time, very accurate compared to ordinary muskets, but also less rapid-fire. Sharpe is a soldier from God, an incredible soldier. The film omits his backstory as an ordinary soldier, but he did such feats there, this is a real murder machine. But not every soldier can be a good commander. And Sharp doesn't have much experience at first. But in the future, Sharp will prove that he is not just a good soldier, but a brilliant commander, at least a brilliant tactician. In the future, he will be destined to command almost a regiment - an unprecedented height for a native of privates. And the first to notice these makings in his commander, his loyal Sergeant Harper, later a devoted friend.
Of course, if you have not read B. Cornwell’s books about Sharpe and are not well versed in the history of the Napoleonic wars, this series may not seem to you as a masterpiece as it seems to me. But for me it is a masterpiece forever.
Yes, I can see its flaws too, even for the 90s. For example, there is a lack of battle. In the book, Sharp commanded a company of shooters (about 50 surviving shooters during the retreat). The film is funny - he commands almost a department of several people (six people, in my opinion, in the film). There is a lack of spectacle and special effects. But it makes up for other things, and I don't pay attention to the supposed flaws of the show.
Make a discount that it's a TV movie. At the same time, the series will give a head start to many modern ones. Here the soldiers have a really authentic shabby look, they look like soldiers of the time. Good acting. Unparalleled film music. The final theme at the end of each series against the background of the departing Richard Sharp in the distance, which symbolizes the eternal movement forward Sharp, despite the losses. And the main soundtrack of the film "Over the hills and far away" (it is performed, by the way, by one of Sharp's shooters - he is a singer) just exactly conveys the spirit of the era (read the translation of the song).
And most importantly, I think it's Sean Bean's best role. Suffice it to say that the writer Cornwell, amazed by the embodiment of his character on the screen Bean, in the new books about Sharp has already brought to the book character and the appearance of the actor (from a brunette above average height, he turned into a blonde of average height), and character features (tempered, sharp, audacious, sometimes impudence, rage).
In recent years, the theme of the Napoleonic Wars is not very popular in cinema. This is probably due to the fact that it is necessary to study this era in detail. Recreate costumes. And not just on the computer to draw, and sew in hand. Hard work, considering that it is easier to make a superhero costume on a computer.
So, in the absence of new films, I decided to think about this old TV series. In principle, it can not even be called a series. Rather, it is a series of feature films linked by a common storyline and characters.
The series is based on a series of books by English writer Bernard Cornwell. The main character is Richard Sharpe. He came from the bottom of society. His whole life revolved around the army. His low birth promised him only the position of sergeant. However, he was lucky enough to save the future Lord Wellington. From this moment began the rapid ascent of the shooter Sharp.
The whole series, the whole story is based on this charismatic hero. Sharp went a long way from India to Waterloo. Along the way, he lost loved ones and loved ones. However, it was in these trials that his noblest traits of character were poured: honor, courage, mercy.
Secondary heroes are also very bright and colorful. The truth is they are divided into good and bad, too clearly. Not always, but often. But, pleasantly, not only the English are noble, but the French are scoundrels. Such dark personalities are enough on both sides.
The painting perfectly recreates the costumes of soldiers of that era. Maybe, of course, some little things were missed, but in general they look beautiful and historically reliable. I think that was the beauty of that time. Almost every gentleman and a man from the rich class wore a military uniform. But here is the spirit of the era, slightly lost amid all the adventures and battles. But we are watching an adventure series that is built around these very battles.
Speaking of fighting. The modern viewer, spoiled by series, staged on a huge scale, the battles in this film will not be impressed. But it is worth making a discount for years and the fact that the film was shot for television. In addition, the series focused not so much on battles as on heroes. Plus, I am glad that all the extras, no matter how small it is, are alive.
Some people will find it boring. But war is not only a loud battle. It's also spy games. And Sharp is constantly drawn into them. However, each time he is chosen due to his resourcefulness and simply incredible luck.
I decided to write a review of the first film because there is no single section. Each series is an independent feature film.
The series of films about the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1997. In 2006 and 2008, two more films were made: The Sharpe Challenge and The Sharpe Risk. Colonel Richard Sharp is on assignment in India. He only wrote the script, but there were no books about these adventures. It was an attempt to recall Sharp’s adventures in India, where his real career began.
One last thing. The role of Richard Sharp was played by then still just beginning British actor Sean Bean. Accident played a role not only in the fate of his hero.
Of course, to many, the series will seem too simple. But it is in this simplicity that there is the main highlight. From him you should not expect too steep turns in the plot and various multi-movements. It is shot in a simple and cheerful style of old adventure films. And the very basis in the form of books written in simple and accessible language does not provide for a heap of confusing plot.
Therefore, anyone who is interested in history or just likes beautiful historical cinema, with interesting characters and funny adventures, the series is recommended for viewing. You will not regret a single moment spent watching.
Selective shooters, Sharpe. Yes, they may look like a gang of gypsies, but they are the best shooters in King George's army.
The name of Sean Bean has recently become a household word and people not even particularly fond of cinema know what this talented actor is famous for. I also know what he is famous for and what is loved by many, but I got acquainted with the work of this actor as a young child and at that time Sean Bean did not fight orcs and did not cut off the heads of people who swore allegiance to him. At that time, Sean Bean was fighting the invincible French army, and I must say quite successfully. I'm not going to bother you, this is Sharp's Shooters.
Richard Sharpe did not know his father, and he would rather not have known his mother, since the latter was a port girl. He grew up in an orphanage and from an early age got used to the fact that everything has to be fought for. He went to serve in the British army not because he was a patriot, but because he did not want to die in a dirty corner of cold and hunger, and if he had to die, it was not for the edge of bread, but for something more. And it just so happened that Richard Sharp saved the life of Lord Wellington, who promoted our hero to the rank and sent the latter on a suicidal mission, which was to meet some agents carrying securities and deliver under the bright eyes of Lord Wellington. And not only that the task itself is dangerous, because French soldiers are scouring nearby, but also people who are given to subject Sharp do not put his authority in a penny, which they demonstrate in every possible way. Don’t tell me, this is going to be an adventure.
Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? And you, dear viewer, are waiting for fascinating chases, colorful sword fights and mesmerizing acrobatic tricks, as it was in the films with Jean Marais, right? If everything is so, then I hasten to disappoint you - this film, although it fits the definition of an adventure film, but its key feature is not duels, although they will also be. The main feature of this film are the heroes of history, and with them the plot. The plot is quite twisted and unpredictable for such films. And this concerns both the task of Sharp himself and the strange chest that was carried by Spanish partisans and whom the hero Sean Bean decided to accompany. It seems nothing special, but still warms the soul that this is not just a militant with a historical bias, but something more intelligent and interesting.
What about the characters I mentioned above? Oh, this is amazing. I know how often you hear such words in reviews of a movie, but I usually do not throw such epithets on you. So, we have the main character – a smart, resourceful, but quite simple person who says everything he thinks directly and frankly. Moreover, Sharp used to be responsible only for himself and he never commanded people, and because when he had such an opportunity, the main character tries to imitate the arrogant aristocrats - he shouts at his subordinates, does not take into account their opinion and if someone encroaches on his authority, then he is ready to start a fight with the latter. But don’t think that Sean Bean’s character is a bad man with a stone heart. He just does not know how to behave with subordinates and therefore looks harsh and cruel commander, but in the depths of his heart beats a good heart, just Richard Sharp is afraid to show it, what if it is considered a weakness? And heck, how often in this kind of film can you find such an ambiguous, but attractive character, played by a man endowed with acting talent from God? Yes, such films can be counted on the fingers and only one hand is enough!
But in addition to the soulful throwing of the hero Sean Bean in this film there are many no less colorful heroes whose adventures are interesting to watch. Private Pat Harper played by Dara O'Malley. A person with a heavy character and no less heavy fists, Richard Sharp will feel the latter for himself. But at the same time, Harper, as the main character of the picture, is not as simple as he tries to seem at first glance. Or Teresa performed by an actress whose name is quite unusual for a resident of our country - Assumpta Serna. Theresa is a guerrilla girl whose father and mother were murdered by the French and raped. This is a girl who lives only because she has a burning flame of hatred for the French in her heart and has forgotten how to enjoy life. And so with each hero, each of whom is able to tell an interesting story about himself to all those who decide to listen to them.
Summing up, I want to say that Sharp's Arrows is a good and exciting film, where difficult relationships between people are put at the forefront, as well as the spiritual path of the hero Sean Bean, who will learn to trust the people with whom he pulls the strap of service. Yes, maybe the fights are not very high quality and special effects were not noticed, but the creators did not set themselves the task of putting a film about the war. It's a film about people and for people. And in turn, I strongly recommend reading this film at your leisure. On this, I bow down.
A very interesting example of a historical adventure film. It would seem that there is nothing like this in it - the budget is small, special effects, of course, no, extras are not enough to create the appearance of more or less large-scale battles, the plot also does not represent something extraordinary. But the film catches, looks great, with interest, enthusiasm, sometimes a smile.
On what? Partly - due to a very funny script, maintained in the best traditions of adventure films, with good jokes, sometimes - unpredictable turns, the possibility of which you are only hinted at, in order to open all the cards at the end; partly - due to very authentic costumes and scenery; partly - due to some truthfulness of hand-to-hand fights and fights; and partly - due to the aquetras, of course.
All characters are well worked out, the types are selected colorful, and the actors themselves please with their play. Especially, of course, pleases Sean Bean - his charisma and pret through the screen, he seems to be created for this role of good bad boy Sharp - so organically he looks. I think he just can’t play badly.
Also remembered is Dara O'Malley, who played Harper. Because of his character, I somehow had a sense of déjà vu, but very pleasant. Maybe I’ve just seen it all before?
But anyway, this does not prevent me from viewing all parts of the series about Sharp, while receiving a very tangible pleasure from watching a quality and interesting adventure movie.
It is recommended to watch mandatory for all fans of this genre, as well as fans of pseudo-historical tapes and, of course, wishing to once again see the talent of Sean Bean.
It is not recommended for those who do not understand cinema without special effects or an overly twisted plot, consider films before 2000 old and boring, etc.
Personally, I got my dose of pleasure from this whole act and will soon go for the next one.