 The
Four Feathers is a tale of love, fear, honor, and loyalty; universal
themes that work in any era. However, the story through which these
subjects are explored, based on an oft-filmed novel by A.E.W.
Mason, just doesn’t resonate in today’s day and
age. The film is set in 1884, a time when British imperialism was
at its peak. Harry Feversham (Heath Ledger of A
Knight’s Tale) is an eager young British soldier with a
beautiful fiancée, Ethne (Almost Famous’ Kate
Hudson), and loyal friends, including best friend Jack (Wes
Bentley of American Beauty). Everything seems set
for him until Sudanese rebels attack a colonial British fortress in
North Africa, and Harry’s regiment is called to active duty.
Harry is suddenly overcome with doubt and resigns his commission.
His friends are shocked and hurt and respond by sending him three
white feathers, symbols of cowardice. Even Ethne, when she hears what
has happened, sends him a feather. Isolated and alone in London, Harry
finally decides to go to Africa on his own to face his fears and help
his friends. Although
the film is pleasant to watch, with good cinematography and a lovely
score, the story ends up being too contrived to completely enjoy.
The actors do as well as they can with the material they are given,
but it is an uphill battle. Ultimately, for a story that is supposed
to be quite deep, the emotional impact is only as light as a feather.
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