I’ve always kept my distance from biographical films that tell the life stories of historical figures. I wouldn’t say I outright hate them, because there can be good exceptions from time to time. Of course, those exceptions are in the sense of producing a genuinely good movie. Otherwise, in my opinion, a biographical film has never been truly accurate, consistent, or neutral. They’re either made to glorify someone or to tear them down. Sure, there have been films that tried to sit somewhere in between, but they’ve never really succeeded. In short, folks: I’m conceptually against biographical films.That said, I have to give Jon Erwin a chance — the guy who made ‘Jesus Revolution,’ which is one of the most entertaining and emotionally charged films I’ve ever seen in my life.
There’s no doubt he’s a talented filmmaker. He’s even smart enough to time this film’s release to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary. Mel Gibson is also preparing a similar visionary timing stunt. He had planned to release “The Resurrection of Christ” on the exact day Jesus rose, and the second part on the day of the Ascension, 40 days later. Well, he dropped that plan, and the second part will now come a year apart. So according to this schedule, there will be one year + 40 days between Jesus’s resurrection and ascension. Okay, I know that was a terrible joke.
Anyway, Jon Erwin’s new subject is Young Washington. (Not to be confused with Young Sheldon… yeah, I know, another terrible joke.) The film tells the story of George Washington in his twenties, before he became president. It starts with him as an ambitious but naive young man who lost his father early and couldn’t get a proper education. He sets his mind on becoming an officer in the British army, but as a colonial, doors keep slamming in his face. With the support of a wealthy lord (Kelsey Grammer), he goes on a diplomatic mission to the Ohio region. Things go south with the French there. He accidentally triggers the war with a wrong skirmish, then suffers a humiliating defeat at Fort Necessity and surrenders. He falls into depression and leaves the army.
But his mother (Mary-Louise Parker) gives him “God is protecting you, learn from these things” type pep talks, and he gets back on his feet. He rejoins the military and this time joins General Braddock’s (Andy Serkis) campaign. Even while sick, he rallies the soldiers in a major battle and becomes a hero. Bullets whistle around him, horses die beneath him, but he doesn’t even get a scratch. In summary, the film says this: Great men were once young guys who made mistakes, stumbled, and then got back up.Yes, I did say I don’t like biographical films that aim to glorify people.
However, since Jon Erwin doesn’t hide his intentions and I know exactly what the film is trying to do (pull patriotic Americans into theaters on the 4th of July), I don’t see much to criticize here. At the end of the day, it’s a film that doesn’t hide its purpose and successfully achieves it. Plus, it has an above-average script and fantastic action scenes. The emotional parts hit from time to time too.
Of course there’s that “glorification” feeling that comes with being a biographical film, but at least it doesn’t try to portray Washington as a flawless, error-free hero; it shows his mistakes as well. In short, I’m still conceptually distant from biographical films, but in Erwin’s hands, a very enjoyable “origin story” has come out. The audience it targets (conservative Americans) will love this movie, as they always do. Moreover, watching a film about your country’s founder on your country’s founding anniversary is a solid activity. Young Washington is going to deliver a good experience to people both as a film and in its timing.
