The Four Feathers (2002) – Harmony, Conflict & Transformation




The main plot of the movie of which Shekhar Kapur directed, is based on Henry, his fears and cowardness and latter transforms him into a heroic man. The story begins as the British army is signed a mission to protect the queens land in Sudan. Henry, being scared and doubted about his role resigns from his unit, leaving his friends behind. As his friends realise that they where betrayed, four white feathers are sent to the protagonist representing his betray to them. This act costs the protagonist to loos not only his closest friends but also the woman he loves causing him fears and regrets. He later on decides to face his fear by going to Sudan and help his friends out in the best possible way. Henry ends up in the hand of the Arabs, acting in disguise. Although the mission fails he makes sure to return every single feather that was given to him, going to sever extents to rescue his beloved friends. 

The movie commences with conflict as Shekhar Kapur the director captures the British army playing a violent rugby game. One immediately realizes the colours, the sound and the shot sizes which are contrasting with the team of the movie. This is so, as the colours in the pictures are blurry at the beginning, making use of hints of bright reds. Also the Arabic music in the background indicates what’s about to happen in the near future though it is also creating conflict with the image being captured in England. It is also acting as an indication on what is about to occur in the near future, regards of transformation.


The British army playing rugby in a white and red gear, contrasting with the whole scenery. 

Conflict continues to develop within the movie as the main actor disagrees to be deployed  to Sudan, abandoning them as his fears take over him causing him to loos his friends and his love. After receiving four white feathers and loosing the woman he loves he commences to regrets his decision and decides to face his fears, transforming himself in a courage’s man, wanting to help his friends in Sudan. 

The main actor goes though extents to save most of his friends, ending up in the hands of the enemy acting in disguise to return the feathers, proving to his fellows the man he has transformed and become. 


Henry is transformed into an Arabic man.

Throughout the movie multiple bright colours where used such as; when the soldiers were playing rugby and soldiers uniform, being red which possibly represents, blood and death. Such colour might also indicates that transformation is going to occur, that is violence within the movie. 


Henry dancing with Ethne wearing the bright red uniform

A particular conflict which was continuously going on during the movie was also Jack’s and Henry’s relationship together. Both of which wanted to same girl. Henry and Ethne where both in love, Jack although acting as being Henry’s friend always despised Henry, showing continues jealousy, wanting Ethne to be his love.


Henry and Jack

After the huge conflict which had occurred in Sudan between the British soldiers and the Arabs, saving his fellow mate from the deathly prison, Henry returns back home, facing the woman he loves in a heroic way managing to lure her back from Jake’s hands. 


A harmonic scenery of Ethne and Jake in London

In the harmonic last scenery of the movie Henry and Ethne were captured both still in love with one another with calming and organic scenery, Arabic music in the background with  some footage of the desert, taking us back to the whole journey and the sacrifices and heroic actions he had undertaken. 




Bibliography




Anon., n.d. The Four Feather - Heath Ledger, Wes Bently,Ket Hudsin, Shekhar Kapur. [Online]
Available at: http://thecia.com.au/reviews/f/four-feathers/
[Accessed 17 November 2012].

Lesya, 2011. Eternity of Dream aka Eternity of film. [Online]
Available at: http://eternityofdream.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-four-feathers-2002.html
[Accessed 17 November 2012].





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