Young actors add more than beauty

The advertisements promised "Freedom. Country. Honor. Passion." While we know better than to place such faith in advertisements, I must admit Shekhar Kapur's latest film, "The Four Feathers," proved to have just that. \nSet in England during the late 19th century, "The Four Feathers" follows the life of Harry Faversham, an officer in Queen Victoria's army who, on the eve of being shipped to battle in the Sudan, makes a fateful decision to resign. Labeled a coward, Harry is presented with four white feathers that serve as constant reminders of his shameful desertion. Disowned by his expectant father and spurned by his fiancee, Ethne, Harry is compelled to salvage his reputation and honor by journeying after his friends deep into enemy territory. \nOne cannot question Kapur's knowledge of British history -- the explicit detail he affords each battle is extraordinary and serves to elevate the movie into a worthwhile endeavor. But the story itself lacks the heart necessary to make it the exceptional classic it has the potential to become. Harry's journey itself seems to lack conviction; he wanders the desert in search of his friends in a haze of uncertainty, unsure of both himself and his actions. He is rescued numerous times by a kindly Arab named Abou Fatma (Djimon Hounsou) whose reasons for protecting Harry, given the tense circumstances, remain equally obscure. \nBut the film's lack of motivation cannot, however, be attributed to a lack of talent. Kate Hudson shines as the single female of significance in a society dominated by men, and Heath Ledger turns out to be more than just a pretty face. Robbed of his charm by a grotesque beard and dirt-smeared complexion, Ledger comes across as a credible actor in a role that was both physically and emotionally demanding. \nOne point of concern regarding Kapur's latest work is its strong association to the 2000 Academy Award winner "Gladiator." Casting Hounsou as Harry's sidekick, following his stint as Russell Crowe's right-hand man, does nothing to help. While Hounsou's performance remains one of the bright spots in the film, his presence only serves to reinforce a sense of déjà vu. As a war movie, "The Four Feathers" passes, but it fails to be little more than the expected.