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The Last Valley | Year: 1971 Classification: Action/Adventure Directed: - James Clavell Actors/Actresses: - Michael Caine - Omar Sharif A Troubling Film For Troubled Times A recent review of James Clavell's 1971 film, "The Last Valley" missed the point completely. Clavell's choice of Europe in the midst of one of the worst calamities to befall Western Civilization was done because this time and place, along with the Thirty Years War, was the crucible from which the modern world emerged...the modern territorial state, sovereignty, secularism, humanism, etc. You do not have to look very hard to find references to these issues in the film. But beyond that, there are universal isssues here. True, there is a reaction to the war in Vietnam, America's worst foreign policy calamity, as there are numerous reactions to other anxieties of that time, relgion, superstition, inhumanity and humanity, and, of course, war. A national news magazine, at the time, ran the headline " Is God Dead?" Richard M. Nixon was forming an "enemies list." Revelations of American atrocities in Southeast Asia were coming out. Of course this was a troubled time. Michael Caine and Omar Sharif portray composite chararacters...they are both cast in the role of "everyman." But each represents different but no less vital parts of humanity...the realist and the idealist...hope and the abandonment of hope. You must see the film, and then ponder which holds out for mankind. The film itself is well acted, especially by Caine (note the basis for his character in "The Eagle Has Landed) and Sharif, and directed. Clavell's script is profound at times. It is beautifully, and dramtically, photographed. And it is driven by a musical score that is one of John Barry's best achievements. The transfer to DVD is not as good as one might have hoped for. It is in the bargain category, afterall. It remains visually stunning, and the sound has been preserved quite well, for the most part. This was Clavell's project from top to bottom...director, producer, writer...and he deserves credit for what is good in this film, and of course, takes blame for aspects that have not weathered as well. His main themes are timeless, and universal, and this film still works. We Killed God at Magdaberg. The film directed by James Clavel and based on his book is a dark and brooding peace depicting the world savage and cruel of the thirty years war. Michael Caine plays the Captain the leader of a band of mercenaries who come across a valley free from the ravages of war, plague and pestilence. Omar Sherif plays Vogel a teacher and traveller who too has in adversity stumbled across a promised land. The story that follows is a study of politics, love, war and religious dogma. Caine gives an excellent performance as a realist who understands only too well the nature of the latter, though finding solace and mutual education with the teacher Vogal. The films closing battle scenes could have been taken from a period woodcut of the time apocalyptic and hellish in there vision, the film stands today as worthy example of expressive rather than decorative historical drama. Omar Sharif Great movie. Well worth viewing. The theme reminds me of other movies and of course, reality. I was glad the priest got it, though it should have been before Erica. It's like all of mankind can never learn from its mistakes, we're only doomed to repeat them over and over, all in the name of a god. Buy The Last Valley at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Last Valley Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Last Valley This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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