In theaters on September 11th is ‘The Uprising,’ the latest film from director Paul Greengrass (‘United 93’) that reframes a historical event (this time stretching back much further than usual in time) through the filmmaker’s urgent, kinetic style and socially conscious tone.
The cast for the new film includes Andrew Garfield (‘The Social Network’), Cosmo Jarvis (‘Shogun’), Thomasin McKenzie (‘Last Night in Soho’) and Jamie Bell (‘All of Us Strangers’).
Related Article: Matthew McConaughey to Star in Paul Greengrass’ ‘The Rage’
Initial Thoughts
Paul Greengrass is a director who has somewhat specialized in taking historical moments and presenting them in a galvanizing, vital fashion. For ‘The Uprising’ (formally known as ‘The Rage’ and at one point due to star his ‘The Lost Bus’ lead Matthew McConaughey, he’s targeting what is somewhat incorrectly known as the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt (the word “peasant” didn’t come into common use for another 100 years, history fans!) and framed for a world still recovering COVID and in the midst of fraught political and violent situations.
Script and Direction
Greengrass has written a few of his past directorial efforts and he’s back on double duty here, chronicling the story from a variety of viewpoints, though the focus is Andrew Garfield’s The Ploughman, a composite character standing in for the enraged serf class suffering under new taxes and extra pressure.
The director keeps the story moving, filling in the details as it goes along, and while it might not be his best work, it’s certainly an engrossing watch.
Cast and Performances
Garfield here nails the fury of the common man, bringing haunted grief and bubbling anger to his lead character.
But credit also to the likes of Cosmo Jarvis and Jamie Bell, who play real-life former soldier Wat Tyler and rogue priest John Bell, who do a lot with smaller roles. Likewise Tom Hollander (‘In the Loop’) and Stephen Dillane (‘Darkest Hour’) are solid as craven royal advisors (who have essentially usurped power), while Woody Norman (‘C’mon C’mon’) as the young, nervy Richard II.
Final Thoughts
‘The Uprising’ might have more resonance in the UK, but it should certainly find those who enjoy Greengrass style here, with its well-orchestrated action and timeless feel of political insurgency.
‘The Uprising’ receives 79 out of 100.
What is the plot of ‘The Uprising’?
Andrew Garfield stars as the legendary leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II. As war burns across England, he forms an army of the people to face the King’s might in a fight for justice and survival.
Who is in the cast of ‘The Uprising’?
- Andrew Garfield as the Ploughman
- Jamie Bell as John Ball
- Stephen Dillane as Simon Sudbury
- Tom Hollander as Sir Robert Hales
- Cosmo Jarvis as Wat Tyler
- Thomasin McKenzie as Alyce
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