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The Last Castle

Starring: Robert Redford, James Gandolfini
Director: Rod Lurie
Genre: Drama
Year: 2001
Rating: 4 / 5

The Last Castle is driven by two bravura acting performances and an explosive finale, making it one of the better films in an otherwise lackluster year. This Rod Lurie picture takes us inside a military prison for a closer look at what happens to men of the armed forces who break the law. Deprived of their uniform, can they still summon the pride of a soldier when called upon? Do they still understand honor, and what it truly means to stand for something? Robert Redford and James Gandolfini head an impressive collection of actors is this tense battle of wills, honing their acting chops with two richly developed characters. Together, they propel The Last Castle from the ranks of the ordinary into the realm of the genuinely special.

General Irwin (Robert Redford) has been sent away for ten years because he went outside the chain of command. While the particulars of his "crime" are revealed during the movie, suffice it to say, Irwin acted with heroic intentions. His internal sense of duty compels him to simply accept his plea and place himself at the mercy of the court. Upon arrival at the detention facility, he is greeted by Colonel Winter (James Gandolfini), a career military officer with little battlefield experience. Irwin is clear that he merely wants to put in his time and be on his way, yet circumstances conspire to lead Irwin towards a very different option.

Colonel Winter sees the prison as his own personal playground, taking sadistic delight in his ability to manipulate the lives of the prisoners. He imposes his rigid system of rules on them, inflicting punishments above and beyond the realm of normal decency. As Irwin begins to grasp Winter's brutish nature, it becomes apparent that he cannot sit quietly. Soon Irwin sets about inspiring the men with his words and deeds, hoping to get them to believe in themselves once again. As he mentions throughout the film, he chooses to focus on all the good in these soldiers' lives rather than the moments of weakness that led them to prison. Needless to say, his approach puts him at odds with Winter, and the conflict ignites from there.

Robert Redford has made precious few films in the last decade, but each offering reminds us of his immense talent. Redford lends weight and stature to the role of General Irwin, a distinguished soldier who has always put honor above everything - including his own family. His role is what we have come to expect, while James Gandolfini delivers the truly mesmerizing turn as twisted Colonel Winter. Far from the confident, in-control powerbroker he plays on television, Gandolfini portrays Winter as a man yearning for respect in the military world, yet willing to use unspeakable means to achieve it. Redford and Gandolfini - aided capably by newcomer Mark Ruffalo - ensure that The Last Castle is a truly memorable experience.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for language and violence.
Running Time: 110 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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