The Uprising review
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The Uprising review – the peasants are revolting in muddled historical epic
The recent failure of Paul Greengrass’s “The Uprising” should come as no surprise, given the genre’s troubled history in recent years. Despite the involvement of a blue-chip director and a nuanced leading man, this historical epic succumbs to the same pitfalls that have plagued its predecessors: a lack of depth, overly broad themes, and an uncomfortable reliance on tired tropes.
Recent Hollywood forays into historical epics reveal a disturbing pattern. Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel” tanked despite a $100m budget, while “Outlaw King” and “The King” have become largely forgotten. The case of “Desert Warrior”, which reportedly lost millions due to its Saudi backing, is particularly egregious.
These failures are not simply missteps but rather symptoms of a deeper issue: Hollywood’s continued fascination with period pieces as a means of showcasing young talent. The formula has become stale: give a rising star a historical epic and hope for the best. While this approach may have yielded occasional successes in the past (think Mel Gibson’s “Braveheart” or Russell Crowe’s “Gladiator”), audiences are growing weary of the same tired formula.
“The Uprising“‘s failure can be attributed to its lack of nuance. On paper, the project seemed promising: Greengrass at the helm, Andrew Garfield as lead, and a setting that uncomfortably echoes the present day. The Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 was a pivotal moment in English history, marked by widespread discontent with the government’s handling of the economy and social inequality. However, despite its rich historical context, the film’s themes are woefully underdeveloped.
This disjointedness is emblematic of period dramas’ broader problem: an over-reliance on spectacle over substance. Rather than engaging with the complexities of the past, these films often opt for surface-level exploration, skimming the surface without truly delving into historical context. This mistake has been made time and again in recent years, from “The Last Duel” to “Desert Warrior”.
The failure of “The Uprising” highlights Hollywood’s ongoing struggle with representation. Despite efforts to diversify casting and crew, period dramas continue to be dominated by white, Western perspectives. These films often rely on tired tropes and simplistic narratives.
As the industry continues down this path, one can’t help but wonder what other historical epics are in the works. Will Hollywood persist in hoping against hope for a breakthrough success or take the opportunity to reassess its approach? The question is whether it will focus on more nuanced storytelling and a deeper engagement with the past.
“The Uprising” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of historical hubris. By relying on tired formulas and neglecting true historical context, these films risk alienating audiences and undermining their own potential for impact. It’s time for Hollywood to take a step back and reevaluate its approach to period dramas – before it’s too late.
Reader Views
- TIThe Ink Desk · editorial
The ongoing struggles of historical epics in Hollywood beg the question: are these films truly failing audiences, or is the problem lies with their purpose? Is it still viable to use period dramas as a platform for showcasing young talent, even when they lack nuance and depth? Perhaps the industry would benefit from reevaluating its approach, shifting focus from star power to genuine storytelling that doesn't sacrifice historical accuracy for spectacle.
- KAKenji A. · longtime fan
It's time for Hollywood to rethink their approach to period dramas. The problem isn't just that these films are predictable and formulaic, but also that they're often made with a clear agenda in mind: showcasing rising stars rather than telling genuinely compelling stories. In the case of "The Uprising", it feels like the filmmakers were more interested in touting Andrew Garfield's thespian chops than in truly exploring the complexities of 1381's Peasants' Revolt. This lack of focus has resulted in a muddled, forgettable film that fails to do justice to its rich historical context.
- MPMira P. · comics critic
What's striking about "The Uprising"'s failure is how it illustrates a broader issue within the historical epic genre: our inability to balance spectacle with substance. We've become so enamored with grand sets and costumes that we're neglecting the very real people who lived through these events. I'd argue that period dramas need more than just a charismatic lead – they require a genuine interest in exploring the complexities of history, rather than simply dressing them up for maximum impact.