Guest Blogger: Gil T2

The Last Castle
Perhaps one of my most favorite movies of all time, The Last Castle (directed by Rod Lurie) stuns me with its unrivaled orchestration every time. Like Escape from Alcatraz, The Last Castle is a prison movie as well. The plot is based on General Irwin, played by Robert Redford, and his power struggle with a terribly sadistic coward of a man, Colonel Winters, played by James Gandolfini. Irwin, like any true general, had earned his prestigious rank from his 30 some years dedicated to the Army. He was imprisoned in Hanoi and spent 6 years as a POW (prisoner of war). His offense, though unspecified, had something to do with disobeying an order from a ranking official due to morale reasons, and ending up with the lives of eight of his men on his conscience. Upon arriving at the establishment, all he wishes to do his time and walk out with a clean slate. It doesn’t take long for him to realize that Col. Winters, whom has never seen a battlefield, hides behind military regulations while he himself rules over the courtyard with all sorts of misconduct. Overtime it becomes apparent that Irwin cannot sit and do nothing as Winters parades about with the power of a lord. Sub characters develop quickly yet with thorough distinction. A few names among many would be the twitchy and easily manipulated corporal Aguilar, played by Clifton Collins Jr. and the initially sleazy snake-in-the-grass bookman Yates, played by Mark Ruffalo. General Irwin’s mutual respect for his fellow ex-soldier inmates quickly sparks trust and cooperation that in reality would take years to accumulate. Believe it or not at this point I haven’t spoiled a thing; there is still a film to be seen. When it comes to foreign criticism, many are still in the ballpark on that one. Some portray this film highly such as Roger E Bert, others tend to be picky and vulture at minor story flaws. Much as I enjoyed the movie I cannot rightfully say that these flaws do not exist, as it is rare that a film of such enticement goes without unavoidable plot holes. I prefer to turn the other cheek and let it go, because the reality is that as long as I found it as compelling as I did, who honestly cares.