anghmho
Sharpe goes to India to save a friend, the purpose of which, in addition to saving the friend, is to provide information that will thwart a rebellion. Once he gets there, he meets the friend, still alive, and they join forces. Here, you have to forget that his friend has the knowledge to prevent the rebellion. While they join up, the General's daughter has been abducted while the column she was traveling with is massacred (sounds suspiciously like Last of the Mohicans) And guess what, Hawkeye--eh, Sharpe--sets off to rescue her. Of course, there is a villain along the way, a British turncoat worthy of Basil Rathbone. But unlike Hawkeye, who defends the settler's fort, Sharpe infiltrates the enemy's fort to both rescue the damsel in distress and to turn the tide of battle when the British attack the rebels. He does both, and dispatches the villain as well. It in turns incorporates every cliché you can find in Gunga Din, Lives of a Bengal Lancer, Robin Hood, and, eh, Sharpe's Whatever.But it's good fun as long as you realize it doesn't contain a shred of historical accuracy.
grailmaiden95816
I've seen all 14 previous episodes of the Richard Sharpe series. I'm a very devoted fan and was incredibly surprised to learn that new episode would be aired on BBC America August, 2006. The last time the episodes aired was way back in 1997. Hooray for Sean Bean's devotion to this TV program. He first portrayed Richard Sharpe in 1992, unknown in Hollywood, and only a star in England. Now he's an international Hollywood blockbuster star since LOTR, but still agreed to return to TV for Sharpe, took a huge pay cut to do TV because he loves the part of Sharpe.The production values, sets, costumes are outstanding. The biggest budget production in the entire 14 episode series. Toby Stephens is deliciously evil as the villain, Lucy Brown gives a touching, luminous performance. Padma Lakshi cannot act her way out of a paper bag and the other Indian actress who played the princess should have been cast in the courtesan role. I loved it, although there were a few flaws.The battle scenes are much more complex and with an enormous cast of extras compared to the previous 14 episodes. It is an international cast of very fine supporting actors. However, the actor who portrays Sgt. Bickerstaff is very "hammy" and over the top. However, the few flaws I mentioned don't hamper a very fine production, which is a classic!
standleylesley
The welcome return of Sean Bean and Darragh O'Malley to the screen in Sharpe was so overdue. I love historical drama and the feature length really did the period justice. Fantastic production. All the actors were excellent. Completely in role. Excellent casting. I felt irritated I wasn't aware of the 'Making of Sharpe's Challenge' so didn't record it. Now I've missed it. I wish some historical dramas were preceded with an actual documentary about the events including famous works of art. There's a famous oil painting of the forlorn hope attacking a fort similar to this isn't there? I'd have liked to have looked out for the depictions in the film. Thanks to Sean Bean, Darragh O'Malley for their work. Don't give up on us. Also Shaggrat 'don't you know we're at Warrr? where have i heard that before!!!! Boromir?
sulu-9
i thought simerson was as much as a bastard as ever, sharpe hasn't lost his touch with the Lady's. all in all its great. i wish they'd make another series out of it.it was very good if you watch it you will not be wasting your time.full of adventure action and fun.it will have to be bought when it comes out on DVD.the bad guy was ever so slightly insane.on to pickersmith wasn't he awful? the french having honour i would never have thought it after the first lot.man singing at the end was so cool it brought so many memoires from the last episode when they were at waterloo.long live sharpe the french couldn't kill neither will any one else.