‘The Uprising’ movie review: Andrew Garfield and Jamie Bell shine in thrilling retelling of the Peasants’ Revolt
A review of Paul Greengrass's film 'The Uprising,' which depicts the 1381 Peasants' Revolt in England. The reviewer praises the performances of Andrew Garfield and Jamie Bell while noting the film's gritty aesthetic and thematic focus on social inequality.
Why it matters
The film connects historical events to contemporary discussions regarding economic disparity and the struggles of the working class.
Written and directed by Paul Greengrass, this retelling of the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 is gripping till the strange epilogue, which shoehorns Robin Hood into the story. Till then, the film moves quickly, echoing present-day concerns of inequality and the wasteful lives of the rich.
Greengrass’s trademark style of handheld camera work and sweeping drone shots drags and keeps you in the mud, grime and betrayals as the story unfolds.
The Black Death that wiped out 50% of the population has caused the coffers to run dry. King Richard II (Woody Norman) is only 14 years old and tormented by nightmares of being set upon by hoards of screaming demons.
The council, ruling in the king’s name, realises the church and merchants cannot be taxed (“they will demand a seat at the table”) and decide to increase taxes on the already burdened peasants.
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