Watch Blood and Glory

Blood and Glory is a gripping and suspenseful historical movie from 2016 that explores the grit and determination of the South African people during the Anglo-Boer War. Directed by Sean Else, the film paints a vivid picture of this brutal and bloody conflict, focusing on the courage and resilience of a young woman named Elizabeth, played by Charlotte Salt.

Set in 1901 in South Africa, the movie opens with a prologue that sets the stage for the violent and complex political situation that Elizabeth and her family find themselves in. As the war between British colonial forces and the Boer republics drags on, Elizabeth's husband is taken prisoner by the British, leaving her to fend for herself and her young daughter in a hostile and dangerous environment.

Fueled by a fierce determination to survive and protect her family, Elizabeth joins a group of Boer women who have taken up arms to fight against the British. Under the guidance of the charismatic and heroic Koos De La Rey, played by Stian Bam, Elizabeth and her fellow female fighters learn to shoot, ride horses, and engage in guerrilla warfare tactics.

Meanwhile, British soldier Lieutenant Harry Brighton, played by Grant Swanby, struggles with the morality and consequences of the war he finds himself caught up in. As Elizabeth and Koos draw ever closer to the British garrison where her husband is being held, Lieutenant Brighton must decide where his loyalties lie and whether he is willing to risk his life to save the innocent civilians caught up in the conflict.

Blood and Glory is a powerful meditation on the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. The film is beautifully shot and features stunning vistas of the South African landscape, highlighting the natural beauty of the region as well as the devastating impact of warfare on the people who call it home.

The acting in Blood and Glory is top-notch, with Stian Bam and Charlotte Salt delivering nuanced and compelling performances as the two central protagonists. Bam's portrayal of the charismatic Koos De La Rey is particularly strong, showcasing both his charm and his ferocity as a leader of the Boer resistance. Salt's portrayal of Elizabeth is equally impressive, as she imbues the character with a steely determination and a fierce love for her family that makes her a compelling and sympathetic protagonist.

Grant Swanby's portrayal of Lieutenant Harry Brighton adds an important layer of complexity to the film, highlighting the difficult choices that individuals must make when caught up in the machinery of war. His character's sense of moral ambiguity and struggle with the morality of the war is poignant and thought-provoking, adding an extra layer of depth to the film's exploration of the human cost of conflict.

Overall, Blood and Glory is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant film that explores important themes of colonialism, war, and the resilience of the human spirit. Its strong performances, gripping storyline, and gorgeous cinematography make it a must-see film for fans of historical dramas and war movies.

Blood and Glory is a 2018 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.