Sharpe's Rifles (1993) (TV)

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Director:

Tom Clegg

Writers:

Bernard Cornwell (novel)
Eoghan Harris (writer)

Release Date:

5 May 1993 (UK)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | History | War

Plot:

In the Penisular War, a British seargent is field promoted to a lieutenant in charge of a disrespectful rifle company.

Plot Keywords:

Portugal | 1800s | Napoleonic Wars | Fictional Biography | Military

Cast

Sean Bean	...	Lt. Richard Sharpe
Brian Cox	...	Maj. Michael Hogan
Daragh O'Malley	...	Sgt. Patrick Harper
Assumpta Serna	...	Teresa Moreno
David Troughton	...	General Sir Arthur Wellesley
Simón Andreu	...	Major Blas Vivar
Michael Mears	...	Rifleman Cooper
John Tams	...	Rifleman Daniel Hagman
Jason Salkey	...	Rifleman Harris
Paul Trussell	...	Rifleman Isaiah Tongue
Lyndon Davies	...	Rifleman Perkins
Julian Fellowes	...	Major Dunnett
Tim Bentinck	...	Captain Murray
Richard Ireson	...	Sgt. Williams
Martin Jacobs	...	Colonel Lawford

Runtime:

USA:102 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English | Spanish | French | Yiddish | Portuguese

Colour:

Colour

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M | Singapore:NC-16 | Finland:K-11 | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Crimea, Ukraine

Company:

Celtic Films Entertainment

Trivia:

The "Chosen Men", although fact based, were not a unit but the equivalent of Lance Corporals. The producers brought them together so that Sharpe's character would have a regular team around him, with a sense of camaraderie.

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): In the abandoned cottage, Harper bends and reacts to Sharpe's kick to his groin a split second before Sharpe's foot actually connects, even though Harper's face is turned away looking behind him.

Quotes:

Patrick Harper: There are two kinds of officers, sir: killin' officers and murderin' officers. Killin' officers are poor old buggers that get you killed by mistake. Murderin' officers are mad, bad, old buggers that get you killed on purpose - for a country, for a religion, maybe even for a flag. You see that Major Hogan, sir? That's what I call a murderin' officer.

Movie Connections:

Followed by Sharpe's Peril (2008) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Over the Hills and Far Away

Excellent action and drama. Always interesting.

This is one of 14 "Sharpe" movie series. They are all very good. They are never dull. Mixes enough historical data to create interest. Costumes and equipment authentic. His struggle to overcome his lowly birth and better himself through military service achievement is heart rending. Gen Sir Wellesly who commissioned him from a Sgt. believes in him and backs him subtly. His faithful friend Sgt.Harper shares many adventure and helps Lt.Sharpe through many escapades. Assumpta Serena as his love interest, Teresa, and later wife is very well played. Sharpe has to constantly overcome hardship, discriminations and problems his peers do not. He is constantly being ragged on by his superiors and fellow officers who are much less brave. Sharpe has integrity and grit which is a big help to him. But he always wins the girl and overcomes by sheer determination and street smarts. One of the best TV series ever.