Sharpe (TV Series) Sharpe's Company (1994) User Reviews

Yes! More of this please!

[ExpendableMan · 9/10 · 2 February 2007]

Sharpe's Company is arguably the best episode in the Sharpe series of movies and one of the few that can truly stand on their own regardless of whether you've seen the previous chapters or not. It achieves this largely because it ticks every box required to make a great Sharpe movie. Dastardly villains? Check. Dashing heroism? Check. Women in peril? Check. One almighty ruck at the ending in which hundreds of people die senselessly? Oh hell you'd better believe there's a check there.

The story this time takes place not long after our hero captures the French Eagle at Talavera, a gap of several years in the books but mere months this time around. The English army are on the march and preparing for a full scale invasion of Spain, but before they can expand out of Portugal, they have to capture two French fortress cities on the border: Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. Rodrigo is taken within the first five minutes and the rest of the running time largely concentrates on the siege of Badajoz with all the trials and tribulations the lads must endure before storming a breach in the walls for the pre-requisite big fight. And Sharpe is especially keen to get inside the city, because his wife Teresa is trapped inside with his eight month old daughter.

From this premise, we get a gripping story of men at war. Cannon batteries rain shot after shot on the walls of Badajoz which slowly crumble over the days, while the soldiers sit around doing little but digging trenches and waiting for death to come. They face French excursions to steal their trenching equipment and boredom and while it does not dwell on the matter too much, there is a sense of frustrating tedium among them as the final assault approaches. Sharpe's desire to be first in the breach meanwhile and be promoted to captain does not get as much focus as it does in the novel and instead, the time between fights is concentrated mostly on his rivalry with Obadiah Hakeswill, the insane Sergeant who once had him flogged. Hakeswill is played by none other than Pete Postlethwaite, deviating from his usual father-figure casting by playing one of the most evil men Sharpe will ever meet. He is beset by facial twitches and has a rather perverse view on war and women, lusting after Teresa and tormenting the men in the ranks unless they let him rape their wives. Sharpe's abuse of Hakeswill could have seen him come across as a bit of a bully were it not for Postlethwaite's terrific performance and you can't help but wish he'd kick him around even more than he does, especially when Hakeswill engineers a situation that leads to Harper (Daragh O'Malley) being flogged.

And then of course, there's Sean Bean. By this point, he was evidently very comfortable playing the title role and it's not surprising the series made him a star in England. He handles the action scenes like a pro but its in the quieter moments when he shines brightest, especially the elation that washes over him when he first learns of his daughter's existence.

But when it comes down to it, what do we all want from the Sharpe series? That's right, battles. Great big ones where the Peninsular is turned into a charnel house filled with corpses and cannon smoke and Sharpe's Company delivers one of the biggest clashes that the South Essex ever gets involved in. With the fortress walls breached, hundreds of English soldiers charge in only to be torn apart by French muskets and cannon fire time and time again until only Sean Bean stands between victory and certain defeat? Can he save the day? Well...it's Sean Bean, what do you expect? In short then, in this humble writer's opinion the best entry in the series. It has everything you'd want from a Sharpe movie, blood, carnage, drama, romance, great big fights and good old Johnny Englishman giving the bally foreigners a damned good thrashing what? Oh and keep your eyes out for Marc "Been in Everything" Warren making a brief appearance as well.

Sharpe - v- Obidiah Part 1

[Scaramouche2004 · 8/10 · 19 November 2008]

Sean Bean returns as Napoleonic hero Richard Sharpe. This time the action takes place in 1812 around the historical Battle and siege at Badajoz.

Sharpe has been demoted to no more than a quartermaster to make a place for an aristocratic fop who has bought Sharpe's captaincy of the light company at horseguards.

Sharpe realises that there is only one act of bravery that will help him regain his captaincy and keep it, and that it to lead the the 'Forlorn Hope' the first company that will storm the walls of badajoz when the assault finally begins... in short a suicide mission.

Sharpe also has personal reasons to get inside the city, and that is because his wife Teresa and his newborn daughter Antonia, are trapped inside and are in danger of being discovered by the French.

Also to add to Sharpes worries, a demon from his past, Sergeant Obidiah Hakeswell has returned to the ranks and is determined to rape, pillage and flog as many people as possible.

Pete Postlethwaite gives the performance of the movie as the evil, twitchy Obidiah, and the character of Patrick Harper is brought to the forefront a lot more and Daragh O' Malley really shines.

Another great Swashbuckling Sharpe adventure

Aspects are Overrated

[alanrhobson · 7/10 · 18 February 2011]

I regret that I must strike a discordant note here. All the other reviews of 'Sharpe's Company' are highly positive, but the film left me feeling uneasy.

It certainly has many strengths. The photography is good, as are the action scenes. The period feel is effective, and the history accurate. Sean Bean provides an impressive screen presence, ably supported by a good cast.

And yet...Several things stick in the gullet. How does the evil Sgt Hakeswill character get away with so much? Sharpe is an officer, and so can outrank him at every turn, but he only seeks to thwart Hakeswill from time to time, when it suits him. This allows Hakeswill to get away with - literally - murder, several times.

Why didn't Sharpe make more effort to protect the charming and likable Sally Clayton (Louise Germaine)? Hakeswill made his designs on her clear from an early stage, but no-one stopped him raping and murdering her at the end.

I realise that it is only fiction. Nonetheless, drama like this requires belief, empathy with the characters and a sense of poetic justice - and none of this was fulfilled by the Hakeswill parts of the plot.

Allowing Hakeswill to get away with so much also resulted in enormous holes in the plot. Why was Hakeswill not punished for shooting the boy ensign in the back? There were no French around at the time whom he could have claimed to be shooting at, and the weapon used could be easily traced to him, as it was an unusual weapon used by very few.

How did Hakeswill manage to rape and murder Sally Clayton when the camp would be full of other camp followers and sentries? Why didn't Sharpe chase after him after their fight in the city house at the end? (and thus prevent him from going on to commit the rape and murder). The film shows Sharpe giving up because a few redcoats were in the way - but they didn't stop him racing up to save his 'wife' moments before. He just barged them out of the way then - why not again?.

Since Hakeswill was shot and wounded by Harper, why did the last scene of him by Sally Clayton's body - chronologically very shortly after - show him fully fit and unwounded? And so on.

These aspects could easily have been resolved with a bit more thought and attention to detail - and a bit more compassion and desire for poetic justice from the writers.

It may not have spoilt the film for the other reviewers - but it did for me.

Sharpe firmly established

[unbend_5440 · 10/10 · 2 April 2004]

Sharpe's Company really marked the beginning of what the series would become. It was bigger than the previous two entries, and everyone involved in the series seemed to be settling in. Sean Bean seemed to really slip into his own comfort zone with the character here, and Tom Clegg seemed to be comfortable as a Director as well. And Daragh O'Malley stepped right up and made Harper a major player in the franchise.

I saw it mentioned in another review that Sharpe's Company is the one movie of the series that can really stand on it's own. I have to say, even though it's not my very favourite, I totally agree. This was my introduction to Sharpe, and it is the perfect place to start. In fact, I didn't even see the first 2 movies, Rifles and Eagles, until much later on. Maybe the reason why this is so good as a stand alone movie is because everything seemed to really begin here. Like I said, Company was the beginning of what the series would become. Rifles portrayed Sharpe as a very different character in very different circumstances. Eagles kind of set up him as a leader of the Riflemen. Here in Sharpe's Company, Sharpe has become a leader and has softened up a bit as a character. He's very trusting and sympathetic to his men, he takes the role as a mentor to a young boy, and he's about to become a father. But of course we still get several great scenes of Sharpe the arrogant bully, tormenting his enemy, Obadiah Hakeswill. The way Sharpe does torment Obadiah would normally set him up as a despicable guy in most movies, but thanks to Pete Postlethwaite's performance as Obadiah, you can't help but cheer Sharpe on as he constantly lays into him. And Pete Postlethwaite's performance is phenomenal. It's insane and mad, while just sitting on the right side of being over-the-top. Not many people can mumble their way through a movie and talk into their hat, and not be a laughing stock to the audience. Instead, Postlethwaite develops himself as a menacing villain. He's despicable and entertaining at the same time.

The final siege is where Sharpe's Company really shines. Instead of filming it like an action piece, Tom Clegg directs the sequence in a very personal way. All you see for most of the Siege is close up shots of the Red Coats charging forward. Since he focuses right on the soldiers the whole time, the explosions and gunshots around have more effect. You're not seeing the enemy firing on them, so there's more suspense. It's a powerful sequence full of soldiers marching and dying right on camera. If it had been shot like most War movies, the scene would have no impact. To Tom Clegg's credit, not showing us a lot of the mayhem around is really what made the end of this so worth watching. And then of course there's the long awaited showdown between Sharpe and Obadiah (which is an especially long wait when you consider the India series that was never made into movies). Although it's brief, there's enough pure energy between Sean Bean and Pete Postlethwaite to end with a bang. I think it's unlikely that someone can watch Sharpe's Company and not enjoy it. I think it's downright impossible to watch Sharpe's Company and not be interested in seeing what happens next in Sharpe's Enemy. This movie was the perfect launching point for the series, and it sets up the next movie while still giving the audience closure. Every time I see the end of Sharpe's Company, I immediately make plans to see Sharpe's Enemy. I suggest everyone else check that one out as well.

And a final message to Tom Clegg. If you're reading this, and you've never considered it, I urge you to get to work on a new Sharpe movie. PLEASE! There's still so much more to do.

Best of the films

[Bahorel · 15 August 1999]

The wonderful thing about Sharpe's Company is that it can be viewed alone, and without knowledge of the novels, or it can be viewed in the series, or it can be viewed after reading the novel. Most of the other films, if one is familiar with the novels, seem to be "view at your own risk." Sharpe's Rifles springs to mind as one of those. But they got it right with Sharpe's Company. The plot is the same, just less time spent setting it up. Accuracy is a key element to this one (accurate to the novel, not the history). For historical purists, the reader's note Bernard Cornwell puts at the end of the novel is a necessity if one is familiar with the siege of Badajoz. As for the plot, fully formed, it actually makes sense, and, of course, the hero and his sidekick will have to live to fight another day. It's part of a series, and that always makes you feel good, since you know Sharpe and Harper aren't going to die. As for the rest, Hakeswill's first appearance is a delight, and Pete Postlethwaite outshines the rest of the cast. Sean Bean is, of course, in perfect character, but out acted by Daragh O'Malley. In short, Sharpe's Company is an excellent introduction to the Sharpe series, even though it is not meant to be the first, and a fitting addition wherever it belongs in the real order of things.

Excellent episode

[grantss · 9/10 · 17 March 2023]

Spain, 1812. Wellington's army is on the offensive. Two fortresses block his progress: Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. He takes Ciudad Rodrigo and is now headed for Badajoz. Sharpe, now a Captain in the South Essex, learns that he has a daughter with Teresa and she is in Badajoz. He also runs into an old nemesis - Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, an incredibly nasty piece of work. He will need to watch his back.

An excellent episode of Sharpe. A very interesting central plot surrounding Sergeant Hakeswill, complete with suitably over-the-top performance from Pete Postlethwaite as Hakeswill. Add in a few other plots - Sharpe's promotion, the young ensign, Teresa and her daughter, the Chosen Men potentially being absorbed into the South Essex and being forced to wear red and carry muskets, the Battle of Badajoz - and it's a riveting episode.

There are still a few clumsy elements in the plot, as if the writer and director didn't know how to link scenes seamlessly, but it's not as bad as in Season 1. Sad that Major Hogan (Brian Cox) is not around. His replacement, Major Nairn (Michael Byrne), shares his ruthless, scheming streak but isn't as much fun. I also preferred David Troughton, rather than Hugh Fraser (of Poirot fame), as Wellington.

Fun bit of historical fiction.

[freemantle_uk · 8/10 · 19 October 2008]

Sharpe's Company is the third TV film in the series based on Bernard Cornwell novel. It tells the life of Richard Sharpe, an officer who serves in the British Army during the Napoleanic wars. This film is set years after Sharpe's Eagle in 1812 and Sharpe had become a Captain and fathered a child with the Spanish resistance fighter Teresa during that time. At the beginning of the film the British Army fought a tough battle against the French and Sharpe's commanding office Colonel Lawford is badly injured. Because of this he is relieved of his command and a new Colonel takes command of the regiment and bring in his own officers. Sharpe is demoted and loses command of the Chosen Men. Also with the new recruit is Sharpe's old enemy from years before, Sergeant Obidiah Hakeswill (Pete Postlethwaite). The new officers make Sharpe into no more then a desk clerk, and his Chosen Men are being humiliated, being turned into ordinary soldiers. Hakeswill is on a personal vendetta against Sharpe through the siege of Badajoz, sucking up to the officers so he can't be punished and making the Chosen Men do tasks like digging a trench. In the middle of this Teresa is spying for the English in the fortress.

What I like about Cornwell novels and the Sharpe films is that it shows a mix picture with the British army and that they was a lot of politics and positioning within the army. The French are casted as the enemy, but they are not made as pure evil, like the English were in Braveheart or the British in the Patriot. The big enemy was with the British army itself. Pete Postlethwaite steals the show as the villain of the film, and he was great being sleazy and psychopathic. They are also solid performance from Sean Bean, Daragh O'Malley and Marc Warren.

This is not as action packed as the previous two Sharpe films, but that's because the military focus was on the siege and not any battles. At times it was a little slow, but the personal focus was still needed and in general it was a good Sharpe film.

Good Episode

[Rainey-Dawn · 8/10 · 19 December 2021]

Shape's enemy of the past comes back to get revenge but Sharpe has other plans for him. Meanwhile, Sharpe gets to see and hold his daughter for the first time. Sharpe is also given command of the Light Company again.

8/10.

Great if you are a guy who's into military history.

[joeterrey · 9/10 · 3 September 2021]

This is like the quintessential military history nerd show.

is Pete Postlethwaite the scariest man ever?

[katiepoppycat · 1 March 2004]

**SPOILER**

I like Pete Postlethwaite. Or at least, I liked Pete Postlethwaite until I saw him in Sharpe's Company. Now he scares me. Obediah was so devastatingly evil in the books that I couldn't imagine who could possibly play him in the film. Now I know that no one else could have done it quite like Pete did. The balance between seriously nutty insanity and murderous rage is almost poetic. And anyone else would have looked really silly on that donkey, but somehow, he pulled it off. Once again, Bean and company don't disappoint. It was particularly good to see Harry Price exactly as he should have been, although I was horrified that they (apparently) let Hakeswill murder him in Badajoz. The taking of the city was particularly well executed, the scenes of the soldiers running riot extremely disquieting. I think this could almost be my favourite Sharpe ever.

Another good episode of the Sharpe series

[John_Davey · 14 December 2002]

Third in the Sharpe series , Sharpe's Company introduces Sharpe's nemesis , Sergeant Obidiah Hakeswill ( Peter Postlethwaite ) .

Hakeswill is a thoroughly nasty piece of work , having had Sharpe flogged when he was a young soldier , and starts with the same tricks again.

This film gives some idea of the tribulations of the ordinary Redcoats , at the whim of sometimes hopeless Officers whose commissions were bought , and who wanted NCOs who kept order , and didn't mind how it was done.

As with many of the Sharpe series , this is based around a historic battle . In this case it is the battle of Badajoz , where Hakeswill gets up to even more mischief .

Another great Postlethwaite performance !