Sitting in the theater watching Young Washington, I found myself wondering why this story hadn’t been made into a film sooner. This adventurous and true story is told through good filming, fine acting, and a doable dose of drama. You’ll raft the icy river with George Washington. You’ll dodge cannon fire and bayonets. You’ll groan over Fort Necessity’s slaughter and mud. And you’ll cheer the young patriot on.
Young Washington has a different feel than I’d expected, in that it focuses on the fight for status within the New World. “Even a pawn can take a king”, Washington is told. There’s also heavy emphasis placed on the friction between the British and colonials. While to me the first forty minutes of the film lack luster, the remainder proved much more satisfactory. The film also has its share of stock dialogue – “I just wish you would believe in me” – which made me cringe a little, especially coming from George Washington. But never fear, the movie truly grows on you.
The film opens in 1755, smack in the middle of an ambush during the French and Indian War. The story quickly rewinds to George’s childhood, dealing with his father’s death and his mentorship from his half-brother Lawrence; but the film seems eager to transition to George’s years as a young man (played by William Franklyn-Miller). From this point on, three main ideas are rotated through in various scenes: friction with superior officers, bravery in battle, and aspirations of piercing into the upper-class circles.
Securing an Ohio Country surveying job from Lord Fairfax (Kelsey Grammer), Washington also joins the Virginia militia. Along the way, he engages in a brief relationship with socialite Sally Cary (Mia Rodgers), crosses paths with Mingo warriors, and attempts to negotiate with the French. The film seems to interpret Washington’s defeat at Fort Necessity as a result of his selfishness of putting his ambitions first. Later, his mother encourages him to learn from his failures if he wishes to succeed in life. Washington matures in humility and in the role of a leader as he learns to value his men.
Playing GW must be a tough assignment. William Franklyn-Miller gives us the impression that Washington, once described as “very grave for his age”, must have given those of his era. Franklyn-Miller successfully carries over a mature, serious aura. He gave an excellent performance and played the brave-and-daring-hero action scenes without looking like a ridiculous 18th-century superhero.
You have to expect violence from a PG-13 movie in which there’s fighting with tomahawk-wielding Indians. It’s just the way it was in the American wilderness in the 1700s. However, you’ll see little outright gore, though you should expect to see lots of hacking (offscreen), men being shot, and flailing bodies. As for profanity, the words were almost blink-and-you’ll miss it (see IMDb’s parent’s guide). Romance-wise, there is some flirting and a passionate kiss.
As a Christian, I would have liked the movie to offer more theologically. Mentions are made of Providence, but the Indians seem to be the most religious and call GW’s attention to the protection of the Creator. I appreciated the quick prayer Washington breathes on his sickbed in the middle of a battle: “God, please help us.” Selfishness, humility, and pride are well addressed in the film, reminding me of Philippians 2:3: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Washington illustrates this in the movie when he asks forgiveness of the Virginia militia, demonstrating humility by admitting his selfishness.
So, is Young Washington a faithful representation? For it will be this image of him that most Americans will now look up to. While we want to believe that Washington was a holy saint, he was a human just like the rest of us. The way I see it, by tastefully showing his flaws GW has become more real to us. Very importantly, the films shows him change (thought it may seem slight).
This striking portrayal of one of America’s most-respected patriots is surprisingly well done, and absolutely worth seeing. I’d jump at the chance to see it again. Young Washington has the grace of a painting. And while at first glance this film may seem like a pawn, perhaps it can take a king . . . meaning I hope it’ll take competing films by storm at the box office and prove that true stories are better than fiction.
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