Hollywood has given us films about nearly every chapter of American history — the Civil Rights Movement, World War II, the Civil War and the Space Race. But, strangely, it has largely overlooked the life of the man many consider the most influential American in history: George Washington.
Stay updated on stories like this — Get news delivered to your inbox
That changes over the Fourth of July weekend, when filmmaker Jon Erwin (“House of David,” “Jesus Revolution”) brings Washington’s story to the big screen in “Young Washington” (PG-13), portraying him not as the legendary Founding Father we remember, but as an ambitious yet humble man in his 20s still learning the leadership lessons that would one day shape a nation.
It is the first major theatrical drama about Washington — previous dramatizations were made for television — and, thankfully, it’s compelling enough that, just perhaps, more will follow. It stars William Franklyn-Miller, Kelsey Grammer and Ben Kingsley.
The film opens in the 1740s in colonial Virginia, where 11-year-old George Washington learns of his father’s death and is told by his older half-brother that he will have to grow up quickly because, unfortunately, “the world is often an unfair place.”
Most of the movie, though, focuses on the 20-something Washington a decade later in the 1750s, just before British and French military forces clashed in what later became known as the French and Indian War (1754–1763).
The film presents Washington as a largely self-educated young man who never attended anything comparable to a modern high school or college and who repeatedly is told that, as a member of Virginia’s planter class, he will never receive a commission as an officer in the British military because he doesn’t own land — and he definitely will not be able to marry Sally Cary, the higher-class woman he loved. (Those elements are all grounded in Washington’s early life.)
Perseverance and grit
Washington, though, refuses to take “no” for an answer, displaying the perseverance and grit that would later become hallmarks of Americans. Denied a military commission, he volunteers to survey a vast stretch of untamed wilderness, a decision that ultimately opens the door to major military service. Told he is not on the guest list for a social gathering, he slips in through a side entrance in order to seek out Sally.
The story’s second half follows Washington as a young officer in the Virginia militia (he never obtained a commission in the regular British Army), leading a mission to persuade French commanders to abandon a newly built fort — a diplomatic effort that ultimately gives way to a bloody battle.
The film brilliantly portrays George Washington as a middle-class man who pushes back against the rigid class system while displaying determination, courage and a strong dose of humility. He’s not an icon, but an everyday American. He is, in other words, the kind of hero whose example still inspires Americans today.
Facing darker realities
Young Washington doesn’t ignore the darker realities of American history. Enslaved people appear throughout the story, and the film also touches on the often-tense relationship between colonists and Native Americans.
Faith is naturally woven into several scenes, with Washington’s mother reminding him that “providence” is guiding his steps and that he is “God’s servant.”
The film earns its PG-13 rating for intense battle sequences featuring gunfire, stabbings and brutal hand-to-hand combat. Although it never approaches R-rated territory, its violence is too intense for young children.
Erwin, of course, first broke through with “I Can Only Imagine” before directing films such as “American Underdog,” “Woodlawn,” “Jesus Revolution” and “I Still Believe.” Young Washington is a very different kind of film than those faith-based dramas, but it’s also one of his finest. It’s inspiring.
‘Hope-filled’ patriotism
It will stir your patriotism — not in a chest-thumping way, but in a thoughtful, hope-filled way, and leave you grateful for America’s heritage as it celebrates its 250th birthday.
“Young Washington” is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong war violence and some bloody images. Entertainment rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Family-friendly rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
