Field of Lost Shoes

Production values are solid here, particularly in light of the obvious budget constraints of the project. There are some fine performances; the battle sequences seem believable and are powerful, as well as bloody and often sad. As the tale is told, the viewers' rooting interest in the young cadets is informed by the early scenes in which they bond and develop their commitment to a cause. It's a story worth telling -- a part of American history that should, indeed, inspire a movie.

But, in building sympathy for its heroes, the filmmakers fall into the revisionism trap. Among the less than factual events, they created three clearly fictional sequences in which the boys help the beleaguered African-Americans in their world. John Wise's father, in fact a vocal secessionist and the man who signed the death warrant for John Brown, is portrayed as having deep concerns about the plight of the slaves; he sends his son to a live auction so the boy can witness firsthand the inhumanity of slavery. Exposing moviegoers, especially young people, to American history while creating an exhilarating film experience is valuable. Of equal value is ensuring that what viewers take away from the experience is closely based on truth.