Cast
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Sean Bean
as Richard Sharpe
Daragh O'Malley
as Patrick Harper
Hugh Fraser
as Lord Wellington
John Tams
as Rifleman Daniel Hagman
Michael Mears
as Rifleman Francis Cooper
Jason Salkey
as Rifleman Harris
Hugh Ross
as Munro
Lyndon Davies
as Rifleman Ben Perkins
Diana Pérez
as Ramona
Jayne Ashbourne
as Ellie Nugent
Rosaleen Linehan
as Bess Nugent
Crew
Director
- Tom Clegg
Writer
- Nigel Kneale
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane War/TV Movie/Adventure/Action/History film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Sharpe's Gold distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Tom Clegg brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1995, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Sharpe's Gold took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1995, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sharpe's Gold shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Promise at Dawn, which focuses more on action than character development, Sharpe's Gold subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Man Who Knew Too Little and Virus explore similar territory, Sharpe's Gold stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 1, 1995
- Runtime: 1h 41m
