Watch Amigo
- R
- 2011
- 2 hr 8 min
-
6.4 (651)
Amigo, released in 2010, is a historical drama film directed by John Sayles. The movie is set in 1900 during the Philippine-American War, when the United States declared war against the Philippines to gain control of the islands. The movie features a talented cast, including Joel Torre, Chris Cooper, and Garret Dillahunt. The story revolves around Rafael, played by Torre, a small-town mayor in the Philippines who is forced to make a difficult decision when the American troops occupy his village. Rafael's brother, Simón, played by Ronnie Lazaro, is a member of the local guerilla force fighting against the American forces. Rafael must balance his loyalty to his brother and his duty to protect his village and the people in it from the Americans.
Meanwhile, the American army is led by Colonel Hardacre, played by Cooper, who believes in the idea of manifest destiny and thinks that the American occupation of the Philippines is a necessary step towards the country's expansion. At the same time, Hardacre's subordinate, Lieutenant Compton, played by Dillahunt, is more sympathetic to the plight of the Filipinos and begins to question the harsh tactics employed by the American troops.
As the story unfolds, tension builds between the American forces and the Filipino villagers, and both sides must grapple with the moral implications of their actions. Rafael must choose between his loyalty to his brother and his duty to his people, while Hardacre and Compton must confront their differing views on the war and the effect it is having on the people caught in its crosshairs.
Amigo is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the complex relationships that form during times of war. Sayles has crafted a well-written and well-shot film that captures both the beauty and the brutality of the rural Philippines during the early 20th century.
Joel Torre delivers an excellent performance as Rafael, portraying the mayor's inner turmoil and sense of duty with great skill. Chris Cooper is also impressive in his role as the hard-edged and uncompromising Colonel Hardacre. Garret Dillahunt, known for his roles in TV shows such as Deadwood and Raising Hope, provides a nuanced performance as Lieutenant Compton, a man caught between his orders and his conscience.
Overall, Amigo is a powerful and moving film that should appeal to fans of historical dramas and war films. Sayles does an exceptional job of capturing the turmoil and complexity of the Philippine-American War, while also creating a cast of characters that are both relatable and compelling. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of examining history through a critical lens.
Amigo is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 63.