Watch Soldier of Destiny

"Soldier of Destiny" is a historical drama set in 19th century South Africa, following the life of a young man named David Bester (played by Stephen Preston) who is forced to fight for what he believes in. The film portrays the struggles of the Boers, an Afrikaans-speaking population who settled in South Africa during the early 1800s and fought to maintain their sovereignty against British colonial rule.

David is introduced as an idealistic young boy who dreams of joining the Boer commandos as they wage war against the British forces. The story starts with an attack that takes place at his family's farm, where he witnesses the death of his parents and siblings. David's life is forever changed as he embarks on a journey of revenge and ultimately self-discovery.

As David grows up, he travels to different parts of South Africa, honing his skills and fighting alongside Boer guerrilla fighters. Along the way, he discovers the harsh realities of war and the consequences of destroying a nation from within. He grapples with questions of loyalty and betrayal, learning to navigate treacherous alliances as he fights for the preservation of his homeland.

David's story is intertwined with that of Claire Winters' character, Ruth, who is a young Englishwoman who travels to South Africa to escape the constraints of her privileged life in England. Ruth's character serves as a sharp contrast to David's, highlighting the complexities of the colonial power dynamic and the different ways in which individuals can be subjugated.

Jonathan Pienaar plays the role of the antagonist, British General Francis Jameson, who is determined to quell the Boer uprising and annex their land. Pienaar's character is a ruthless commander who is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the loyalty of his soldiers, even if it means committing atrocities against innocent civilians.

The film is marked by impressive cinematography, with stunning landscapes and battle scenes that capture the beauty and brutality of South Africa's terrain. The film's score by composer Cezary Skubiszewski also adds to the atmosphere, with haunting melodies and soaring orchestral pieces that perfectly complement the film's emotional journey.

Overall, "Soldier of Destiny" is a thrilling historical epic that paints a vivid picture of South Africa's tumultuous past. The film's strong performances, powerful storytelling, and stunning visuals make it a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the region or the struggles of individuals fighting to preserve their way of life.

Soldier of Destiny is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.