Watch The Englishman's Boy: Part 1

The Englishman's Boy: Part 1 is a 2008 Canadian mini-series starring Bob Hoskins, Michael Eisner, Michael Therriault, Nicholas Campbell, R.H. Thomson, and Katharine Isabelle. It is directed by John N. Smith and written by Kevin Hood. The series is based on the novel of the same name by Guy Vanderhaeghe. The Englishman's Boy tells the story of a young Canadian cowboy, named Jeb (Michael Therriault), who gets involved with an aging filmmaker, named Harry Vincent (Bob Hoskins), who is searching for a story to tell. Harry has heard rumors of a notorious American filmmaker, named Damon Ira Chance (Nicholas Campbell), who is in Canada to film a western. Harry believes this could be the perfect subject for his next film and convinces Jeb to accompany him on his journey to find Damon.

The story is told through two different timelines. The present-day timeline follows Jeb and Harry as they travel through the Canadian wilderness looking for Damon Ira Chance. Along the way, they meet a young woman named Tina (Katharine Isabelle), who is running away from an abusive relationship. They also encounter various obstacles and dangers, including attacks by Native Americans and dangerous weather conditions.

The second timeline is set in the late 1800s and follows the story of the young American filmmaker, Damon Ira Chance, as he travels to Canada to film a western. Damon is a controversial figure in the film world, known for his violent and realistic portrayals of the American West. As he begins filming his latest project, he becomes increasingly entangled in a dangerous web of political intrigue and corruption.

As the two storylines progress, it becomes clear that they are connected. The present-day characters discover that their journey to find Damon Ira Chance is intimately connected to the events of the past. Through a series of flashbacks, viewers learn about the true history of the Canadian West, including the brutal and violent treatment of the indigenous people and the exploitation of local townsfolk by powerful businessmen.

The Englishman's Boy: Part 1 is a beautifully shot and deeply atmospheric portrayal of the Canadian West. The series features stunning cinematography, breathtaking landscapes, and a haunting score by composer Lawrence Shragge. The performances by the cast are uniformly excellent, with Bob Hoskins delivering a particularly memorable turn as the aging filmmaker, Harry Vincent.

Overall, The Englishman's Boy: Part 1 is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that explores the darker side of Canadian history. The series shines a light on important issues such as the legacy of colonialism and the violent displacement of indigenous people. It is a must-see for fans of historical dramas and anyone interested in the often-overlooked history of the Canadian West.

The Englishman's Boy: Part 1 is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.