How to Authentically Portray 18th Century Warfare - The Accuracy of "Revolution" (1985) Part IV

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Brandon, I only say this as I am somewhat predisposed to focus on such weapons, but the "cap lock" you refer to at 3:39 appears to be a Mk III Snider,..... even more ahead of it's time. Good work as usual!

[@1IbramGaunt]

Hey at least it's not Napoleonic line infantry with Russian Mosin-Nagant rifles haha (lookin' at you, Sharpe)

[@kaiserofgermania5236]

Yeah you can see the shoe on the Snider.

[@BrandonF]

Ah, good catch! I become less and less familiar with firearms the more modern they get! And thank you!

[@kaiserofgermania5236]

@@BrandonF Same, I am more familiar with ww2 weapons than today's weaponry.

[@Riceball01]

@@kaiserofgermania5236 It's not that hard, most present day weapons are either some sort of AR variant or an AK variant. Ok, I may be exagerrating some but ARs and AKs are all over the place and ARs are ever present in the US civlian market and both France and Germany are looking at replacing their current issue rifles with the H&K 416 which is an AR variant.

[@BrandonF]

Hello all! I am terribly sorry, but it only struck me that I need to start including a full ‘credits’ sequence at the end of these videos after I had rendered it. As I am currently away from home for a few days, and working off of a laptop, the rendering process is about six or so hours as opposed to one like usual. Rather than delay the video another day, I decided to upload it as-is, and to include a full list here. I also still need to determine how people would like to be named! Thank you to all of my supporters on Patreon. It may sound like a platitude, but you really do help to make all of this possible. $10 “Officer’ Tier: Craig S Joseph H Mr Taylor Cameron S Marvin K John H Levi G Brett L Brendan P GrafZeppelin $3 “NCO” Tier: Henry P James O Reenactor Talk Jeff S Daniel V Ryan S Jack M Sam S Lee T (Taz) Connor J David Mikko L Veronica P Brendan M TOG Driver Treeshakertucker Lewis C Trey G Shawn M Parker A Matt Wesley L Diesel Fox Jack G Rodney D David B Jonathan R Jack Tanner P

[@mattattack6717]

BRANDON!!!!

[@NihilsineDeo1866.]

Brandon congratulations for 40 000 sub

[@maddoxarguelles9133]

Congrats Brandon, to a new year of videos and correcting Hollywood's mistakes!

[@WarlordWulf]

Keep up the good work :)

[@giancarloaquino5536]

Brandon F. I heard that British accents during the 1700s were the same as Modern American ones, not sure if it’s true but if it is it would be a interesting video

[@ThatIrishLass]

I believe I think I see the reason for the self-contradiction. The film is trying to imitate most Vietnam War films of its day by portraying war as illogical hell, pitying the soldiers who fight it..and damning the officers and politicians who start it, even if they need to caricature or distort to get that impression across.

[@MacCoalieCoalson]

The Learned Soldier I believe that you may have a point there! That's an interesting angle, I definitely didn't think of that while watching the video.

[@tamlandipper29]

I'd agree. Zulu did a similar thing to make a war film more palatable

[@someguy3766]

The officers were often as much victims of politics as the men they led. Indeed casualty rates were often much higher among officers, given their value as targets and their tendency to lead from the front.

[@samuel10125]

@@MacCoalieCoalson Still don't need to use cartoonist stereotypes to make that point though.

[@Lancasterlaw1175]

Decade too late for the Vietnam war though right? I think at least part of it could be due to being from the British perspective. The Revolutionary War is much more viewed from the opposition Whigs (Liberal party) perspective which saw the American theatre of the war as a senseless waste than the Tory (conservative) perspective.

[@robocox9mil882]

You wanna talk about historical accuracy, have a stroke over battlefield 5.

[@119winters5]

Different timeline of interest

[@projeftcancelled9555]

STOP, YOU ARE GOING TO KILL HIM!

[@markwilliams2620]

Wait.....JU 88's CAN'T do 120 degree banked turns 100 feet off the deck? My compatriots have to tell me to shut up everytime that bloody commercial airs. Full disclaimer: Mommy and Daddy didn't get me an Atari for Christmas in '81 and I am still bitter. And no.....noob...it wasn't a 2600 at that time.

[@Sanian38]

Because the multiplayer is historically inaccurate?

[@BrandonF]

I'm with Colorado1445- it would kill me!

[@denaldduck438]

Brandon, us viewers and patrons thank you as well for the great content you put on this platform. Hope you have a successful 2019.

[@BrandonF]

Thank you! I certainly hope so as well.

[@Schattengewaechs99]

Historically a catastrophe, but artistically very interesting.

[@charliemcgee9803]

No it's not

[@Moojingles_]

@@charliemcgee9803 Well that's the end of that then!

[@charliemcgee9803]

@@Moojingles_ I left that dumbass comment a year ago. Time flys.

[@00Trademark00]

Your narration is very good Brandon. Moving even, and it only strenghtens the message of the good scenes of the film. I wish more war films were like this, showing the horror and tragedy of war. When you see such an honest portrayal of warfare, paired with your perhaps dramatic but definitely poignant commentary, it makes you realize how horrible war is even when you've never experienced it yourself. My grandmother is old enough to remember the second world war (I'm from Europe) and it is scenes such as these that help me relate to her on a deeper and emotional level when she tells me how horrible a thing war is. I've never experienced war and I hope never to have the misfortune to do so but this is exactly why a good artistic portrayal of war is so important. It can help us, at least a little bit, understand the horror of those who actually have experienced it. As the Greek poet Pindaros says "War is sweet to those who have no experience of it, but the experienced man trembles exceedingly at heart on its approach". So thank you Brandon for realizing this and helping others understand Pindaros' message on a more fundamental and emotional level.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

I don't know if one could even call the War of Independence a 'linear conflict'. Perhaps you meant the specific battle shown. In my state of New Jersey the experience of the war is much different. Sure, there's Monmouth and Trenton, but you also have savage partisan conflict in the South - all through the Pines and Long Beach Island - the 'Forage War' in the North - which to my understanding was essentially a contest between the belligerents to see which force could loot the most before the onset of winter. People forget. They've forgotten the truth of that conflict and in place of the truth resides origin mythos for the country. It was Benjamin Franklin's illegitimate son who was governor - if I remember correctly. He was a loyalist. Much of New Jersey remained loyal to the crown. In New Jersey it is remembered (or perhaps, not remembered at all) a neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, with the vast majority simply wanting to go on with their lives. It's not uncommon where I live to see historical markers meant to memorialize one atrocity or another. Within 10 miles of my house there are at least two sites where a dozen or so men were bayoneted in their sleep by folks from the same community. One militia against the other. A dirty, dirty war. In truth New Jersey must've seemed more like Sarajevo than Waterloo. But we forget.

[@ryantandy307]

I grew up in Oradell, not far from Soldier Hill Road, and the Christie House. NJ is still like that imo ... ;)

[@frederickthegreatpodcast382]

Well if it’s better than “The Patriot” I’m sold

[@charleshowie2074]

Even the 1992 space movie is better than The Patriot.

[@Casavo]

My good sir, the poetic way in which you describe this scene invoked mild chills. I must applaud your content after only a few videos watched and have subscribed.

[@hallamhal]

I know what you mean about the terrible pastiche of a British aristocrat... But that's Richard O'Brian and he sounds and acts like that in real life!

[@Apollo890]

Richard O' Brian of the Crystal Maze? my God, but when I watched it again I thought oh yeah really is him.

[@liamfoley9614]

Best rendition of the British Grenadiers in a movie? Barry Lyndon, and by a furlong!

[@Synthesizer4274]

Those drums really get me pumped to give Frenchie a damned good thrashing!

[@charliemcgee9803]

No its not

[@AbrahamLincoln4]

@@charliemcgee9803 oh it is.

[@Captan40000]

@@charliemcgee9803 stop saying this on every comment that has a opinion

[@charliemcgee9803]

@@Captan40000 Im just joshing you

[@Winaska]

Brandon, perhaps for those of us who (shockingly) actually enjoy The Patriot, but acknowledge its (legion) historical inaccuracies perhaps you could do a serious review of the film. I personally have always had the impression that the look, feel, and details of the setting are very good, including combat. It’s the characters and plot line that are the greatest offenders in my book. But I’d love to see you take it on. Particularly the battle scenes

[@bskorupk]

Aesthetic Realism is, regarding, or regardless of actual history or detail work, a major issue that tends to cause a lot of confusion, and is very hard to do right, it is commonly problematic in pictures/films trying to "Look Old" as it's often left to merely distorted grainy overlays of contemporary subjects/scenes/actors, whereas actual old pictures/films once were new, and the context, atmosphere, and innumerable subtleties make the minimalist texture far more enlightening than it's degraded state would otherwise normally be expected to incur, especially to people who don't know about the subject of the old picture/film, with each tiny realization making the mind connect the dots to worldbuild as if it was an old memory of one's own. On a "more material in the comments" and "as if written by two different people" note: 3:21 - 3:40 "Oh, look! A caplock! Quite ahead of his time eh?" Indeed! Doubly so, as it was even converted to Breechloading on the Snider Principle in 1864! ;)

[@elimgarak8785]

I watched this movie when I was younger and thought it was great. Now-a-days it seems like something from Blackadder

[@charliemcgee9803]

No it doesn't

[@kueller917]

The videos where you really drive home the need to respect and authentically depict the horrors of combat are some of your best content. The pedantic reviewing is informative, entertaining, and often funny too, but it's nice to step back to the larger picture and see the real importance to learn from this history.

[@ptonpc]

I imagine the film makers had to ram the 'British bad' line down the throats of the film watchers. After all it would not sell tickets in America if it showed a more balanced historical perspective challenging the myths of the revolution.

[@taureaurouge3315]

I have a sort of problem with the idea of "one side bad" is a bad thing. Yes, in reality one side isn't full of terrible and evil murderous killers who are the epitome of evil. However, the story is being told by one specific side, so it's only natural to be told with bias and that the other side is evil. If the movie was about the British side, (i.e. had a British protagonist) the Americans would be portrayed as evil. And vice versa.

[@ptonpc]

@@taureaurouge3315 As you say, in reality there is not no one side full of evil people. However the narrative that tends to be told in stories about the war of Independence is of the plucky colonists fighting the big bad British. In the UK there is far less of a patriotic streak than most Americans (if you hang a union flag outside your house, you are generally viewed as a bit weird at best). Most people, outside of those who study history here, don't know or care much about the war of independence. A UK film about it would most likely take the American side just to sell tickets.

[@taureaurouge3315]

@@ptonpc As I said, it depends on the point of view of the storyteller. I don't think the American point of view in the movies is more of a patriotic thing (although that certainly does come into play and isn't necessarily a bad thing to evoke a sense of patriotism in your primary audience i.e. Americans), so much so that it is about who your primary audience is and who is telling the story. As you said, most Britons aren't that interested in the American Revolution, however most Americans at least show some interest in it. From this, it can easily be assumed that from a filmmakers perspective, it is wiser to flatter your largest audience rather than a niche group.

[@tombrigden7075]

ALL THEY HAD TO DO WAS PAY THEIR DAMN TAXES

[@thebelfastvikingmartinbrow3603]

My problem with a lot of American history in films they kinda forget the real facts about history .

[@frankendragon5442]

Regarding the foppish and cruel British officer, I commend to your attention Sir Banastre Tarleton.

[@fanwu8917]

The british officer basically is what you would get if you take Alex from Clockwork Orange and make him an officer of the british army.

[@BattleAxe1345]

The British officer in question is none other than Richard O'Brien of 'Rocky Horror' fame.

[@wendellfugate4088]

Thank you very much indeed for your excellent and well done analysis of this film. You have inspired me to write an essay on this.

[@ignacejespers8201]

There once was a soviet soldier who died in Afghanistan, far away from home. He ended up in hell. All around him were people being boiled alive in cauldrons or being tortured by demons. Then suddenly he saw a small table where three persons seemed to joyfully play cards, smoke and drink while listening to Visotsky. The soldiers approached and asked -Is that real vodka? =Yes it is. Here, have a taste. -And is that real tobacco =Of course. Want some? -I don't understand. I always thought hell would be way worse with boiling cauldrons and demons? =Hell is only what you imagine it to be. If you believe in boiling cauldrons and demons, then it will be so. But if you welcome it as an old friend, Hell will welcome you as one of his own.

[@Smashface_McBourbondick]

I don't follow, what point are you trying to make?

[@nealsterling8151]

So people can get used to everything, as long as they pretend it's something good?

[@ignacejespers8201]

@@Smashface_McBourbondick The story tells of soviet troops in Afghanistan. The point of it is that these soldiers went through Hell and survived, but never managed to re-enter society. They had seen and caused too much death and were thus shunned by the 'decent' folks of the USSR. In short the story is about soldiers who saw and had sown so much death that they got used to it and even preferred it to normal life. If you want more info read 'Boys in zinc' from Svetlana Alexievich

[@Smashface_McBourbondick]

@@ignacejespers8201 Alright, thanks for the explanation.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

@@ignacejespers8201 Whatever they have to tell themselves. I prefer the mantra "doesn't mean nothing". Doesn't mean a damn thing. And then carry on. It works.

[@kevinlove4356]

At 9:15, Brandon states, "... the battle is over." However, in real life, that is the time that the cavalry would have been sent in to ensure that none of the enemy escaped. Yes, it is a fictional film. But the screenwriters can at least try to show a little bit of realistic tactics. On the plus side, they do show artillery. But any armed force of the size shown would be very, very remiss indeed to not have had a least a small cavalry element for reconnaissance and for pursuit of a defeated enemy. Which, in my opinion, is a major blunder in the film.

[@Nonsense010688]

you could argue that maybe there was no cavalry present at this skirmish.

[@kevinlove4356]

@@Nonsense010688 True. Even professional armies make mistakes. And there are examples in history of cavalry failing to be present. For example, J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry arriving late to Gettysburg. But I suspect that this may be due to the film's budget. Horses are expensive, and few actors know how to ride.

[@Nonsense010688]

@@kevinlove4356 true, thou given the scale of the fight I think it is more forgivable. This is what? 1 Infantry regiment with artillery support attacking? Not exactly waterloo.

[@NihilsineDeo1866.]

My best soldiers of empire

[@sippsleezy5452]

king george lll Close enough, but I’ll allow it

[@GlennForbes20]

Your empire is gone now your Majesty! And your capital shall shortly be Londonstan.

[@Tom19142]

@@GlennForbes20 *Londonabad *Englandstan

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

@@GlennForbes20 Perhaps there was some Indian kid in the 19th century complaining about how soon there will be no more Indians in Bombay.

[@vistagreat9994]

@@Tom19142 Londonbad Donbad Bad Badbad Badbadbad

[@thyrampantpigeon]

I know the 7 years war is much different from the Revolutionary War, but if you've ever watched Barry Lyndon; would you ever consider doing a video on the military scenes within that film?

[@detroitdave9512]

You should do a video on Waterloo, a historical critique (quite a difficult feat) or a discussion on its greatest aspects of portraying Napoleonic warfare and Napoleon himself

[@johnknecht6958]

Actually Brandon at about 3:40 that's not a Cap lock. That's an early Cartridge conversion rifle. You can see the thumb shelf for opening the breach on what would be the guns left hand side. He's also shooting it south paw...

[@charlesthepaperman]

Look how brave the maize keeps its formation only to get trampled down after all... Lest we forget 🌽

[@CAP198462]

12:13 goodness me, is that the Prince Regent, How did he get into this film from Blackadder? @Brandon F.

[@silentkiller2mm]

Eve thought about writing short stories about your reenactments? Your writing is sublime (I dare say with my humble opinion, but mind I'm not a native speaker so I can't exactly say what is good writing and what just sounds good to someone who just read a few english books) --maybe not fit for long stories-- and with your experience of being there, it might just add to the flavor.

[@thischannelisretiringforaw9620]

that British officer looks like an 18th century British noble from London, u know cuz of the wig and the makeup and the accent obviously the nobles of Britain wore that but the army probably didn’t , I also laughed when you did an impression of his bad British accent at 12:33, as a brit I loved it 😂.

[@LEARSIKCIGAM]

What about the battle scene in Barry Lyndon?

[@grenzer45]

Carlos Bravo I thought the second fight, when Barry was in the Prussian Army was the more realistic.

[@Jubilo1]

The "Fox hunt," scene was as ridiculous as "The Patriot."

[@charliemcgee9803]

No its not

[@someguy3766]

They did a similar scene in an episode of Sharpe, but in that show they at least made it explicitly clear that the officers involved were acting well outside of the law; indeed that was the main plot point.

[@Jubilo1]

@@someguy3766 Typical cliche- wealth; education =bad. Unless you have it...

[@ronashapouri403]

40k congratulations

[@BrandonF]

Thank you!

[@ronashapouri403]

Your welcome

[@ronashapouri403]

I remember when you were just 1000

[@797brm]

Did you watch Turn Washington’s Spies?!

[@Real11BangBang]

I've watched it and thought it was quite good.

[@thomasbaagaard]

at 3:35 It is obliviously not a percussion musket. it is a trapdor springfield or maybe a snider-enfield. or similar conversion to a breechloaded gun.

[@HistoryBoy]

Loved watching this series, and had an idea. If you had time and didn’t have to break copyright law... maybe you could edit “Revolution,” into a better piece of cinema, cutting out the bad bits!

[@ethanhatcher5533]

11:27 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *deep breath* HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA WTF IS THAT ACCENT?!?!?! Edit: on a less memey note, I think just from the clips shown that this movie could and should have been about the relationship between the old, grizzled, veteran Sergeant Major and the young drummer boy

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Ah, a romance. Yes, that would have been much better.

[@someguy3766]

To be fair he's not putting it on. That actor talks like that in real life, lol. It's not historically proper though.

[@thehypest6118]

My biggest problem with the film - be it an historical inaccuracy I don't know - is the random mixture of Continential Marines and Soldiers in many of the battle and street scenes, there doesn't seem much in the way of coherency they're all just jumbled in with the militia like one big amalgamous entity

[@schizoidboy]

I remember reading in the Osprey series about the battles around Boston at the start of the war some of the rebel units actually had veterans in them, some in higher proportion to the British at the time. There were many veterans of the French and Indian War in the rebel forces and many were officers in the ranks. Something to ask, if this was the Battle of Bunker Hill (or Breed's Hill as it should be known) shouldn't the British have higher casualties? It was a British victory through their determination, but as one officer pointed out they couldn't survive another victory like they had during this particular battle. I do like, however, how they keep on maintaining their ranks through the assault because they needed to maintain their formations in order to control the battle.

[@jamesoneill3922]

How are things in the Colonies? Love your videos. Keep at it. Well done.

[@KiwiForce123]

Is there a single genuinely good film or TV series based on this period? What's your opinion on Hornblower?

[@echoplots8058]

What I find interesting is when you make yourself aware that historical inaccuracy is not a modern phenomenon. Medieval paintings are often full of errors and not very reliable as a historical source. Roman chronists sometimes misinterpreted or intentionally falsefied past events, or wrote down random hearsay and rumors as historical fact. The people that we write nonsense about wrote nonsense about the past themselves when they were alive.

[@meaningoftheunicorn]

You have such a pleasant accent. Wonder if this is how the colonists of yore sounded.

[@kvnrthr1589]

Since you've brought up Waterloo, I'd be interested to see you critique the battle scenes in it.

[@keysean999]

I will gift you Hearts of Iron 4 and teach you to play, if you'd want to, cause I'd love for you to play, I will do the same with Victoria II and Europa Universalis if you prefer those

[@BrandonF]

Thank you for the offer, but I couldn't ask you to do that for me! I actually have played an awful lot of EUIV and Victoria II. Still need to pick up HoI IV, but it's not something I would plan on streaming much, so I could never ask someone to buy it for me.

[@keysean999]

@@BrandonF I would be happy to, Hoi4 is my favorite game, it's mechanics are much more combat focused, but there is much diplomacy and event systems.

[@501ststormtrooper9]

@@BrandonF Simply turn Historical Focuses on so the Soviets annex Canada.

[@trentasenzalode]

So intense video, man. Thanks.

[@CasperDunning]

I'm sorry Brandon, but I have to take issue with a quote that is way over used "war is hell". And I think Hawkeye said it best. "War is war and Hell is Hell, and of the two war is far worse." he goes on to ask "Who goes to Hell?" the reply is "Sinners I believe." to which Hawkeye says "There are no innocent bystanders in Hell, war is chock full of them, women, children, little old men." And being a disabled vet myself that saw active service in Peace Keeping operations post Desert Storm, I tend to agree with what Hawkeye said.

[@skogstjuven]

Honor is a fool’s prize. Glory is of no use to the dead.

[@tamlandipper29]

You will certainly lose your life. Only a fool discards honour.

[@sirderam1]

Glory I could live without, but life without honour would be the life of a base animal.

[@joesmith5512]

Great vid as always. Happy New Years indeed!

[@BobSmith-cx4og]

Years?

[@joesmith5512]

@@BobSmith-cx4og oh I'm sorry are you the KZbin police? Year? Is that better?

[@cookiejars6141]

Waterloo (1970) next?

[@carlruf9037]

Waterloo has its flaws in uniforms and props. I have a hard time just focusing on the story without noticing the inaccuracies in the props and details.

[@Konser_konge]

Has anybody got an idea of how to get a hold of the "the drummer boy has gone to war" as we hear is in this movie?

[@awood1604]

I don't understand why the traitors wanted to fight. They were well protected under the Crown. If you don't like the tax don't buy the tea.

[@justinokraski3796]

Teaboo

[@gazeboist4535]

They disliked the Admiralty Courts and had what amounted to constitutional objections to the taxes. From the American side, the war wasn't about economic grievances, while the British were very focused on the war debt issue. It's actually an interesting inversion of the non-slavery issues related to the Civil War.* * I'm not trying to claim that the Civil War wasn't about slavery, or that anyone sincerely supported nullification after about 1835, but there were tariff issues in addition to the conflict over slavery.

[@JanBruunAndersen]

Taxation is theft, so I understand the unwillingness to be robbed.

[@notisac3149]

@a wood Yeah, us Americans are/were strange creatures indeed, it would have taken an unhealthy amount of tea consumption throughout an entire year just to exceed one buck of taxes. While such a meager amount of money may have been worth many times more than today, I find it ludicrous how frivolous the whole matter should have been. Although as an American (actually kinda embarrassing to say sometimes), I must say that the matter was mostly about having no say in the affairs of colonies in the empire and I'm sure you've heard, "no taxation without representation" a million times. Also sort of interesting, after the French and Indian war, or 7 Years War, as most others refer to it, many colonists were wondering if we still even needed the crown for protection after all, from our point of view we felt that big scary France was beaten back far enough to feel safe, and that we didn't do all that bad during the war. And right as everyone was considering that..... *BAM*! new taxes for all of us! Man my country's history is so weird sometimes, thanks for reading that wall of text I guess, and please correct me if I'm wrong, I'm almost certain that I made some sort of mistake lol.

[@spartanumismatics8165]

Taxes weren't just on tea...

[@Dimeropepe]

This was one of Al Pacino's worst films when it was released way back in 1985. It was directed by Hugh Hudson, who directed "Chariots of Fire" (1981). Nastassja Kinski is also in this film, and she plays an idealistic aristocrat who supports the American Revolution.

[@exexpat11]

Andrew Jackson approved of all the horrible portrayals of British in this movie.

[@barondesena]

What rank is Donald Southerland character in the film? He wears epaulets but is more a sergeant than officer?

[@mr.gnome_3239]

You should do readings for audiobooks you’ve quite the voice for it

[@ichimvlad6597]

Talk about "The Patriot" (2000) if you want an interesting subject.... :D After all "Revolution" is a rather low budget movie, what kind of expectations can you have?

[@KarlPHorse]

That British officer reminds me of Brandon Rogers' "Normal British People" skit.

[@TotallyNotElPresidente]

Historical authenticity > Historical Accuracy when it comes to movies 9/10 times.

[@Splodge542]

This movie flopped back in the day and Pacino was quite embarrassed by it (or so I read). If you were talking to him you were advised not to mention Revolution. However he had nothing to be embarrassed about personally because he acted it very well. The problem with historical epic flops (and there are plenty of them) is that they scare the movie studios off making more of these "risky investments". And so we get endless superhero romps which means I hardly go to the cinema any more.

[@hardpack187]

This kid is like an American Lindybeige. I love it

[@thaddeuskobylarz8519]

Am I listening to an audio book?

[@whitewool1589]

*I for some reason find line battles very satisfying. Tons of soldiers perfectly in a line.* *Then there’s present day..*

[@richardlahan7068]

I wonder if most of these problems have to do with writers and directors knowing nothing about history or reenactors not knowing what they are doing.

[@frederickthegreatpodcast382]

What was the role of cavalry in the War of American Independence?

[@denishannan3912]

Cavalry had two main functions. First as scouts, second as a fighting force. In the Battle of Cowpens, Lt. Col William Washington leads a cavalry charge, that captures half of the British Infantry. The British Cavalry does not really make an attack. Lt. Col. Harry Lee leads cavalry assisting the swamp fox in some of his battles. Both cavalry commanders are in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.

[@MrSven3000]

12:04 LOL. my heart is breaking, and greetings from germany ;)

[@pjwg]

Very well done

[@casperdong]

He should become either a poet or an award-winning movie director?

[@viperblitz11]

That British officer may have been an attempt at intentionally satirizing how British officers are portrayed and seen by Americans. I commend the effort if that's the case, but it's the wrong movie to try that.

[@rileyernst9086]

That colour seargent with the spontoon was a brute, he killed heaps of rebels.

[@MBKill3rCat]

A juxtaposition of Waterloo and The Patriot? So, which is the good example and which is the bad?

[@emintey]

And take note of the setting of the battle, there were no revolutionary war battles in California or wherever this film was shot. How do I know? There are no bare hillsides on the east coast, they should all be heavily forested.

[@mitutoyo34]

As a war veteran myself and history enthusiast; I do the same thing when I am watching a "war" movie. My wife always tell me "just watch the damn movie for what is ... just entertainment!...he he he.

[@gambit8766]

hi Brandon, a thought hit me while I was watching your video. what were the rules about shooting at drummer boy's/musicians in battle at this time?

[@BrandonF]

Drummers and other musicians would generally stay behind the line and be less exposed, and it may be seen as poor form to specifically target them, but this wouldn't stop many from doing so I imagine. A drummer is a valuable asset and it would be a good boon in battle to take out the enemy's!

[@barriethurlow6519]

As I say, I feel sure that some of the actors were deliberately going for pantomime, tacking the mickey out of Al Pacino.

[@inagasiquiamco1840]

i have a question why do soldiers not run while bayonet charging back then

[@BrandonF]

They did run, but often only when close to the enemy, to make sure they kept their formation on the approach. You want to hit the enemy with a wall of bayonets, not just a scattered batch!

[@profesercreeper]

Any good movies on 18th century warfare? Is the older waterloo movie one of them?

[@Riceball01]

Another great video, keep up the good work. Btw, have you given second thought to reaching out to Scholagladiatoria? I know that you felt you're too small and Matt's channel too large, but there's nothing to lose by asking. You never know and I find that, more often than not, people with large(ish) channels are always willing to do colabs to help out smaller channels. Just recently I found out that The Chieftain (a largish channel focused on tanks and military history) is going to be doing a colab with a smaller channel, so I'd advise you to make it your goal for this year to try and do a colab with Matt Easton. About that British officer you pointed out, he looked more like a French courtier than a British officer of the period. I'm not even sure that a French officer of the time would go into battle with makeup and a powdered wig.

[@Gool349]

Loved the series! However I wouldve liked it more without the multiple window screen thing going on and just a full view of the scene. If you however did this due to cpyright reasons I wouldve preferred maybe a still picture next to the video footage since upper left screen just distracted me too much

[@West_Coast_Mainline]

It’s 10/10 I saw royal foot artillery

[@cboyslim5490]

If you want historical authenticity in 18th century warfare, play Holdfast with local chat on lol

[@almandinefox5160]

I'd like to see you review TURN: Washington's Spies

[@sariekitchen]

I have an aunt who is a historian, and she says it's terribly inaccurate.

[@KirksCORNER1983]

How do I sign up to do reenactments??!!

[@toothedacorn4724]

Question, have you ever considered taking up / do you already do creative writing?

[@ltdan2809]

is the British Pike man a very young Donald southerland

[@jacobellis1050]

Now it's time for him to review the patriot

[@barondesena]

The bayonet scene is my favorite.

[@Quincy_Morris]

To portray all soldiers as heroes or all soldiers as monsters would be inaccurate for any side. So I actually understand the juxtaposition.

[@presidentlouis-napoleonbon8889]

This wasn't a normal caplock. This might be a Breechblock. Maybe a Springfield Trapdoor!

[@scottwatrous]

Well, it was made in the 80's. So... pretty sure the answer to all these questions involves white powder, and not what was on that 'officer's' face.

[@skogstjuven]

Brandon F. you should do a review of movie Napoleon. a think a lot of us like to hear what you think of it. I know an ask for a lot of you so is only an idea. keep up good work :)

[@elisigmon5505]

What about the teeth

[@caelan8819]

First, been looking forward to this.

[@thehypest6118]

this is the third comment I've read in which someone is proclaiming to be first

[@killawhale8726]

Damn were you an english or a history major?

[@BrandonF]

History and philosophy!

[@carlruf9037]

@@BrandonF Tic-Tic...No STEM? Although we still need professors (hopefully ones that don't suffer from TDS or brain-wash our youth into accepting Socialist/Communist doctrine).

[@andrewhamilton9571]

I have a good question how come the the Kings army was defeated by the rebels but yet when they were conquering India they were successful. I feel like the British were more capable of overcoming the rebels so it does not make no sense to me that the British Redcoats lost yet they were successful in other areas of the empire and they were capable of winning against the French. But wonderful video Brandon wonderful indeed 🇬🇧

[@Cj-ou8jq]

*Black Betty by Ram Jam starts playing* THIN RED LINE!! GOOOOOO GETEMMM BROTHERRRRRRRSSS!!! Its firefighter thing lol #brotherhoodofbuffs

[@MalaysianChopsticks]

We need a movie made by black powder enthusiast, directed by black powder enthusiast, acted by black powder enthusiast.

[@carlruf9037]

Hey..I agree with the producers and directors being well versed in the historic accuracy of the black powder age...but black powder buff actors? I would have a hard time seeing too many tubby bearded guys (TBGs...known in many CW circles), bespectled and farbed out to make a movie like that enjoyable. I have seen far too many re-enactment vids where the Confederates are referred to as "Well-Federates"....Not as bad in the RevWar community. Their biggest problem are the guys that insist on keeping their facial hair...esp. among the brits whether it be mustache or goatee. Mustaches seemed to be in-style with the Hessian and french grenadiers though.

[@MalaysianChopsticks]

Carl Ruf I don’t mind any other actors but they need to be trained. Seen too many extras looking away when firing the weapon to avoid the sparks in their face or the marching order is too random or messy like the movie shown up there.

[@redf7209]

I do wonder how pristine the British uniforms should be after a while in the field. Unlike modern armies these were funded from pay. A disciplined soldier could keep things clean but I'd imagine a limit to how things could be kept in repair. The pristine look clearly p[lays a part in these films to emphasize the contrast between an organised force and a rag tag force. You wear the uniform for your re-enactments but have you walked long distances, endured weathering and camped out in it and were the soldiers fully uniformed all the time?

[@kraig800i]

The scene with the officer is full on cringe considering the movies swing from serious to farce. But I'm curious, what's your take on 18th century make up on Military personnel? Most pictures of Bonnie Prince Charlie show him wearing Makeup. . . but was this a common thing to see or was it more of prosperity for the act of portraiture and special occasions or was there ANY generals on the battlefield wearing make up ? ? ?

[@aUnhealthybreakfast]

Brandon, thank you for another interesting commentary. By any chance have you seen the 1988 tv film, April Morning? Would love to hear your opinion on it if you have.

[@BrandonF]

I believe that we were actually shown a scene from that one back in 6th grade...I will have to revisit it!