The Uprising
Rebellion always feels like a timely concept. Especially these days, with the pandemic not so far in our collective rearview mirrors and political disagreement at a perpetually loud pitch, seemingly half the country is in favor of overthrowing the government at any given time. The historical drama The Uprising tells the story of a town that had enough of working to fill other people’s pockets and marched for their freedom. Loosely based on the Peasant’s Revolt of 1381, when rebels fought back due to taxing at the hands of King Richard II, it tries to give an immediacy to their desperation.
Writer/director Paul Greengrass uses handheld cameras (as he tends to do) to get close to these men. His approach succeeds when there is action, though it acts as more of a distraction during the dialogue scenes. Andrew Garfield gives a very strong performance as the rebellion’s instigator and the tension surrounding the various motivations is well-handled. The main downside here is how thinly drawn the characters are. Keeping them as symbols allows for the inevitable comparisons to modern times, but it also makes it difficult to fully engage with the who and the why.
Additionally, the final scene, an epilogue taking place one year after the events of the story, is extremely misguided, trying to give the audience something exciting and recognizable to walk out of the theater with. Greengrass clearly wanted to end his sad story on a hopeful note. However, he swung too hard and the result is far more groan-inducing than it should be. Otherwise, The Uprising (123 minutes, minus the end credits) is a reasonably interesting slice of historical fiction.
It is 1381 and England has been ravaged by the plague. When the King’s council decide to increase taxes to keep the kingdom afloat, a grieving farmer, known only as Ploughman, takes a stand. Many others take up the cause, catching the attention of young King Richard II. Will their revolt lead to lasting change? Or will it only lead to more death?
By calling his protagonist Ploughman, Greengrass is going for a symbolic everyman. That is what he goes by because that is what his government sees him as. He is not an individual who lost his family to sickness; he is a profession and property. Andrew Garfield continues to prove how undervalued he is as a performer, bringing layers to a character who has none.
He has been broken by loss, yet his rage at what his country is doing to him and the rest of the townspeople awakens something in him. He doesn’t want bloodshed, just the freedom to live in peace. He is the perfect spokesperson for the group because he is sensible, compassionate and truly respects the crown. Garfield shows Ploughman’s faith, anger and despair at war with each other, while he holds himself together as best as he can to honor his late wife. It is very good work in a movie that definitely needed it.
Ploughman is surrounded by real-life figures, like revolt leader Wat Tyler and priest John Ball. These are men with their own reasons for rising up, that don’t always align. Then there is King Richard II, a fearful young man who is manipulated by his council. Their motivations all contribute to a situation that is much bigger than Ploughman.
Paul Greengrass’ screenplay places Ploughman in this world, putting him right in the thick of something he can’t possibly control. It is an effective parallel to how many of us feel even today, doubting if our leaders have our interests in mind while they make decisions on our behalf. When The Uprising focuses on that aspect of its story, showing those consequences, it is compelling.
3¼ out of 5
Cast:
Andrew Garfield as Ploughman
Jamie Bell as John Ball
Cosmo Jarvis as Wat Tyler
Thomasin McKenzie as Alyce
Woody Norman as King Richard II
Katherine Waterston as Countess
Written/Directed by Paul Greengrass
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