by Miguel Mike Medina
Sergeant York is a biopic based on the Tennessee marksman Alvin York, who converted as a Christian and finds himself torn between nonviolent beliefs and his desire to serve his country when recruited to fight in World War One. The film is directed by Howard Hawks. Howard’s filmmaking ability in this movie did not disappoint. There were great shots and camera angles.
The acting and film editing were amazing. Superb acting by the great Gary Cooper, who is portrayed as Sergeant Alvin C. York. This role landed him an Oscar. The scenes with Alvin and Gracie Williams were outstanding especially in their first scene together. Alvin promised her that he would see her again and he did. She doubted him but he proved her wrong. Alvin won her heart.
The thunderstorm scene symbolized how Alvin was feeling and when he got knocked down by the storm, he walked inside the church where people were singing. Alvin was going to do something crazy and if it weren’t for the strong thunderstorm, it could’ve ended things badly for him.
What did Alvin want? He wanted a mule. He wants to buy the Mike from Mr. Tomkins and Tomkins gives him back the mule. However, Alvin learns that Zeb Andrews bought the land. Alvin was willing to work for him. Zeb confessed to Alvin that he bought the land to spite him.
George York’s character is fascinating. He’s this tough, hard-nosed teenager who is constantly holding his shotgun rifle. He had some guts when he pointed the rifle at Alvin during the bar scene. He told Lavin that their mother wanted him to go home. When the men at the bar teased Alvin, it caused a huge fight at the bar.
One of the issues I had with this movie was that there were chunks of the movie that felt too slow. Also, in the second half of the movie, the film felt over-patriotic.
The last ten minutes of the movie are beautifully shot and well-acted. Alvin received a Medal of Honor, the key to the city, and a great moment with Alvin and his mother. All Alvin wanted was to go home. He didn’t care about having fame or being told about his story through motion picture. He just wanted to be with his family. When Alvin reunites with his wife Gracie and his family, that is the perfect conclusion to the movie.
Sergeant York is one of the biggest movies from 1941. It was a major hit. My overall review is 4.3 out of 5 stars. You can find Sergeant York on Tubi. It’s free. It’s worth watching the movie more than once.
