Savannah

Set in the early 1900s, Savannah is a historical drama based on the life of real-life heroized characters. The story is centered around Ward Allen (Jim Caviezel), a white aristocrat and self-proclaimed philosopher, and his friendship with Christmas Moultrie (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a former slave who becomes a skilled duck hunter. The two of them forge a deep bond that is challenged by societal prejudices and Ward's non-conformist ways.

As the movie opens, we see Ward Allen firing a rifle to celebrate his return home to Georgia after studying abroad in England. He is rich, charismatic, and somewhat eccentric. Ward is not content to follow his wealthy father's footsteps - he is interested in hunting, literature, and philosophy. This clashes with his father's expectations of him settling down and marrying a suitable woman of societal standing. Ward's character is charming, and his beliefs are unorthodox for the time - he opposes hunting for sport and believes in fair chase. He also has an affinity for ducks and wildlife in general.

Enter Christmas Moultrie, a man who earns his livelihood by hunting ducks. He is also Ward's polar opposite - whereas Ward is free-spirited and outspoken, Christmas is mild-mannered and soft-spoken. They meet when Ward and his friend visit the local plantation slaves, and Christmas is the only one who dares to speak to them. This leads to an unlikely friendship where Ward introduces Christmas to the ways of the world and Christmas teaches him the skills of the land. Christmas is an expert shot with a shotgun, and he and Ward soon become successful hunting partners. As their friendship deepens, Ward becomes resentful of the racial prejudices that limit Christmas's opportunities.

One of the key themes of the movie is the bonds of friendship, which Ward and Christmas share despite the racial and societal norms of the time. Their friendship is challenged when Ward falls in love with Lucy Stubbs (Jaimie Alexander), who comes from a wealthy family and is expected to marry a man of her status. Lucy is intrigued by Ward's unorthodox ways and is drawn to his passion for life. Their love story is complicated by Ward's continued hunting with Christmas and his father's disapproval of Lucy's choice. Tension builds when Christmas is arrested for hunting out of season, and Ward must choose between his love for Lucy and his loyalty to his friend.

The movie is beautifully shot, with picturesque landscapes and scenes of duck hunting on the Savannah River. The acting is superb, with Jim Caviezel delivering a standout performance as Ward Allen. Chiwetel Ejiofor is equally impressive as the humble and skilled Christmas Moultrie. Jaimie Alexander provides a touch of romance to the film, and she shares great chemistry with Jim Caviezel.

Overall, Savannah is a captivating and emotional drama that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and societal norms. The characters are fully fleshed out, and the performances are impressive. The film showcases the stunning beauty of the Savannah River, which serves as the perfect backdrop to the story. It's an inspirational tale of two men who defy the shackles of prejudice and societal expectations to pursue their passions and forge an unbreakable bond. Savannah is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good historical drama.