Andrew Garfield Stars in 'The Uprising,' a Bloody Depiction of English History

The film "The Uprising," directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Andrew Garfield, offers a gritty portrayal of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt in England. Film critic Brian Viner described the movie as "one of the muddiest and bloodiest films I've ever seen," while still awarding it four out of five stars.

The Uprising centers on a farmer, known only as 'the Ploughman,' played by Garfield, who is grieving the loss of his family during a pandemic and is incensed by the corrupt tax collectors of the time. He becomes a recruit for the rebel leader Wat Tyler, portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis, and his associate John Ball, played by Jamie Bell. The film depicts their followers as loyal to the young King Richard II, but resentful of his punitive taxes and the influence of his council.

The narrative follows the peasant militia's march on London and their confrontation with the young king, whose advisors attempt to suppress the unrest. The film portrays Richard II's surprising agreement to Tyler's demands for a more just society, leading to the beheadings of some of his councillors and the creation of a new people's charter.

Viner noted that the film, while fictionalized, successfully sheds light on a lesser-known period of English history. He compared its spirit to reality television and alluded to potential modern parallels concerning civil unrest and the abuse of power, though he also suggested viewers could enjoy it as a straightforward story. The cast also includes Jonny Lee Miller, Stephen Dillane, Thomasin McKenzie, and Katherine Waterston.

A potential drawback for some viewers may be the film's explicit violence and a final epilogue that Viner suggests might divide audiences. "The Uprising" was released in UK cinemas on October 9.