Because only two years earlier General Braddock was disgracefully routed by a handful of French and Indians, the frontier is now exposed to real and imaginary savage disasters as well as to the horrors of warfare. Thus it is in 1757, in the New York area between the head waters of the Hudson River and Lake George (the "Horican") to the north. Though it is the last war that England and France waged for a country that neither would retain, the wilderness between the forces still has to be overcome first. The thing as a whole is glorious, sad, and triumphant in a restrained and real way.Before any characters appear, the time and geography are made clear. Otherwise, the cinematography is generally excellent, Day-Lewis's character in particular stands out for his flawless acting (this is not to say the rest of the actors were lacking), and the plot is generally fairly believable. It is about as intense as such a scene can get while the characters keep their eighteenth-century frontier clothing on, and might be a little passionate for a few viewers (I don't know your kid.), but, as I said, it's tasteful. The one kissing scene is rather long and highly-charged, but it, too, serves to advance the development of the characters without anything I thought gratuitous. Again, the portrayal of the violence of the act lends the message immeasurably more force.
This is a terrible scene, but it is one of redemption, when one man sacrifices himself for another whom he has previously wronged.
Finally, there are in other reviews references to a man being burned at the stake. I personally found the suicide scene beautiful, but it may be grounds for a bit of discussion on the topic. The frequent, but only occasionally graphic scenes of fighting and death of men and women on both sides serves to drive this message unforgettably.
The theme is plain: the right wins in the long run, but at a great cost. The morality of the good men and the treachery of the evil were clearly contrasted. War on the Colonial American frontier was a gentlemen's war in the European tradition, but it was a war for men and women of true character, strength, and grit. While this film was undeniably violent, it was not distastefully so in my opinion.
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