Revolution 1985
Hugh Hudson's epic war-drama Revolution (1985) drops viewers into the heart of the American Revolution through the eyes of New York trapper Tom Dobb, played with raw intensity by Al Pacino.
Director: Hugh Hudson
Cast
Al Pacino
Tom Dobb
Donald Sutherland
Sgt. Maj. Peasy
Nastassja Kinski
Daisy McConnahay
Joan Plowright
Mrs. McConnahay
Dave King
Mr. McConnahay
Dexter Fletcher
Ned Dobb
Sid Owen
Young Ned
Richard O'Brien
Lord Hampton
Steven Berkoff
Sgt. Jones
Annie Lennox
Liberty Woman
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Revolution (1985) about?
New York trapper Tom Dobb reluctantly enters the American Revolution after his son is forcibly drafted into the British Army. In his desperate search to find Ned, Dobb crosses paths with Daisy McConnahay, a rebel with conflicting loyalties, and slowly embraces the cause of colonial independence.
Who directed Revolution?
Revolution was directed by Hugh Hudson, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Chariots of Fire, known for his visually rich storytelling and historical dramas.
Who stars in Revolution?
The film features Al Pacino as Tom Dobb, Donald Sutherland as Sergeant Major Peasy, Nastassja Kinski as Daisy McConnahay, Joan Plowright, and a young Dexter Fletcher in a supporting role.
Is Revolution (1985) worth watching?
Though it received mixed reviews and a modest box-office response, Revolution (1985) offers sweeping cinematography, strong performances—especially from Pacino—and a thought-provoking exploration of war's human cost. It's a challenging but rewarding watch for fans of historical epics and character-driven drama.
How long is Revolution?
Revolution runs for 126 minutes, or just over two hours, making it a substantial historical drama.
🎥 Trailer
About Revolution (1985) — Al Pacino's war odyssey of a father's fight for freedom and family
Hugh Hudson's epic war-drama Revolution (1985) drops viewers into the heart of the American Revolution through the eyes of New York trapper Tom Dobb, played with raw intensity by Al Pacino. Sent on a perilous quest to rescue his son from conscription, Dobb confronts the brutal realities of a nation torn between loyalty and rebellion. Alongside the spirited aristocrat Daisy McConnahay, portrayed by Nastassja Kinski, he evolves from a reluctant survivor into a determined defender of colonial freedom. The film unfolds against sweeping battlefields and fiery town squares, blending intimate personal drama with grand historical spectacle. Hudson crafts a visually arresting story that questions sacrifice, identity, and the true cost of revolution.
Revolution (1985) isn't just a war movie—it's a poignant character study set against the cradle of democracy. With Donald Sutherland as the ruthless Sergeant Major Peasy and Joan Plowright lending gravitas as a stalwart elder, the cast brings depth to both heroic and villainous roles. The genre weaves adventure with drama and history, immersing audiences in the moral ambiguity of war. Its sweeping visuals and emotional core create an immersive experience that lingers long after the drums of battle fade.
