Thomas F. (hardtack) from GAINESVILLE, FL Reviewed on 1/6/2018...
Just a couple bits of trivia viewers of this movie should be aware of.
1) Alexander Hamilton was not Washington's aide at the time of the battle. He didn't take that post until six weeks after the battle. Before that he was a captain of artillery and served in that role at the Battle of Trenton.
2) The Hessians weren't drunk or weary from celebrating on Christmas Eve. Outposts had reported the advance of Washington's troops. As a result, the Hessian troops were awaken and formed ranks in the street, stood there for awhile, then returned to quarters. This happened more than once. But because the American army was late in meeting its schedule, Washington had wanted to attack at dawn, the Hessian commander, finally convinced it was a false alarm, let the troops go back to their beds. Which is where they were found asleep when the American army did attack.
4 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jean W. from JORDANVILLE, NY Reviewed on 4/5/2010...
very good movie about Washington and the early revolution. Well worth watching.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Washington and the Battle of Trenton
Matthew S. Schweitzer | Columbus, OH United States | 03/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a wonderfully done made-for-cable movie about George Washington and his famous victory at the Battle of Trenton in the winter of 1776. Starring Jeff Daniels as General Washington, this film brings an important episode in American history vividly to life. We see the broken remnants of the Continental army as it races to avoid capture following their defeats in New York. The British, close on the heels of the retreating rebels, have written the Americans off as being on the verge of total surrender. Washington, tired and beaten, realizes that he must make one last attempt to achieve victory or all hope for the revolution will be lost. Against the judgement of his officers, Washington prepares to launch a desperate offensive against a large force of Hessian troops occupying the town of Trenton, just across the Delaware River in New Jersey. The future of the new United States hangs in the balance as the rag-tag army bets all or nothing on this dangerous gamble. Well written and with money well-spent, The Crossing is a dramatic telling of this important moment in American history, and one that I would recommend to teachers, students, and history enthusiasts alike."
A well acted and accurate accounting of the historical event
historyone | Republic of Texas, USA | 03/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the last 10 years or so, Hollywood and cable TV has finally started to get it right when they make movies (Widescreen or TV) about historical events, and The Crossing is no exception. This is a well acted account of one of the major events of the War of Independence. Jeff Daniels portrays a superb George Washington, who was at times very impatient and hot tempered. History seems to gloss over the imperfections and vulnerabilities of our nations beloved figures, however this movie shows Washington to be flawed and tired at times like the rest of his army was.The uniforms,locations, and camp life were accurate as well as the filth and harsh existence the Continental Army had to go through. The movie did an excellent job of trying to film the famous battle, which definitely caught the Hessians by suprise.Overall, a well acted, accurately portrayed Revolutionary War movie."
A History Must See!
Ted King | Claremore, Oklahoma United States | 05/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A&E's The Crossing, starring Jeff Daniels as General George Washington, is one of the best historical productions I have ever seen. The movie tells of General George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River to attack the Hessians in Trenton, New Jersey on December 25th, 1776. This is a very important story for Americans to know. The American War of Independence was almost lost by the end of 1776. In The Crossing, Jeff Daniels with an excellent supporting cast, recreates that period of an American cause in dire straits. General Washington and his men with pure tenacity, win a critical battle that saved the American army from disintergration. The acting, atmosphere and music make this production inspirational and top notch.
One of the best historical presentations you will see!"
Watch it with your kids.
William J. Miller | Churchville, VA USA | 07/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is very difficult to translate history to modern audiences. People of the past do not speak the same cultural language as modern Americans, or, to be more precise, modern Americans have difficulty understanding the motivations of their countrymen of 50, or 100, or 200 years ago."The Crossing" is an excellent film. I mean that it excels in many respects, but not all. When I first heard that Jeff Daniels, of "Dumb and Dumber" infamy, was to play Washington, I slapped my forehead and groaned for history. Hollywood, once again, I thought, would fabricate history--replete with [standard] characters, stooges, faithful sidekicks and villainous bad guys (ala "The Patriot")--rather than make an honest attempt at what we know as the facts.I was wrong. Howard Fast wrote the novel and the screenplay. He is the same fellow who gave us "April Morning" and "Citizen Tom Paine", among other fiction classics of America's early Revolutionary history. Fast became a socialist, but always revered the spirit and determination of the Founders, which, perhaps, is why he became a socialist. I do not agree with his later political leanings, but I share his respect for the revolutionaries who made America and know we would share a hatred of the tyranny they opposed.Is this film flawed? It certainly is to the extent noted [....] The screenplay is not accurate in many particulars (Fast was not fastidious in this regard). However, it captures as few films have the spirit of the Revolution, the desperation of the times and the greatness of Washington. Daniels did a superb job, with the strong script, of showing why Washington was the leader he was.This is an entertaining and informative film for adults, but I think its chief value is as an excellent introduction to America's first hero and the long odds against which the people who made America labored. Their success was a miracle.If you are looking for a good film to excite your kids about America and her beginnings, pull out a map, show them the Delaware River and "Washington's Crossing" just north of Philadelphia and watch "The Crossing" with them."
Brilliant depiction of the Revolution's turning point...
Thomas Moody | STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS United States | 12/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As with all movies based on historical fact, the yardstick for this movie should be the accuracy presented regarding the battle of Trenton. Based on my somewhat limited reading (Richard Kethchum's "The Winter Soldiers"), this movie delivers reasonably well. More so, the most truly important aspect of history movies, in my opinion, is the context and how well this given period is presented...in essence, how deeply does the viewer feel involved? This is the issue that makes this movie stand out. Watching this, I felt all the emotions that Washington appeared to go through (desperation, frustration, exhileration upon smashing the Hessians at Trenton...) and just marveled at the "period" depiction. I really felt that this was what it was like in 1776 Pennsylvania and New Jersey (volunteers with no uniforms or warm clothes...some even without shoes in the dead of winter...). Washington's character was well played by Jeff Daniels as he portrayed the important leadership qualities that made him a legend and founding father. Daniels "playing" Washington also managed to come across as somewhat flawed (i.e. "human"...) while giving a semblance of Washington's major desperation. On the negative side, I'm not so sure that Colonel Glover's role was historically accurate, although it was also well acted. In summary, an excellent movie and one that should be viewed by anyone interested in the Revolution. Highest recommendation."