There is nothing quite like the feeling of an international parcel hitting the doorstep, especially when it contains a classic piece of campaign gaming history you’ve been eagerly anticipating! My boxed copy of GDW’s 1982 classic, Soldier King , officially arrived today—safely shipped over from Noble Knight Games. The components are in fantastic condition. Leafing through those vintage 1982 rulebook pages and unrolling the map sheets in person immediately brings back that great, nostalgic operational gaming aesthetic. The Inspiration Behind the Campaign I have to give a massive tip of the hat to Neil Patterson over at the Aufklarungsabteilung blog. It was reading through Neil’s fantastic posts and seeing how he integrated Soldier King into his own campaign gaming that originally hooked me on the concept. The clean map layout, simple area movement, and multi-faction dynamic make it an ideal engine for driving grand-scale strategic campaigns on the tabletop w...
Battle of the Brave (2004)
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Battle of the Brave: The Fall of Nouvelle-France
Directed by Jean Beaudin (Released: 2004)
Introduction: Set during the final years of French rule in North America, Battle of the Brave is a historical romance that plays out against the backdrop of the Seven Years War. While the central plot focuses on the star-crossed love between a peasant woman and an adventurer, the film’s true value for the historian lies in its portrayal of a colony abandoned by its mother country. It culminates in a sweeping depiction of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, where the fate of Canada was decided in a single, bloody morning.
Official YouTube Trailer
Historical Accuracy: The film captures the desperate atmosphere of 1759 remarkably well. From a wargaming perspective, seeing the French Regulars (Troupes de Terre) and the Compagnies Franches de la Marine in their white uniforms offers fantastic visual inspiration for painting 6mm units. The climactic battle sequence provides a visceral look at the "thin red line" vs the French columns, even if the cinematic scale is somewhat compressed. It also features a star-studded supporting cast, including Jason Isaacs as General Wolfe and Gérard Depardieu, which adds a certain gravitas to the historical vignettes.
Conclusion: Whilst the romantic elements can feel a bit traditional, Battle of the Brave is a must-watch for its production value alone. It is one of the few films that gives the French side of the conflict significant screen time and a high budget. For anyone building a French force for the 3rd Silesian War or the American frontier, the costume and set design provide plenty of "eye candy" to keep the motivation high at the painting desk.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Muskets.
What do you think?
Have you seen this film? Did it inspire you to pick up the paintbrush, or were the tactical errors too much to bear? Let me know in the comments!
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