©Courtesy of Zro Films
The Film “1780” directed by: Dustin Fairbanks is a movie of mind game, chess game of sorts and is where the young America was going through in the early years of its existence. Mixing great actors with the poetic writing of Stephan Ralph Delpiano. I feel the sincere effort of the filmmakers and performers is worth watching this film. Certain people in similar to a game of chess wherein the people of authority may think they are in the upper hand. The underdog may out maneuver their way through “bluffing” – in words or in action.
Within the film the characters try their best to outwit each other. At certain points they already know about each other’s secrets. The audience already know that there is a battle that will ensue but how, where and when it will happen ?
The Redcoat Commander Roberts’ (R. Keith Harris) cunning performance is one of the best in the cast. He was strong, arrogant but believable. He knew what he wanted and won’t stop until he gets what he wants – the truth. But at the back of my mind, I wonder if Kevin Spacey was given this part instead. Would the film be edgier or feistier? How I wish the two actors switched roles. (That’s just my humble layman’s opinion.)
Meanwhile, Kevin Spacey was given the opportunity to play a very quirky and witty character named Thomas – with a heavy Southern accent being the know it all local informant giving them a tour of the area. Kevin seem to have enjoyed playing with the charter with such energy and gusto. His line delivery was deliberate gang ho and on point. It was almost too easy a character for him to play that’s why I thought him playing the commander role would have been more challenging. But as we would expect from a very professional actor like Kevin Spacey, he was able to create a well prepared character that is memorable and meaningful in the movie. In fact with the make up and costume, you would not even recognize him.
©Courtesy of Zro Films
The Red Coats Soldiers are looking for Abner (Vince Eisenson ) who is now wounded. He was saved by a Father and Son Duo. The Father who is a discharged soldier named Honore (P.J. Marshall) and the very young son Miles (Kamilo Alonzo). They both decided to take him home to take care of him. But they did not know that only a few hours after they will be confronted by a 3 men soldier brigade because they are harboring the fugitive. The Father and Son had great chemistry and were believable in their performances. They certainly were perfectly casted for the roles. They played it with empathy and with sincerity ! Let’s watch out for the careers of these two actors.
Here the battle ensues starting with the mind game of hiding the truth and then the revelation of which ended up with a battle of brawn, brain and weapon. The momentum of the film became fast and exciting. Kudos to be director and writer of the film.
It was a survival of the fittest or survival of the wittiest. It was a battle of the honorable or a battle of the wicked. The secrets revealed was the cause of the demise. The secrets hidden was the cause of the surprise.
The audience would still probably ask me if I would recommend this film. I certainly would say yes because of Kevin Spacey’s brilliant performance and that “1780” is a picture of how America was young, naive and out of control. It’s worth watching this independently produced film.
July 4, 2026 is the 250th Birthday of America….I think you should watch this film and see how America has come along way. We fight for survival and still fighting to “Stay Alive!” Long Live the USA. Happy Birthday America ! Kudos to the filmmakers of “1780!”
©Courtesy of Zro Films
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Here’s the trailer of the film.