The Four Feathers (2002 film)

The Four Feathers is a 2002 action drama film directed by Shekhar Kapur, starring Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, Djimon Hounsou and Kate Hudson. Set during the British Armys Gordon Relief Expedition late 1884 to early 1885 in Sudan, it tells the story of a young man accused of cowardice.

Harry Faversham Heath Ledger, a young British officer completing his training, celebrates his engagement to the beautiful young Ethne Kate Hudson, in a lavish ball with his fellow officers and his father in attendance. When the regimental Colonel James Cosmo announces that the regiment is being dispatched to Egyptianruled Sudan to rescue the British General Charles Chinese Gordon who is being besieged in Khartoum by Islamic rebels of the Mahdi, young Faversham has serious ethical reservations about the war, and resigns his commission. Shocked by his sons actions, Harrys father Tim PigottSmith disowns him. Perceiving his resignation as cowardice, three of his friends and his fiance each give him a white feather, the symbol of cowardice. Ethne breaks off their engagement.Tormented, isolated and alone in London, Harry learns that his best friend Jack Wes Bentley and his former regiment have come under brutal attack by rebels. Undertaking the perilous journey into the Sudan alone, he strikes up an alliance with Abou Fatma Djimon Hounsou, a wise mercenary warrior. Harry disguises himself as an Arab. Harry and Abou Fatma follow a group of army workers he believes to be Mahdi spies, and reach the garrison of AbuKlea near Khartoum, which they realise on entry has been overrun. Before they can leave, the gates are closed. Harry is taken roughly aside he begs Abou Fatma to warn his friends that their destination is under siege and an attack is likely. Instead of being discovered, Harry is given a red British army jacket. ........

Source: Wikipedia