Young Washington

He is one of the most revered, most loved and most admired men in American history. Founding Father, powerful general, devoted family man, and proud Virginian, known for his calm, resolve, wisdom and patience. All qualities that led him to become the first nominated leader of the newly created United States of America. George Washington is usually the first historical figure children will learn about in history. However, before he was the legend that helped birth America, he was once a young man who had nothing of material value, but only his intelligence, ambition and love for his country.

 In 1743, after the death of his father, young George Washington now finds himself responsible for his mother his baby brother Jack. This responsibility thrust upon his shoulders prevents him from obtaining a formal education. With the guidance of his older half-brother, Laurence, George studies, learns, and perseveres and by adulthood he is well read, well-spoken finally receiving a surveyors permit and an eagerness to better himself by serving in the king's army.

Much to his dismay, in spite of all that he has garnered in his boyhood, George's low born status prevents him from a position in the army. And as British classism demands, no one can ever change their circumstances. A poor man will always be a poor man; a rich man will always prevail and there in nothing under heaven that will change or even dare challenge those rules.

Yet, George is determined to rise above his poor status and challenge the higher powers. Eventually, he gets an opportunity to survey the wild Ohio Country where he crosses paths with the Mingo warriors who lead him straight to a French encampment; setting off the events which will lead to the French and Indian War. Now George finds himself right on the precipice of war where he will face battle, defeat, failure, and fear. With nothing left, but his experience of loss, George returns to the front lines to finish what he started and become the man that history will remember.

A simple story about a very complex man who loved his country and his home. Washington was a proud Virginian and this devotion to his colony is spread throughout the film. As a Virginian myself, I found this part of the storyline to be both endearing and personal. 

I found Young Washington to be incredibly engaging as well as bringing knowledge of the French and Indian War, a colonial war that's never been popular. English actor, William Franklyn-Miller had the daunting task of humanizing such an immense historical figure and he did it beautifully. Washington was a myriad of noble qualities and virtues, but his stubbornness cost him dearly. His fear of failure and self-doubts due to his low station haunts him endlessly. He didn't get to the top easily and had to fight to earn his place in the army and in society. Everything he did he did from his own merit. That's about as American as one can get.