Master of Dragonard Hill (1987)

Introduction
"Master of Dragonard Hill", also referred to as "Dragonard", is a 1987 historical drama produced by Cannon Films and directed by Gérard Kikoïne. The screenplay by Stuart Gordon and Tom Raycove is based upon Rupert Gilchrist's 1790s unique, "Dragonard". The lead roles are played by veteran actors Oliver Reed, Eartha Kitt, and Herbert Lom, with a significant look by Patrick Warburton in his first film outing.

Plot
Oliver Reed plays Leach, a guy who is immensely strong and is sent out to a chastening nest as a servant on the Caribbean island of Haiti, which is then referred to as Saint-Domingue. He is sent out there due to his insubordinate habits while quelling a rebellion on the ship he was supposed to safeguard. His friend, a black preacher called Tambou (erstwhile singer Eartha Kitt), vouches for him after a battle and accompanies him on his journey to flexibility.

In Saint-Domingue, Leach sustains the wrath of the ruthless plantation owner, M. de Salignac, played by Herbert Lom. Salignac declines to let him leave from the island due to an old vendetta, and Leach becomes the target of consistent abuse and abuse under Salignac's rule.

Conflict and Climax
The crux of the story centers around the attempted rebellion of the slaves. Leach and Tambou, discovering themselves in the middle of the plantation slaves, assistance manage a revolt against the overbearing colonists while at the same time attempting to keep Leach alive from Salignac's endless efforts to eliminate him.

The climax of the motion picture gets here when Leach is lashed 100 times in public, a penalty purchased by Salignac. After enduring this ruthless occasion, he ends up being a hero to the slaves, who unify under him as their leader. Hence, the title of the movie, "Master of Dragonard Hill", refers to the plantation where the slaves work.

Conclusion & Aftermath
Having ended up being a symbol of disobedience, Leach leads the slaves in a revolt versus Salignac and the French colonists, activating a brutal war. His durability and determination pay off when the servants finally topple their masters. The ruthless Salignac is eliminated, bringing a triumphant end to Leach's battle.

At the end of the film, regardless of the opportunity to return home, Leach chooses to remain on the island with individuals he has grown so carefully connected to. He continues to assist them rebuild their lives after the devastating war.

Final Thoughts
"Master of Dragonard Hill" supplies a raw portrayal of the scaries faced by slaves under French colonial rule in the late 18th century, and the desire for freedom and self-governance. It illustrates the battle against injustice and shines a light on the exploitation sustained by the unfortunate servants.

This historical drama is similar to the period when action movies about colonial revolts were popular, with the movie dealing with the heavy subjects of slavery and rebellion with great aplomb. While the film received a mixed reception, due to its raw and unflinching presentation of the cruelty faced by servants, it did create a mark for its audacious storytelling.

The efficiencies of Oliver Reed, Eartha Kitt, and Herbert Lom included gravitas to the film, raising the gritty and ruthless story to some degree. "Master of Dragonard Hill" stays a controversial yet noteworthy entry in the canon of historical drama films about slavery and disobedience.

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