“The Four Feathers” is being released at an interesting time in our country’s relationship to the rest of the world. See if you notice any parts of the story that could well be taking place today. I thought that this film’s handling of the issues of empire building through war, courage in the face of battle, and the value of friendship feels remarkably contemporary given that this story begins in 1875.

During this time period, over 125 years ago, the British Empire is pushing its weight around in the Sudan and the Sudanese take exception to their presence. Led by a Muslim religious leader or Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmed, the Sudanese revolt. The British send in more troops to defeat him and disaster occurs.

Among those men sent to their certain death are four friends. There should have been five, but Harry Faversham (Heath Ledger) refuses to go. Is he a coward because he questions his country’s motivation for fighting? His friends think so and send him three white feathers as a sign of cowardice. The fourth feather, sent by someone dear to Harry’s heart, arrives soon after. Now all is truly lost.

Once the troops are in the Sudan, they quickly find that they are no match for the Mahdi’s men. Back in England, Harry decides he has a duty to rescue his friends. He follows them to the Sudan and finds that in trying to save them, he just may find a way to save himself.

The story for this film comes from a novel by A.E.W. Mason, which was first published in 1902 and has been filmed before in 1915 (silent), 1921 (silent), 1929, 1939 and 1977 (for TV). Shekhar Kapur (“Elizabeth”) directs this version beautifully and fulfills the implied promise for a grand adventure.

Ledger (“The Patriot”) throws himself into the role of Harry and appears to hold back nothing as his character steps off the edge of a familiar world into what can only be described as an emotional and physical hell. In scene after scene his character has everything that makes us human stripped away from him.

First his relationship to society, then his relationship to his friends and family, and finally his relationship to the very rules and practices that separate humans from animals. Ledger’s ability to play this emotional range and still hold the sympathies of at least this member of the audience is impressive. His physical range is equally so and includes performing stunts, like a running jump onto a galloping horse, that could not have been faked by a double.

Wes Bentley (“American Beauty”), who plays his best friend Jack Durrance, is equally impressive as is the amazing Djimon Hounsou (“Gladiator”) as Harry’s savior Abou. Kate Hudson (“Almost Famous”), as Harry’s fiancé Ethne, manages a very convincing innocence that keeps her character likeable and grounded in reality.

The screenplay is co-written by Michael Schiffer (“Crimson Tide”) and Hossein Amini (“Wings of the Dove”). Together they have managed to create a story that builds in dramatic tension, balances a set of complex characters, and delves into the dark reaches of the human heart to find redemption.

Rated PG-13 for intense battle sequences, disturbing images, violence and some sensuality.