Some people will do anything for love – of a woman, their county or a best friend. In The Four Feathers, British soldier Harry Feversham (Heath Ledger) faces immeasurable danger and even death when he decides to follow his destiny in an effort to save and protect those he holds dear.

Based on the book by A.E.W. Mason, the movie begins with the announcement of war during the 1800s. When Sudanese rebels attack British forces in North Africa, Harry and his comrades, who have grown up, played rugby and trained for military action together, are suddenly off to battle. While Harry’s best friend Jack (Wes Bentley) can’t wait to take up arms, Harry suddenly gets cold feet and resigns his commission.

Harry’s announcement causes devastating results. His father, a staunch military man, disowns Harry. Ethne (Kate Hudson), his fiancée, not only breaks their engagement but also joins three of Harry’s best friends in sending him a box of four white feathers – the sign of a coward.

When Harry learns his former regiment is under severe attack, he goes to Africa and takes up with Abou Fatma (Djimon Hounsou), a mercenary who leads Harry on an important journey of self-discovery, one that teaches him the value of honor and the price of freedom.

With The Four Feathers, director Shekhar Kapur (Elizabeth) delivers an amazing epic film with many metaphors of life. Filmed in the Moroccan desert, cinematographer Robert Richardson (The Horse Whisperer) brings lush images, filmed in seas of shimmering sand, to the screen. "We even went so far as to carefully choose the sand dunes in which to shoot our scenes," explained Kapur. "We choose those with soft slopes, to resemble the soft curves of a woman, so the audience could get a more sympathetic feel for the characters."

The action in the film is compelling, the performances top-notch. Heath Ledger has won acclaim in many films (memorable are The Patriot and A Knight’s Tale); Bentley is remembered for his achievement in American Beauty; and Kate Hudson earned a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for Almost Famous.

Kapur expressed his admiration for the talent of all three actors. "I noticed one day that Wes needed help to cross a room and realized that although he could actually see, he had emotionally blinded himself for the role," said Kapur. "I was very surprised."

Ledger has played complicated characters before (Monster’s Ball) but in The Four Feathers he reaches new levels in his acting, both emotionally and physically. "I needed someone who could ultimately emerge from boyhood to manhood and finally to true wisdom," explained Kapur. "When I tested Heath, I was surprised that someone so young could have such wisdom."

Part of the intrigue of this film involves a key question. Was Harry actually a coward for refusing to fight – or was he brave because he had the nerve to refuse? "In order to face his fears, he must go beyond them," said Kapur. "When you throw yourself into doubt, you must make a personal journey to find who you are."

The Four Feathers captures the human spirit in an exhilarating and exciting motion picture.

(Released by Paramount and rated "PG-13" for intense battle sequences, disturbing images of violence, and some sensuality.)