Revolution (1985) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Revolution is primarily set in New York City during the American Revolutionary War, with additional scenes at Valley Forge. New York City serves as the chaotic backdrop for the main characters' struggles, depicting the political unrest and fervent patriotism of the era. Valley Forge is shown to highlight the harsh winter conditions endured by Continental Army soldiers.

• new york city
• valley forge
• setting
• american revolutionary war

The film is set during the American Revolutionary War, specifically between 1775-1783. This was the period when the thirteen American colonies fought against British rule for independence, marking a pivotal era in American history defined by battles for liberty and the struggle to establish a new nation.

• american revolutionary war
• 1775-1783
• time period
• colonial america

Revolution explores three central themes: War and Sacrifice, showing the personal costs of fighting for freedom; Love and Loyalty, depicting how relationships are tested amid personal affiliations and moral dilemmas; and Resilience, highlighting characters' determination to survive and protect each other despite overwhelming odds throughout the war.

• war and sacrifice
• love and loyalty
• resilience
• themes
• freedom

The film centers on three key characters: Tom Dobb (Al Pacino), a determined fur trader and father who joins the rebellion to be with his son; Ned Dobb (Dave King), his young son who evolves from a drummer boy into a scout in the Continental Army; and Daisy (Nastassja Kinski), a compassionate woman who supports the Patriots and provides medical aid while navigating her own conflicts between duty and personal connections.

• tom dobbs
• ned dobbs
• daisy
• al pacino
• characters
• cast

Tom Dobb is the protagonist portrayed by Al Pacino, a pragmatic fur trader who becomes a soldier in the Continental Army. His journey reflects an internal struggle between personal safety and the call of duty, as he questions the cost of freedom while fighting to protect his son Ned. He represents the common man's perspective on the revolution.

• tom dobbs
• al pacino
• protagonist
• father
• soldier

Ned Dobb is Tom Dobb's son, a young boy who initially embodies innocence and adventure. He decides to enlist as a drummer boy in the Continental Army, driven by a desire to contribute to the fight for freedom. Throughout the film, Ned matures into a scout, transforming from a child into a courageous young man amid the chaos of war.

• ned dobbs
• drummer boy
• scout
• continental army
• son

Daisy, played by Nastassja Kinski, is a compassionate and strong-willed character who grapples with her family's allegiances and personal beliefs during the war. She supports the Patriot cause and becomes involved in providing medical aid to soldiers. Her interactions with Tom and Ned reveal her inner conflict between duty to the cause and her personal connections to the characters.

• daisy
• nastassja kinski
• patriot
• medical aid
• love interest

The film portrays freedom as having a harsh cost, particularly for the common man. While the revolution is ultimately won, the personal victory is hollow for Tom, marked by broken promises, poverty, humiliation, and the brutal realities of combat. The movie emphasizes that the fight for independence brought profound sacrifice and emotional toll on families and communities.

• freedom
• cost of war
• sacrifice
• revolution
• personal cost

Valley Forge is depicted as a critical location in the film, representing the harsh winter endured by Continental Army soldiers. It showcases the determination of rebel forces to continue fighting despite extreme hardships, cold, starvation, and disease. This setting underscores the film's theme of resilience and the sacrifices made by ordinary soldiers during the Revolutionary War.

• valley forge
• winter
• continental army
• hardship
• military camp

Revolution depicts warfare with intensity and realism, showing the relentless violence, constant danger, and high emotional stakes faced by soldiers and civilians alike. The film does not glorify battle but instead emphasizes its brutality, the emotional toll on individuals, and the profound impact on communities. The tone remains grounded in stark, unforgiving realism with minimal humor or romance.

• warfare
• battle
• violence
• realism
• combat depiction

The relationship between Tom and Ned Dobb is the emotional core of the film. When Ned joins the rebels, Tom's determination to be with his son drives him to also join the rebellion. Their journey showcases a father's protective instinct contrasted with his son's desire to contribute to the cause, reflecting themes of love, loyalty, and the complex dynamics of family amid war.

• father son relationship
• tom and ned
• family
• protection
• bonding

Revolution is set against the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War, a historical period marked by the thirteen colonies' struggle for independence from British rule. The film reflects the societal tensions, challenges faced by common citizens and soldiers, and the ideals of liberty that defined this era. It portrays the conflict between the well-organized British army and the makeshift rebel forces of ordinary colonists.

• american revolutionary war
• historical context
• colonial america
• british rule
• independence