Discussion: Stephen Pressfield

March 27, 2003 “The Legend of Bagger Vance" is the most enjoyable and appreciated movie that I have ever seen. Each time I watch it (some thirty times now), I discover a new pearl for life. Stephen Pressfield's screenplay along with the most remarkable music (kudos) and perfect casting for the characters have resulted in a treasure for all time. Every character line has a purpose in helping us to look at our own lives in how we might approach adversity in a way that is healing and beautiful. Rather than acknowledge each cast member individually, I will just say that each is invaluable in contributing to this viewing experience. Needless to say, Robert Redford was destined to play a part in bringing "Bagger Vance" to us, the Redford style deeply embedded in this production. Sequels are almost never as good, but relying upon the chemistry that brought this gem to us, it would be a “can’t miss” proposition. One more time, please!

>>By Ronald Accas


This book review has been posted on my own forum as well, http://www.impossibledreamer.net/forum/


After having read 'Gates of Fire', I was entranced by Stephen Pressfield's descriptions of ancient war. Since high school, I had always thought the one thing no one depicts enough in literature is ancient Greece written in modern handwriting! It was exactly what I needed, a powerful book about the truths of war. Yet, I was boggled after having read the book, a gruesome, yet pageturning novel about one of the most famous and bloodiest battles in the Persian War. The reason I was so stunned, was because it was from the same person who had written the novel 'The Legend of Bagger Vance' - which was turned into a movie. As it goes, I had only seen the movie I didn't understand how these works came from one mind.

Then, I read the book, 'The Legend of Bagger Vance'. Undescribably different from the movie, the book seemed to mesh ideals with 'Gates of Fire'.

One reason Stephen Pressfield has become one of my favorite writers is because of our absolute similarity in thought. We are both split in two, torn between war and peace. Let me explain why 'Bagger Vance' touched my heart so.

When picking and choosing my way through college, unsure of which direction I really wanted to go, I was always led into the field of history. Studying history has been something I've never wanted to give up. My concentration, and practically the only thing about history that interests me... is War. It consumes a lot of pages in the textbooks, and strangley draws all of my attention. Having been an athlete of sorts, I often wished that I could have lived in the past. A warrior not just of the football field or athletics track - but on the battle field as well.

This is where my soul divides. To fight against the nature of yourself in utter abhorrance of that which you love. I hate war, I hate death, and I hate violence. How can one be a warrior when he's unwilling to fight? How can one uphold a set of virtues such as chivarly, courage, and strength; when that self same person refuses to act in these ways that are revered by him.

These questions have occupied my mind since I first sought my literary adventures, finding my niche in history. Apparently, I wasn't alone. Stephen Pressfield really hits the mark. A religious experience with little mention of a Christian God. A show of pure good and how we are all affected. I recommend this book to all who ever felt like I did. To any who have been torn between war and peace. And, I thank Stephen Pressfield for helping me realize what I knew all along. Power is not in taking life, but giving.

>>By Andy Stover


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