Following five other film adaptations, including a critically acclaimed 1939 version, Shekar Kapur (“Elizabeth”) directs Heath Ledger (“A Knight?s Tale”) in a new version of “The Four Feathers.” The film, based on the best selling 1901 novel by A.E.W. Mason, probes into British culture of the late 19th century and their quest to conquer.

Ledger stars as Harry Faversham, a man trying to live up to his father?s and British society?s notion that a man is not honorable if he does not serve his country in battle. Everything is all fun and violent games of rugby until his regiment is called to duty in the Sudan.

Harry panics as the reality of going to war sets in, and quietly resigns from the army. Friends and family are disgusted and ashamed of his retreat from responsibility, and three friends, as well as his fiancee, Ethne Eustace (played by Kate Hudson of “Almost Famous”) each send him a white feather as a symbol of his cowardice. In order to prove to his loved ones and himself that he is a man of honor, Harry journeys off into the desert of Sudan after his regiment and disguises himself as a native to try and help as a spy.

The problems that arise in the plot of “The Four Feathers” are due to one main factor: a lack of development. The film has all the required elements to be great, with a potentially engaging war adventure story and possibly passionate yet twisted romance. But the audience never gets to know enough about either to really care what happens.

The war scenes are interesting and we think we know where things are headed, but by the end of the film, we don?t even know who wins or perhaps more importantly, why they were fighting in the first place. We are given the vague impression that the British simply want someone else?s territory. But is that supposed to make us root for them? The fact that we only get to see Harry and Ethne passionately in love for 15 minutes before she dumps him and calls him a coward just doesn?t make us long for them to get back together.

In its defense, the film does have some worthy attributes. The beautiful settings in London and the Moroccan Desert make for a visually-stimulating contrast between the lush, foggy landscapes of England and hot and dusty, bright white desert.

The acting in the film is also worth watching, particularly Wes Bentley (“American Beauty”) as Jack Durrance, Harry?s best friend. He doesn?t even need dialogue to convey jealousy towards Harry, just the crazed glare he projects in the film.

Another stand-out actor is Djimon Hounsou (“Gladiator”) as Abou Fatma, a desert native who saves and befriends Harry. Though Abou isn?t a main character, he is memorable as perhaps the most likable, three-dimensional person in the film.

Even with its flaws, “The Four Feathers” isn?t a bad movie, but it could have been better. Ledger lovers, be forewarned that for most of the movie, he?s crawling around in the sand and in serious need of Chap Stick. If that doesn?t scare you, catch the movie this Friday, Sept. 20.