Film Review of Sybil Ludington Movie (2010)

You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor, Aristotle. What would you do if your country was counting on you? If you had a message that only you could deliver? Thats the story of sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludingtons famous midnight ride which was reflected in the movie as well. Sybil Ludington was an American Revolutionary War Woman who became famous for her horseback over 40 miles ride through a stormy, rainy night through upstate New York to warn militia that British troops were raiding and burning Danbury, Connecticut and to save the country during the Revolutionary War. While tucking in her 7 younger siblings, she heard that her fathers troupes needed to be rounded up to stop a surprise British attack. What makes her ride even more impressive than that of Paul Reveres ride is that she was just a kid of sixteen when she heroically rode a treacherous forty miles during the middle of the night. To find out where her route took her, how she fended off outlaws during her ride and see the incredible journey of the young girl, we advise you to watch the movie. Through this film we find the story of a family, their neighbors, and friends, as they face the dynamics of the Revolution and lived their lives with courage, faith, and determination. Its inspiring story touches the lives of those who embrace it, as Sybil, the oldest of 12 siblings, embraces her brothers and sisters, confronts the challenges before her and stands with her father as he faces a ‘price on his head’ by the British. Sybil Ludington courageously stands face to face with the war that filled the land she lived and loved with determination. Sybil Ludington’s Legacy The movie of Sybil inspires and encourages all to boldly go after what has been set before them to do with courage and faith. It inspires families and youth that what they have before them to do can make a difference for not only themselves, those around them, but their country. Sybil was congratulated for her heroism by friends and neighbors and also by General George Washington. It is not known whether during her lifetime any attention was given to her ride. In 1935 the New York State Education Department posted historical markers tracing Sibyl’s probable route and her home site. Just before the bicentennial of the American Revolution in 1976, Sybil Ludington was adopted as a symbol by the National Woman’s Party for use in campaigning for an equal rights amendment, and in 1975 Ludington became the thirty-fifth woman to be honored on a United States postal stamp. Dramas, an opera, and a marathon have been named for her. Each April since 1979, the Sybil Ludington 50-kilometer run has been held in Carmel, New York. The course of this hilly road race approximates Sybil’s historic ride, and finishes near her statue at Carmel, New York. Moreover, Ludingtons hometown, once named Fredericksburg, was renamed Ludingtonville to honor Sybils heroic acts. What is also interesting is the fact that Sybil has received a bit more acclaim for the ride that she made—there have been books written about her and even a board game where players follow her overnight path. The heroism of such a young girl was so powerful that Anna Hyatt Huntington decided to eternalize it. The bronze statue of Sibyl on her horse Star, sculpted by Anna Hyatt Huntington, was dedicated in 1961 on the shore of Lake Gleneida in Carmel, New York with smaller replicas in Danbury and at the Washington, DC headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Sybil was a brave young woman who are the idol to many brave young women. Americans should be thankful for what she did for her country. Now she is considered an American hero as she is a wonderful example of courage and faith. The courage to make a difference, the courage to stand, the courage to bring about change this is what the movie of Sybil is about. As Maxwell Maltz said †We must have courage to bet on our ideas, to take the calculated risk, and to act. Everyday living requires courage if life is to be effective and bring happiness†. That’s is why Sybils tale will always stay in America’s memory and will live on!