Solid movie

Rating: 9/10 (14 November 2010)

Another reflection of our times! The theatres seem crammed with movies revolving in some way around 9/11 now, and I don't think I have seen a bad one yet. This may not be a great movie but it is worth seeing.
Of course there is the love story, and I think there is great chemistry between John and Savannah, and it starts with his chivalry from the very beginning on the beach. Fantastic! Then there is the historical value. Pay attention to the dates! (Your watching a movie about a soldier that starts in "Spring, 2001.") And then there is the autism. Another incredible piece of work by Richard Jenkins.
The three themes are all very realistic, there is no mushy fantasy in this film. In fact, there is the hardcore reality. Savannah is revealed as a girl who just wants to do the right thing, John is damaged goods, suffering from the same neglect by his mother, that little Alan is. Som great, intimate conversations throughout the movie, lots of little nuances only the astute will pick up.
Don't be getting up and down during this movie because you will miss something.
I was glad that they did not belabor the war effort here. We got a good flavor of it but it was more about the pain of leaving love ones behind, then the pain of the war itself.
I almost forgot to mention the coins, What a phenomenal use of symbolism. "I was minted in 1980." Just beautiful.
I encourage anyone to watch this movie. Touching, riveting, and just deep enough to choke you up every now and then.