"Nobody ever lies about being lonely."

Rating: 9/10 (2 November 2016)

FROM HERE TO ETERNITY is a very mature and touching drama about the lives of American soldiers. Intended brutality and a few vulgar in the film gives a realistic dimension. The film deals with the problems of soldiers, who are stationed in Hawaii during the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Trumpeter was transferred from the music division into unit "G" in Schofield Barracks on the island of Oahu. When local captain learns of his reputation as a talented boxer, problems arise...
In the story are woven 'empty' lives of professional soldiers, their love woes, selfishness and past. The film realistically points out the problems related to military career, personal frustration and sexuality. It's tough to be a soldier, but worse was to be a soldier's wife, or just a girl. I would never describe this movie as a tragic drama, but as quite realistic relationship in which a sick sense of belonging to something wins over life. Revolt and rebellion is certainly evident, but is repressed in the military system. What is interesting. Protagonists in this film you can not admire, but they are persistently trying to be understood.
The director was somewhat restrained. I believe that Mr. Zinnermman did not want to answer the questions in the movie, but scratch the surface of the sensitive topic. In this he succeeded.
The cast performance is generally good. Burt Lancaster as First Sergeant Milton Warden is married with army. The protagonist who is not able to accept anything that would undermine some of his concept of life, and above all duties. This is not solely about honesty. Sergeant rejects love. Deborah Kerr as Karen Holmes is a classy lady and passionate slut at the same time. A woman who was defeated between unsuccessful marriage and love in vain. The famous scene on the beach. Making love or is she touched his lips. The incoming tide.
Montgomery Clift as Private Robert E. Lee "Prew" Prewitt He is sensitive protagonist. The young man haunted by the past, abused in the present and for him the future is uncertain. That his attitude that he has nowhere to go except into the army is quite bizarre. One has to follow its own path, even if it leads to destruction. Donna Reed as Alma Burke / Lorene looks more like the girl next door than the dangerous seductress in "fun club". However, it does have its moments through the monologue of smoothness or loneliness.
Frank Sinatra as Private Angelo Maggio is the most colorful protagonist. Aware that such a life of soldiers does not make sense, but it now has to accept and want to enjoy every moment outside the military base. He is an "island" of true pathos.