Great Film

Rating: 9/10 (28 October 2017)

This movie took me by surprise. I had heard of it, but since I rarely go to the actual theater to see films these days, it wasn't really on my radar. My husband and I were looking for something to rent on a rainy night and we chose this one. I like history-based films, including war films, even though I kind of hate films with gratuitous violence. Well, this film is brutal, but there is nothing gratuitous about it. It takes a common and very effective approach by telling a true, harrowing story through the lens of one individual, what got him there, and how he lived it.
I like that the movie addresses the main character's childhood and what drove him to become a faith-based conscientious objector. I also like that he is an actual person, an historic figure. "Saving Private Ryan" was probably based on someone, but we don't know exactly who....or at least that person was never interviewed or identified. It was an effective film, a great one. But I liked this one better.
I would never have believed this guy was real had I not seen him interviewed. It seemed impossible to believe. But again, when you see the historic backdrop, it comes into focus. It was a different time, a different country. You come to understand how he came to believe what he did and was able to do what he did without ever losing his humanity.
The battle scenes are absolutely brutal, but entirely real. My brother is a huge history buff and knows everything about WWII, and he can attest to that. The visuals take your breath away, though not in a good way. You see a lot of what are now considered "war tropes," clichés, in this film. Well, now you see their origin, and why they are for real.
Anyway, this is a vague review because I don't want to spoil anything. I am not saying this is a perfect film. It has its flaws. I am no fan of Gibson as a person, and it probably helps that I didn't even know he had was the director when I watched it. But that's another matter.
Garfield is excellent, but honestly I was also impressed with the supporting cast and particularly with Vince Vaughan. I have always liked him and he fits this role really well. Like his character, he never takes himself too seriously. It works for the film.
If you like character-driven films, based on true stories, and can handle terrifying scenes (IMO), then watch this. It's an eye-opener.