A film with two very different half's to it and one of the best war films ever

Rating: 8/10 (31 December 2016)

This film surprised the hell out of me, going in I personally wasn't expecting much but this film delivers in some many aspects and then some. As mentioned in the title this film has two very different side to it, exactly like on a coin. The first half of the film is a drama/romance of the lead character, whilst the second half is full on war epic.
Mel Gibson, well there is a lot to say about the man but political statements and controversy aside this man is one brilliant director. He does so well with capturing the perfect essence of both sides to this story, whether it be about Desmond's personal life or the impending war he is about to endure. This film shows the chaos of war in a way I don't think Saving Private Ryan did, the horror and true evil that it is, is on a scale that at some times hard to watch. However the more private moments between Garfield and Palmer are also so perfectly done and fit in seamless to the story and film. This film is two films in one, there is the first hour of the film a drama/romance that is this really good, interesting, funny and heart warming. Whilst the other hour of the film is full on war film with shots that will be imprinted on your mind for a very long time, truly mesmerising. Gibson 100% deserves an Oscar nomination, fantastic.
The story again like mentioned is really interesting throughout its many layers and complexities, due to its characters and background. Its a true story that I personally had never heard about so was interested to learn more about the generation that gave up some much. Particularly a man who stood up for what he believed in, which I think is very relevant for what is happening around the world today and especially in America. This makes it that much more relatable to the character and the troubles he is having to deal with, even I can see why he can't pick up a gun because god told I'm too and Im an atheist haha.
The performances in this film are of the chain, starting with Andrew Garfield . With whom I was a little concern about with the distinct accent that the character has, but he managed to pull it off throughout the entire film. His performances is his best and one of the best of the year and should also get an Oscar nomination and even win, he is that good. Sensational as a character that the audience can really latch onto emotionally, due to him standing up for what he believes in, you really want him to succeed. All the other performances are also really good, Teresa Palmer is really good and also has a great accent in the film. Its a simple role but a really effective one at the same time it could have been over played. Vince Vaughn is great especially in the funny moments in this film which there are surprisingly many. Really interesting role for him but he fits into it so well, his wit and charm is brilliant in the role, also a decent leader when he gets to the battlefield. This film must be good when it gets good performances out of Luke Bracey and Sam Worthington!
Finally this film is a very true representation of war its horrifying, heart pounding, eye opening and at times is Saving Private Ryan on steroids. A truly great film of the year that not doubt will get Oscar buzz in the new year, 87 % out of 100 a really good film with two great sides to it. One minor problem could be that the first half does drag a little just a tiny bit, but the second half is well worth waiting for!