Hollywood could learn a lesson ...

Rating: 10/10 (6 April 2005)

Being a fan of war movies, I was drawn to attend this one, too, by the recommendation of a dear friend. There's nothing like watching war on the big screen to appreciate how hellish it was and is! The story was an emotional-roller coaster. In truth, I never felt like I was bored -- not even for a second. The actors, none of them that I recognize as Hollywood superstars, did a superb job, and the story was told without the typical gore associated with war movies. Yes ... people were being shot, and blood was shown, but not to the extent that is typical from most Hollywood war movies. A PG-13 war movie? DEFINITELY POSSIBLE!
Some of the most endearing scenes were those that embodied the true meaning of "brother in arms" -- something that is often hard for most people who've never served in the thick of the fight to understand, but something that is easily conveyed via the discourse and obvious emotion that's shared between the characters.
Also interesting was the spin of how not all enemies are really "bad." Of course most WWII movies make all Japanese to be evil and all Germans to be stamps of Hitler. This movie, however, makes you realize that this is so far from the truth. I left thinking that the world as I know it is not so "black and white" and was grateful for the reminder.
Unfortunately this movie hasn't gotten the attention that it deserves, but it really is worth the time, effort and energy.