Absorbing, surprisingly effective heart-tugger...

Rating: 7/10 (7 April 2008)

In its time, a groundbreaking film that both cynically and bittersweetly examines the lives of three post-wartime soldiers just returned from action in World War II. The picture is lengthy at nearly three hours, but it isn't the flag-waving weeper you might expect; the attitudes of the male characters are bitter, and their quest for survival in "the real world" often aches with despair (the females in the cast are far less interesting). Harold Russell won a Supporting Actor Oscar for his work (the real-life veteran lost both hands in combat), and his journey, though rendered a bit stilted by his inexperience as a movie performer, is indeed very memorable. Other Oscar wins included William Wyler as Best Director; keen-eyed Fredric March as Best Actor (although Dana Andrews here is just as solid); a second, special Oscar for Russell for his inspiration to the country; and, predictably, as Best Picture of the year. The Academy never could resist films about love and life on the homefront for our returning servicemen. *** from ****