An Absorbing Experience

Rating: Null/10 (20 December 1999)

The timing of this film's release is unfortunate. Those that do remember it seem to consider it the "other" 1998 WWII film. Had it been released a year earlier or a year later it might have been given the recognition it deserves. I haven't been as affected by a war film since Platoon.
First, let's get the nitpicking out of the way. I found the cameos distracting, as only a few really matter to the story. I also found it difficult to keep a few of the characters straight as some look very similar. These are really the only gripes I have.
The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, maybe the most stunning visuals I've seen in a film. I missed it in the theater but have a large TV and home theater system, and with the lights off it is an amazing visual experience. The score is also among the most fitting and beautiful I've heard. It swells and flows with the story perfectly. The story itself was so involving I did not notice the film as being as long as it is. I won't give out any details about the story, but somehow it manages to explore the natural world, the nature of man, and the nature of war simultaneously. There are scenes of incredible natural beauty, quiet inner dialogue, and some of the most intense battle scenes I've ever seen - as intense as anything in Platoon and Saving Private Ryan.
Buy or rent this film expecting an experience, not to find out whether Private Ryan is the better film, or in search of an exciting depiction of battle. Just turn down the lights and set aside a few hours to experience it. I found this to be a much more memorable film than I had expected. Maybe the best war film I have seen.