Firstly, I'm not a fan of 'war' movies, per se, but I got this because it starred a young actor, James Murray (22 at the time).
What struck me forcibly was how the film made these men so much more real than just patriots going off to fight for King and Country. There is such emotion and heartache, love and loss, from the housemaid wedding her sweetheart, to a unrequited romance between a young Lord and his groom. All these people were ill prepared for the reality of war, and you experience it right along with them - right to the bitter and inglorious end.
I found it very moving and incredibly detailed, a sad indictment on war in general, and the lengths men will go to following orders. Everyone, whether well known actor or only a bit part did their best for this production, and it shows. Well worth seeing, and a classic anti-war movie.
I'd recommend it to anyone.
oh...and James Murray (Pvt Will Needham)....he was perfect in his part - accepting of his fate, but wonderfully full of life and love as well - an example of the flower of youth thrown away on the battlefield. Yes, I know, gushy but it's true. His character embodied all those young men sent away to war, and who lost their lives in a pointless conflict.
What struck me forcibly was how the film made these men so much more real than just patriots going off to fight for King and Country. There is such emotion and heartache, love and loss, from the housemaid wedding her sweetheart, to a unrequited romance between a young Lord and his groom. All these people were ill prepared for the reality of war, and you experience it right along with them - right to the bitter and inglorious end.
I found it very moving and incredibly detailed, a sad indictment on war in general, and the lengths men will go to following orders. Everyone, whether well known actor or only a bit part did their best for this production, and it shows. Well worth seeing, and a classic anti-war movie.
I'd recommend it to anyone.
oh...and James Murray (Pvt Will Needham)....he was perfect in his part - accepting of his fate, but wonderfully full of life and love as well - an example of the flower of youth thrown away on the battlefield. Yes, I know, gushy but it's true. His character embodied all those young men sent away to war, and who lost their lives in a pointless conflict.