As observed by Veteran reactions to "The Hurt Locker," combat Veterans have a love it or hate it reaction to war movies.
Everyman's War may open with War Memories and battle scenes, but it gets to the heart of some of the hardest parts of life for a Warrior, the last conversations with friends and families before shipping out, including promises everyone knows cannot be promised. And just as in real life, it doesn't last long before our young Troops find themselves in the thick of the fight.
I couldn't tell you how accurate the uniforms are, but the conversations between Soldiers, the variety of personalities, the fact that it's not action packed is very realistic. It captures the randomness of death and survival on the battlefield.
Of course, this screenplay, this movie, and the book they're based on have an unfair advantage over many war movies. It was written and directed by people that had a reason to get it right. The main character, SSG Smith(Cole Carson), is the Director's Thad Smith's father. He does a great job of capturing the realities of war.
The combat Veteran will recognize the timeless aspects of their experiences. The apolitical will appreciate that there is no underlying political slant. The warrior will appreciate that this movie recognizes the honor of the profession without the villification of the soldiers sent by the opposing regime.
Because of the authenticity of characters, events, and life in combat, this movie need not and does not rely on the crutches of expensive effects. The explosions are not oversized. The action punctuates the ways a Soldier kills boredom, without ever allowing the viewer to be bored.
With any luck, Mr Thad Smith will work on a movie or two based on the current conflicts.
Stumble It!
