James Tajiri – Google

I only wanted to watch this because I think Sarah Butler is beautiful. I was expecting a blah B movie but it was anything but. The story was wonderfully written, with many detailed and intimate aspects revealed and woven together. The direction was superb, drawing out deep authentic emotions. The acting across the board was superb without a weak performance. It is an enrichening story that is well worth the time invested to watch it.

I can't believe this great movie got poor reviews. I think the emotions this movie stirs are deep and authentic. I believe it is a truly great war movie even without much war. It cuts to the heart of why soldiers fight and die in war--they fight for each other. It shows brotherhood in a way that is real and not syrupy. It shows the inner turmoil of a young man that is deeply revealing and that you empathize with, and it shows sacrifice for others. The dialogue is down to earth yet highly intelligent, at times deeply moving, often very witty and sometimes hilarious. There are many characters in this movie and they are all well defined. The acting all around is excellent and exceptional by the guy that plays Billy. It is one of the most intelligent and moving war movies ever and it didn't rely upon big bangs, gun fights, blood and guts.

I actually loved this movie. The reviews are split between 5s and 1s, and i can understand why. It starts a little slow and seems a little like a can of corn, but then it develops some really interesting characters and their motives, especially Levi. And the it develops some special dynamics like the relationship between a young boy, Danny, and his captor, Levi. It turns out Danny is a troubled kid who is bullied at school. Even though Levi is Danny's captor, he likes the boy and teaches Danny how to deal with his bullied like his dad never could. And then I like the way Levi sacrificed himself at the end to save the boy and his family. I think this is a much under-appreciated movie.