It's such an important film, given that it's based on a book which was banned in the former Soviet Union due to its criticisms of the various factions during the war. That probably would've been just fine had it not also criticized the faction which, as luck would have it, happened to be the faction which ended up winning, and they failed to appreciate its critique.
It's very refreshing to see Latvia being able to enjoy the pride of their independence, and having their chance to tell our world the facts, as they see them. Hooray for that!
I've never read the book, and although I'm sure it's fantastic, I've enjoyed the movie and feel I've received its message well enough. Also, I thought the acting seemed very good, even though I don't speak the language. The special effects weren't as impressive as Hollywood would have us believe they ought to be. However, I thought they were more realistic and still did an adequate job of conveying the destruction and horror of the conflict.
The movie managed to engage my emotions, and I even felt endeared to its characters. The emotional moments managed to hit their mark, and did such a great job of making you care about how things would turn out.
Unfortunately, I felt the film didn't go far enough into presenting the reasons for its critical opinions. Yes, the combat was brutal, but the societal aspects felt a bit watered-down. Perhaps, they're still a little afraid of ruffling the wrong feathers? Again, I haven't read the book, and so I don't know whether that's actually true or not. I just think it felt that they played things a little safe.
Like I said, I enjoyed it so much that I actually bought this movie, and so I think it's definitely worth your time. It's also an important window into the world of our shared histories, and helps us to understand the events from another perspective, which is something I think we should all deeply appreciate. I know, I certainly did.
In fact, I would even go so far as to say that this is one of the best war movies I've ever watched, and I think you'll agree.
It's very refreshing to see Latvia being able to enjoy the pride of their independence, and having their chance to tell our world the facts, as they see them. Hooray for that!
I've never read the book, and although I'm sure it's fantastic, I've enjoyed the movie and feel I've received its message well enough. Also, I thought the acting seemed very good, even though I don't speak the language. The special effects weren't as impressive as Hollywood would have us believe they ought to be. However, I thought they were more realistic and still did an adequate job of conveying the destruction and horror of the conflict.
The movie managed to engage my emotions, and I even felt endeared to its characters. The emotional moments managed to hit their mark, and did such a great job of making you care about how things would turn out.
Unfortunately, I felt the film didn't go far enough into presenting the reasons for its critical opinions. Yes, the combat was brutal, but the societal aspects felt a bit watered-down. Perhaps, they're still a little afraid of ruffling the wrong feathers? Again, I haven't read the book, and so I don't know whether that's actually true or not. I just think it felt that they played things a little safe.
Like I said, I enjoyed it so much that I actually bought this movie, and so I think it's definitely worth your time. It's also an important window into the world of our shared histories, and helps us to understand the events from another perspective, which is something I think we should all deeply appreciate. I know, I certainly did.
In fact, I would even go so far as to say that this is one of the best war movies I've ever watched, and I think you'll agree.
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