Summer of '67

Summer of '67 from 2018 is an emotive film which takes its audience on a journey back to the turbulence of the Vietnam War era, casting an illuminating light on the domestic front of this historical event. The film skillfully brings the year 1967 to vibrant life, giving viewers an immersive look into the real-life experiences of the individuals back home as they are rocked by the shockwaves of war happening overseas. Cinematically directed by Sharon Wilharm, this compelling movie features compelling performances from Sam Brooks, Joe Lara and Skeeta Jenkins. Straddling the genres of history, drama, and romance, this film is brimming with emotion, leaving the audience both entertained and touched.

As the narrative of Summer of '67 unfolds, we are introduced to three women whose lives are intertwined with the cataclysmic events of the Vietnam War. We spend our time with Milly (Rachel Schrey), Kate (Bethany Davenport), and Ruby Mae (Sharonne Lanier) as we watch them navigate their everyday lives, love, loss, and the shifting landscape of their relationships wrought by war. Each character is affected in contrasting ways by the departing men in their lives - husbands, boyfriends and brothers getting drafted into service, setting up a poignant triptych of unique narratives that beautifully encapsulates the diverse human experiences and innately personal battles ware often fought off the warzone.

Primarily pivoting around these three women, the film bracingly explores the emotional battlefield of the home front, by showcasing how their lives undergo drastic changes due to war. The characters' multifaceted lives are meticulously captured, setting up bursts of joy, moments of sorrow, instances of uncertainty, and bits of faith. While the war plays out at a distant, the film emphatically portrays how it nonetheless manages to permeate the lives of those on the home front, offering a much-needed perspective on war narratives that are often overshadowed by tales of the frontlines.

The narrative thread of the film unravels through the lens of a spiritual viewpoint, offering deep emotional and soulful moments throughout. The makers have taken great care to posit faith as a driving factor for these characters, encapsulating how spiritual strength often becomes instrumental in making sense of tragedy and in healing emotional wounds. This exploration of spirituality isn’t heavy-handed but nuanced, deeply intertwined with the characters’ lives and struggles.

Performance-wise, the actors have done a commendable job and the three leading ladies do an excellent job of making their characters real and relatable. Sam Brooks, Joe Lara, and Skeeta Jenkins offer powerful performances that resonate with viewers, consistently maintaining a strong presence whenever on screen. All the actors do an excellent job of capturing the essence of their characters, contributing to the overall impact of the film.

What sets Summer of '67 apart from other films of its genre is director Sharon Wilharm’s choice to focus on a seldom-explored aspect of war: the experience of the ones left behind. Rather than zeroing in on the physical aspects of warfare, the film takes a closer look at the emotional frontlines encountered by families and friends of servicemen. The robust storytelling, combined with the film’s accurate historical backdrop, evokes a sense of realism rarely seen in many period dramas.

Additionally, the film showcases masterful sound design and cinematography. The attention to detail in the soundscapes adds depth to the narrative, helping to paint a vivid picture of the era. Likewise, the cinematography works well to complement the narrative, effectively capturing the essence of the time period portrayed. The feel of the film is palpably nostalgic, making the viewers feel as if they themselves are living in the summer of '67.

In conclusion, Summer of '67 is an emotional journey that highlights a seldom-explored facet of war through the eyes of three resilient women and dares to shed light on the personal hardships experienced by those not on the warfront. It's a powerful story that explores faith and resilience, and even without a conventional backdrop of war, it presents a poignant commentary on its impact. This film is a beautifully shot, well-acted, and thoughtfully directed experience that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer, serving as an ode to women of strength, faith, and resilience. It's not only a strong period drama but also a heart-touching tale of survival, all set under the shadow of war.