The Great War

The 2019 movie, The Great War, is a gripping war drama written and directed by Steven Luke. The film boasts a star-studded cast with talented actors including Bates Wilder, Hiram A. Murray, and Hollywood stalwart Ron Perlman. It's an intense war drama that dives into the heart-wrenching realities of a world at war, the sacrifices made by soldiers, and the emotional cost of war.

The story centers around World War I, referred to as the Great War in historical texts, the first international conflict that completely reshaped the world's political landscape. The narrative is a visceral exploration of a turbulent time that saw the rise and deployment of new and devastating ways of warfare. The varied experiences of the soldiers involved are put under the microscope, delivering a detailed and all-encompassing depiction of the global conflict.

Bates Wilder stars as Captain William Rivers, a disciplined and battle-weary American officer part of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) on the Western Front. His character provides an authentic representation of the different struggles faced by American soldiers during this dark period. Wilder’s portrayal of his character's deep sense of duty and waning optimism in the face of a relentless war environment resonates strongly, underscoring the brutal reality of war.

Hiram A. Murray, who plays Private John Cain, adds an essential dynamic to the plot. A soldier who balanced the line between a naive newbie and a weathered fighter, Private Cain, injects a sense of relatability into the narrative. The character embodies the innocence, fear, courage, and conviction that can be found in every soldier. The evolution of his character throughout the film offers deep insights into the transformative and often grueling experiences of soldiers on the frontline.

Ron Perlman, a familiar and beloved face in Hollywood, plays General Pershing. Perlman, known for his captivating screen presence, adds depth and nuance to a character that stays largely behind the lines, but whose decisions greatly affect the lives of those on the front. The tough yet wise General is a mixture of stern leadership and paternal concern for his men, capturing the internal conflict often found in those in leadership positions during wartime.

A standout feature of The Great War lies in the way it manages to convey the horrors and drama of war whilst maintaining an intimate focus on the lives and experiences of individual soldiers. The film masterly mirrors the sweeping narratives of global political machinations alongside the personal stories of the men caught in the cross-hairs. This constant juxtaposition creates a powerful contrast, adding texture to the film narrative, and grounding the historical events in personal experiences.

The Great War does not shy away from rendering the gritty realism of war. Scenes of intense combat and bloody injuries are punctuated by moments of quiet camaraderie amongst the soldiers, underscoring the heartrending mix of horror and humanity that defines the terrors of warfare.

The cinematography in The Great War deserves a special mention. The film is shot beautifully, bringing to life the desolation and devastation of the war-torn landscapes. The filmmakers' dedication to authentic period detail is evident in the carefully recreated uniforms and weaponry, the set design, and the realistic depiction of trench warfare.

The Great War employs a refreshing approach to a well-tread genre. The film delicately balances the grandeur and widespread devastation of a globally impacting war with the intimately personal accounts of warriors who lived, fought, and died in it. A potent blend of action and human drama, it provides a look into how soldiers are not only physically but psychologically affected by the brutalities of war.

In essence, The Great War is an intensely emotional journey that underscores the human side of war, highlighting the courage, friendships, losses, and resilience characteristic of the men caught in the great machinery of conflict. It's a stirring tribute to the soldiers of the World War I era, offering a nuanced exploration of the impact of this monumental period in history.