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Sergeant York is a 1941 American biographical drama film directed by Howard Hawks and starring Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, and Joan Leslie. The movie is based on the true story of a man named Alvin C. York, who was a Christian and one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War I. The movie depicts his transformation from a reluctant soldier to a war hero.

The film starts in the hills of Tennessee where Alvin York, played by Gary Cooper, is a devout Christian and a skilled marksman who spends his days hunting and fishing. He was not interested in the war and has struggled with the idea of killing a fellow human being. However, when he is drafted into service, York goes through a transformation that changes him and his outlook on life forever.

After completing his basic training, York finds himself on the battlefield in France as a member of the 82nd Division. The division is ordered to take a German machine gun nest, which they previously failed to do, and Alvin's unit suffered heavy casualties. York takes charge and manages to outflank and capture the 32 German soldiers by himself, despite being heavily outnumbered. He was almost killed by a German officer, but York manages to kill him and take control of the situation.

Alvin becomes a hero and is awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery. He is also promoted to the rank of sergeant and becomes an inspiration to both his fellow soldiers and the American public. He learns that the war is not what he thought it was and realizes that sometimes, in order to achieve a greater good, actions must be taken that are difficult and even distasteful. He comes to terms with his beliefs and convictions, and ultimately reconciles his desire to be a good Christian with his duty to be a good soldier.

Throughout the film, Gary Cooper portrays Alvin York with a subtle and understated performance. He becomes the simple, sincere, and humble Alvin C. York and embodies him with honesty, heart, and strength. Brennan, who played Pastor Rosier Pile, the man who helped Alvin turn his life around, was equally good, giving one of the finest performances of his career.

The direction by Hawks was exceptional, capturing the essence of the Tennessee landscape through stunning cinematography. He also brought the war scenes to life with intense action and vivid imagery. The movie is a reflection of the time it was created, with themes of patriotism and national pride, and the necessity of fighting to defend one's country. It highlights the important role that religion played in the lives of Americans and the impact of the war on individuals.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and it won two Academy Awards - one for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Cooper and one for Best Film Editing. It was also nominated for eight other awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Brennan), and Best Original Screenplay.

In conclusion, Sergeant York is a touching and inspiring movie that tells the story of a remarkable and humble man who overcame his inner struggles to become a hero. It is a tribute to the courage and bravery of all the men who fought and died in World War I. If you haven't seen it yet, you should definitely add it to your list of must-watch movies.

Sergeant York is a 1941 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.