Watch Soldier's Home

Soldier's Home is a 1977 drama film that tells the story of Harold Krebs (Richard Backus), a young man returning from World War I to his hometown of Oklahoma. The film is directed by Robert Young and it is adapted from the Ernest Hemingway short story of the same name. Harold Krebs is a soldier who fought in some of the most significant battles of World War I, including the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. After the war ends, he returns home to his family, but struggles to fit in and adjust back to civilian life. He finds that he has changed a lot during his years of military service, but people around him continue their lives as if nothing has happened.

The film is a poignant portrayal of a soldier's experience of returning home from war, and the challenges they face in adjusting themselves back to normal life. Harold experiences an overwhelming sense of disconnection and apathy towards everything surrounding him. The people in his town do not understand the emotional and psychological impact of war, and his family and friends do not ask him about his experiences, which only deepens his isolation.

His mother (Nancy Marchand) tries to help him in different ways, but she cannot fully understand what he has gone through. Nancy delivers a powerful performance as a caring and loving mother who is unprepared to support her son as he faces the realities of war.

Some of the most compelling scenes of the film are when Harold tries to reconnect with his old friends, who are now married and living comfortable lives. He realizes that he feels like a stranger to them, and is unable to find words to describe his experiences. His former girlfriend, now engaged to someone else, also makes things difficult for him by not understanding the struggles he has gone through.

As Harold continues to struggle, he begins to withdraw from society and becomes increasingly detached. The film shows the irony of having served his country but not being able to fit back into the social norms that existed before the war.

Another standout performance comes from Lane Binkley, who plays a young girl who Harold meets in the library. She is the only one that seems to understand the pain that Harold is going through, and their interactions are touching and full of empathy. Her ability to bring out Harold's feelings and give him a sense of belonging in the world is a rare insight into the human psyche, especially for someone like Harold, who has had a tough time dealing with his experiences.

The direction of the film is masterful. Director Robert Young expertly handles the sensitive and poignant themes, taking a minimalist approach that enhances the quiet and somber mood that surrounds the film. His direction is complemented by the effective use of music that superbly conveys the off-kilter mindset of the film's protagonist.

In conclusion, Soldier's Home is a beautifully crafted drama film that handles the sensitive topic of soldiers returning from war with great insight and sensitivity. The film's strong script and brilliant performances by the cast make it a must-watch for anyone who has ever struggled to fit back into the world after experiencing something as emotionally and psychologically traumatic as war.

Soldier's Home is a 1977 drama with a runtime of 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.