Watch The Great War

The Great War is a gripping and heart-wrenching film set during World War I. The story follows two young soldiers, William and Jack, who are sent to the front lines to fight for their country. William, played by Bates Wilder, is a reserved and cautious soldier who always follows orders to a tee. Jack, portrayed by Hiram A. Murray, is a more impulsive and reckless soldier who enjoys the thrill of battle.

As the war rages on, William and Jack find themselves in increasingly dangerous and horrifying situations. They witness the horrors of trench warfare, endure mustard gas attacks, and face off against enemy soldiers in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Despite the violence and death all around them, William and Jack remain determined to do their duty and fight for their country.

Along the way, they encounter a variety of other characters, both friend and foe. Ron Perlman delivers a standout performance as a hard-nosed sergeant who pushes William and Jack to their limits. Other notable performances come from Nicholas Palmieri as a brave but naive young soldier and Billy Zane as a cynical and disillusioned officer.

The Great War is a film that doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of war. It portrays the violence and carnage in an unflinching manner, often leaving the viewer feeling horrified and devastated. But it also shows the camaraderie and bonds that can form between soldiers, even in the worst of circumstances.

One of the film's strengths is its attention to historical detail. The uniforms, weapons, and equipment all look authentic, and the battles are staged in a realistic manner. This helps to create a sense of immersion and realism that draws the viewer into the world of the film.

Another strong point is the cinematography. The film is shot in a gritty, hand-held style that adds to the sense of chaos and danger. The camera work is often shaky and frenzied, mimicking the disorienting experience of being caught in the middle of a battle.

Despite the somber subject matter and grim atmosphere, The Great War is not without its moments of humor and levity. There are scenes that show the soldiers engaging in small acts of rebellion or mischief, such as stealing chickens or playing pranks on their superiors. These moments help to humanize the characters and give them a sense of personality beyond their roles as soldiers.

Overall, The Great War is a powerful and affecting film that pays tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in World War 1. It is a harrowing depiction of the horrors of war, but it is also a testament to the resilience and bravery of the human spirit. It is a must-see for anyone interested in history or war films.

The Great War is a 2019 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.0 and a MetaScore of 24.