'Saints and Soldiers'

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Mar 6, 2005
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I was nosing around the video store the other day and came across a little flick on DVD that I'd never heard of before called 'Saints and Soldiers.' There are no big name actors, directors or producers, but this is a very well done WWII story about several GI's and a downed English aviator trapped behind enemy lines during the Battle of the Bulge. The story revolves around these men trying desperately to escape from enemy held territory back to the relative safety of Allied lines, while carrying potentially vital information to US Armed forces. Understated, but realistic action sequences make this story very believeable and I really think that anyone who appreciates a good war story will like this movie. Not 'Saving Private Ryan' quality, but still excellent.
 
I saw this movie just last week and I was highly impressed with the story line as well as the acting. The film is based on true events and from what I know about it from reading WWII history it is pretty accurate. What I liked most about the film is its character development. The demons that Deacon encountered and overcame in the film was excellently played out. I also like that it wasn't too complex and bogged down with needless dialog. The story was simple and straight to the point. It will defintely have a home in my WWII movie collection.
 
K.V. Collucci said:
The film is based on true events and from what I know about it from reading WWII history it is pretty accurate....... What I liked most about the film is its character development................. The story was simple and straight to the point.

I didn't know that it was based on a true story, but wondered if it was. I just had an inkling. I agree with you on your other two points. Excellent character development and the simplicity of the story add to the appeal.


:rolleyes: I got that idea (true story) from the back of the DVD case. There's some behind the scenes documentary on this DVD, I'll check it out.
 
I'll have to check that one out. Sounds good. My uncle was captured at the Battle of the Bulge and made a POW. I would love to see something that is as realistic as possible just to get an idea of what he may have gone through.
 
Paul Davidson said:
I'll have to check that one out. Sounds good. My uncle was captured at the Battle of the Bulge and made a POW. I would love to see something that is as realistic as possible just to get an idea of what he may have gone through.


My Grandfather was involved in that mess also. He never would tell any of us kids about it, though. Keep in mind that this movie isn't a broad overview of the whole BoB story, but a sort of five man microcosm in the midst of the whole event. Still, there are some good scenes at the beginning of the movie concerning the slaughter of captured POW's near Malmedy, I believe. The depiction seems very realistic and probably nearer the truth than as it was show in 'The Battle of the Bulge' with H Fonda and Robert Ryan, etc.
 
A Dogs Best Friend said:
My Grandfather was involved in that mess also. He never would tell any of us kids about it, though. Keep in mind that this movie isn't a broad overview of the whole BoB story, but a sort of five man microcosm in the midst of the whole event. Still, there are some good scenes at the beginning of the movie concerning the slaughter of captured POW's near Malmedy, I believe. The depiction seems very realistic and probably nearer the truth than as it was show in 'The Battle of the Bulge' with H Fonda and Robert Ryan, etc.

My uncle wouldn't speak about it either. I think he may have only really talked about it to my grandmother and his wife. He wouldn't even talk about it to my Dad who was also a veteran. When the Nazis found out that they were done for they abandoned the POW camp, and the POWs, without food. They were left to wander, starving and cold, in the forest until allied troops found them. I won't say any more out of respect for my cousin, who lurks around here quite often.
 
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