A couple of weeks ago, I had a unique opportunity to attend a pre-screening event for the film Saints and Soldiers: The Void at the invitation of Deseret Book. The film debuts Friday, August 15 in theaters. (If you are interested in seeing the film, please do it this weekend -- early attendance has a significant impact on whether or not the movie will be able to continue to be shown in theaters. You can also help the film by creating a demand at Eventful.com: http://eventful.com/
This film is the third Saints and Soldiers film created by the Saints and Soldiers franchise. I hadn't seen the first two films but that made no difference in my ability to engage and understand the plot. Apparently they make them to be stand-alone films. I liked that. (I anticipate watching the other two films, however. Anyone up for a movie night?)
Director Ryan Little (Saints and Soldiers (2003), Forever Strong (2008) Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed (2012)) and Producer Adam Abel have both always loved World War II movies. Their vision for the Saints and Soldiers films is to explore what good people do when under intense pressure in hard situations, such as in war.
In this film, racial issues in wartime were a key element of that exploration.
I'm not a film expert, and I'm not one who tends to do typical reviews that summarize the plot (that can be found in many different places, including on the film's website). I would recommend that you take a few minutes and read more about the historical context of the story. The opening scenes of the movie are stunning and sobering as the director takes you to that historical place, The Void.
I've always been fascinated by learning more about what goes into making a movie, what drives those involved in it, etc. As such, my favorite part of the pre-screening experience was the Q&A after with Little, Abel, and several of the actors. (My kids were pretty envious that I got to be in the same room with Matt Meese.)
So here I want to help create a little of that experience for you by gathering a few interviews that I found online.
This is a brief summary by Adam Abel of the main characters. (My kids were so envious that I got to be in the same room with Matt Meese.)
This is an interview with actor Adam Gregory, who plays the character who you will greatly dislike through most of the film. It's sobering to consider the kind of racial issues that existed during the war...as though war itself isn't heartrending enough.
Adam Gregory is also interviewed in this video, along with Danor Gerald, who plays the protagonist in the film.
Interview with the Actors of "Saints and Soldiers: The Void" from Workman Productions on Vimeo.
Corbin Allred talks about what it is like to work with director, Ryan Little. (Other Saints and Soldiers Roundtable discussions are available on their Facebook page.)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=918685164813434&set=vb.643230335692253&type=2&theater
Here are a few personal reflections:
I thought the film was well-done. The tensions were real, and the heavy reality of war hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. That impact was significant enough that it was actually an uncomfortable experience for me to watch the film. Bear in mind that I am pretty sensitive to violence and intensity, probably moreso than most people. Let me be clear; it wasn't that they created gratuitous violence. But I didn't feel entertained when I left the film, I felt drained. (It may have something to do with the fact that my mom was just diagnosed with cancer; my real-life pain tolerance level is low right now.) My heart hurts for those who had to live through this horrible time, and for those who are engaged in war now. This movie did help me realize all the more how terrible war really is.
When I found out that the characters were based on real people, that also added a layer of meaning to me. God bless our veterans. There are fewer and fewer World War II veterans who are still alive, so I feel this movie helped honor those who served in such a difficult situation. (They had all those in the theater who have served or are serving in the armed forces stand. It was moving.)
And whoa. The tanks are the real deal. They were quite a spectacle to watch. Matt Meese said that it was a good thing that they wore helmets because getting in and out of the tanks and trying to maneuver inside of them was nearly impossible. It was fascinating to see what the inside of a tank looks like and how they functioned.
I would disagree with a reviewer at Meridian who said that it would be appropriate for young teens. I think it's more suited to an older youth audience and up. I think for those who enjoy wartime films, this is worth seeing. (Again, be sure to make some time for it this weekend if you can!)
I applaud filmmakers who seek to reflect moral values in their work. The Saints and Soldiers team definitely does that. Hats off to all who dedicate their talents and resources to such creative efforts.
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