pullen Reviews

Dieppe (1993 TV Movie)

Well acted and convincing portrayal of Canadian soldiers and generals in 1942

[17 July 1999]

With a cast of veteran Canadian actors, Dieppe gives a true-to-life depiction of life in the Canadian Army in WWII from two perspectives; that of the Generals, and that of the footsoldiers. Both were keen on going into action against the Germans, and the film is very good at showing why both groups felt that way.

While the action sequences of the last hour may disappoint, especially compared to Saving Private Ryan, the chaos and carnage of Blue Beach is nonetheless accurately portrayed. One could bemoan the fact that the main landings were not given screen time, but the movie is more about the relationships between the senior commanders, and the politics of the Raid. At the same time, a sympathetic and convincing portrayal of the life of the common Canadian soldier in Britain is given as well.

Uniforms, weapons and vehicles are all well researched, though grognards may well find much to point out.

This film is an exciting, thought-provoking, and convincing portrayal of the Canadian Army in Britain in 1942.

Stalingrad (1993)

Very European film

[5 April 1999]

The movie is a very realistically filmed account of four German soldiers in a Pioneer unit. Watching the film, with its well researched uniforms and equipment, well laid out sets, convincing dialogue, and (in the subtitled version) use of the German language, one can almost believe they are watching the real thing.

Minor uniform quiffs aside (the summer uniforms are obvious East German standins, the helmets don't have the proper rivets), there are a few cliches thrown in. The evil officer (who by his uniform is not in the same unit as the main characters, yet shows up again and again, stretching credulity) is just one example. The gratuitous addition of the woman in the closing scenes is another (was she really necessary to the plot and/or representative of German experiences in Stalingrad?)

The combat scenes, however, are properly terrifying, and the characters act believably. They are human and likable despite the uniform they wear. Perhaps that is the real accomplishment of this film. A couple of "war movie cliches" shouldn't mar anyone's enjoyment of a powerful movie that teaches how universal suffering is.

Stand Against Fear (1996 TV Movie)

Well acted if routine movie

[8/10 · 24 January 1999]

Well acted and directed with an easily followed story and believable characters. The motivations of some of the characters are not explored, giving a somewhat cardboard feel to them (primarily the football coach and the principal) but the performances by Reed and Clarke make up for this. Dialogue may seem contrived at times, though one has to remember that the film is about teenagers. Overall the story is a little predictable and perhaps even routine, but I would still rate it above average for being interesting and having engaging and sympathetic characters (on one side of the argument at any rate). Will appeal to those with simple tastes; those wanting a courtroom thriller with lots of twists and turns should go elsewhere.