Review of Johnny Got His Gun (2008) by Zach A — 18 May 2009

Wow. What a very depressing film. From its premise to its final moments, Johnny Got His Gun will leave you feeling heart-broken over the fate of its protagonist, Joe Bunham. The film opens with Joe being administered into a nearby hospital by his superior officers in the Army. According to the reports, Joe was hit by an artillery shell - onthe last day of WWI at that - and lost both of his arms, legs, eyes, ears, nose, and bottom jaw. However, unbeknownst to the officers, Joe's brain and mind are intact - allowing him to think and exist while in this horrible condition.

It is truly horrible seeing Joe after his realization of what he lost during the battle, with two voices of his mind talking at once. One yelling and screaming at the horror of being like this and the other moaning and close to sobbing. The rest of the film follows Joe in this state of mind as he reflects on his life, dreams, war in and of itself, how others might have gone on without him, etc.

The film is well put together and well-acted. However, in some parts you can tell the film hasn't aged well. Despite the visual flaws, the drama of the film remains intact and can easily be enjoyed. My other complaint is that Joe's love, Corrine, is very shallow and feels almost like a "Mary Sue" character, always crying and being a damsel in distress.

It's definitely no surprise this was one of John Lennon's favorite films as the anti-war message rings in loud and clear. Worth renting at least and the final moments will definitely pull heart strings.