Review of Saints and Soldiers (2003) by Lorenzo V — 03 Feb 2009

"Trapped behind enemy lines. All they have is their hope.".

A handful of fighting men must defy the odds to save their own lives and thousands of others in this drama set during World War II. In late 1944, a band of nearly a hundred American soldiers are making their way through a wooded region of Belgium when they are ambushed by German forces in a battle that became known as "the Malmady Massacre." A small group of American soldiers are able to take cover -- hard-boiled Sgt. Gunderson (Peter Holden), a grunt from Louisiana called Kendrick (Lawrence Bagby), a cynical medical officer from Brooklyn by the name of Gould (Alex Niver), and Cpl. Greer (Corbin Allred), known to his pals as "Deacon." Deacon is a devout Mormon who doesn't drink or smoke, carries his Bible with him at all times, and spent time in Germany as a missionary before the war, giving him an empathy with the enemy that sometimes puts him at odds with the other men. Deacon is also a master sharpshooter who has been having a crisis of conscience after nearly killing an innocent Belgian family while on patrol. Surrounded by Germans and with seemingly no means of escape, Gunderson and the men encounter Oberon Winley (Kirby Heybourne), a British intelligence officer trapped by the massacre. Winley has top secret information that could change the course of the war if it gets to Allied commanders in time, so Gunderson, Deacon, Kendrick, and Gould must find a way to get themselves and Winley away from Malmady before its too late.

Review.

Many films succeed outside the context of Hollywood hype. This one provides several messages competently executed by new talent, and without the special effects so commonly packaged by Tinseltown. Dialog and talent hold one's attention in a real-world interpretation of the Malmedy massacre and it's aftermath in WW2 Belgium. The tagline, 'A Time For Heroes' says much and it's more than appropriate for our time since the definition of 'hero' has been broadened by current events and uncommon courage. Lighting, sound, location, editing, and inventive writing make this a weekend wonder if you're seeking a story of principled men in desperate circumstances.