Review of Saints and Soldiers (2003) by Alexander J — 26 Feb 2008

A short excursion back in time and to the Belgian town Malmedy, where the Allies fought Germany in a very foresty area. Ryan Little and company managed to get the most out of a restricted budget of under a million dollars.

Production value is not that high, but for what they got, they did a bloody good job at maximising its effect. A few young, unknown actors carry this rather short, yet effective WWII movie from finish to end.

Well shot and re-enacted by Little himself, gritty, close to life, including some memorable scenes and a few funny lines. Definitely underrated and a bit forgotten, just like the heroics of our grandfather's generation.

But the value is all put in the film, mouth-to-mouth propaganda does the marketing trick.