Review of The Front Line (2011) by Chris S — 27 Apr 2012

Despite being a fan of horror, blood and guts, and explosions, war movies have always been the oil to my water. No matter how hard you stir or shake the two of us together we just don't mix and have decided to see other genres because of it. It's not that I think war movies are bad. They just haven't appealed to me in the past and every one I've tried to watch up until this point has been okay at best. Maybe it's because I'm getting older or that I'm beginning to notice more during movies, but The Front Line makes me reconsider that opinion and those feelings.

The brilliant cinematography and exceptional lighting add a lot to the film. The lighting felt very natural yet always added just the right amount of light so nothing was ever too dark. The camera work made it seem like you're running around in the trenches with these soldiers. The battlefield was this desolate wasteland littered with loud gunfire and clouds of smoke. Most of the colors are very washed out as browns, grays, and various shades of navy green are the majority of the colors used in the film. But then you see something like a bright blue tablecloth and it just jumps off the screen because of the washed out colors you're used to. Plants, bloodshed, snow, rain, fog, and forests make things appear to be momentarily richer than they really are.

I would argue that the drama almost outweighs the war in The Front Line, but then most of the drama is happening because of the war. So it's an endless cycle. It's a bit surprising how good The Front Line is though. With its rich cinematography, smooth storytelling, and passionate performances, it's difficult to argue its merit.