Tag: World War I

‘Journey’s End’ delivers an affecting, timeless war story

Jeff Mitchell

“Journey’s End” – “Most war films tend to be about men, and this, I think, is about how men deal with fear.” – Saul Dibb Since “Journey’s End” is a war film, the title implies that the on-screen soldiers’ story will most likely conclude on the battlefield.  They might rise in victory or suffer agony (or worse) in defeat, and judging from the first few minutes of director Saul Dibb’s movie, an ominous silent drumbeat points to the latter. Set in 1918 France, World War I will soon end, although…

Gray and Hunnam discover an absorbing journey towards ‘The Lost City of Z’

Jeff Mitchell

“The Lost City of Z” – “It is there, and we must find it.” – Col. Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) “Ain’t nobody comes back from up there.” – A disbeliever When traveling, I frequently look to my phone for five-star reviews for some out of the way restaurant or coffee shop.  Sure, I may not be too familiar with the new neighborhoods or roadways, but the determination to discover a sought-after meal or liquid caffeine is strong.  Well, that is the extent of my efforts in exploration, so – to…

‘The Promise’ conveys an emotional World War I history lesson

Jeff Mitchell

“The Promise” – “There are churches and mosques like you wouldn’t believe.” In 1914 Constantinople, this is Mikael Boghosian’s (Oscar Isaac) reaction to Turkey’s most prominent city.  Although cultural differences can be a source of tension and divisiveness, Turks and Armenians live in relative harmony during this time, not only in this massive cultural center, but also in Mikael’s small village of Siroun. As director Terry George’s (“Hotel Rwanda” (2004)) picture opens, Mikael – an Armenian – makes a promise to a Maral (Angela Sarafyan), that after two years away…