(rated R, 125 mins.)
Just when you thought you’d seen enough war movies come a refreshing “A Few Good Men” style appeal. It’s Belgium 1944 and Lt. Tommy Hart (Colin Farrell) is held in a German POW camp. Like “Platoon” or “Deer Hunter” we actually get to know the American soldiers in his barracks through the fear in their eyes and the cold of their frost-bitten feet. Led by Col. William McNamara (Bruce Willis), one day he adds two black pilots to the all-white barracks causing what will begin a chain of prejudices, attitudes and intentional murder. When one of the men, Lieutenant Scott (Terrence Dashon Howard) is framed for the latest crime, Hart, a second year Yale law student is called upon to defend him. Major Wilhelm Visser (Marcel Iures), though German, bonds and mentors the young Hart for his own set of reasons. The story twists in a complicated yet smart movie that shows a lesson in honor and courage should prevail over justice. Excellent performances by all.
