The Last Front movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Last Front

The dramatic war film releases in theaters on August 9, 2024.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 38 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story takes place in a small village in Belgium amidst World War I. A grieving father becomes a hero by leading the villagers to safety while evading a relentless enemy driven by vengeance.

The film was directed by Julien Hayet-Kerknawi, who also co-wrote it with Kate Wood.

THINGS I LIKED:

Fans of Game of Thrones will be thrilled to see Iain Glen star in this war drama.
The lovely cinematography is by Xavier Van D’huynslager.
We don’t get to see very many war movies about Belgium, so it was nice to have this film added to the genre.
There are a lot of shoot ‘em-up scenes with lots of action.
The film shows an emotional side to war by focusing on the Belgium families, as well as the villains’ families.
Casting James Downie as Iaian Glen’s son was smart because they kind of look alike.
Other outstanding cast members include Joe Anderson, Philippe Brenninkmeyer, Sasha Luss, David Calder, and James Downie.
The focus is on fathers and sons on both sides of the battle line. That part was what provided depth and heart.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Shaky cam. I hate shaky cam.
Sometimes, it’s hard to understand what people are saying when they’re crying or whispering.
Some of the nighttime scenes are super dark, making it difficult to see what’s happening.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored. Beyond that, this movie isn’t appropriate for kids anyway.
Lots of brutal, bloody violence
A lot of people die
Firearms, knives, and other weapons are used
Talk of out-of-wedlock pregnancy
Grief and mourning (Talk of family members who previously died)

THEMES:

WWI
Revenge
Belgium
Family
War

FUNNY LINES:

None. This is a serious drama.

INTERESTING LINES:

“You don’t always know what living and working on a farm does to a woman.” – Leonard (Iaian Glen)
“We can choose to respect our enemies or we can be unnecessarily brutal.” – Maximillian Von Rauch (Philippe Brenninkmeyer)
“War has a code.” – Maximillian Von Rauch (Philippe Brenninkmeyer)
“I can’t do this.” – Leonard (Iaian Glen) “Then who will?” Father Michael (David Calder)
“All this bloodshed, yet nature stays indifferent.” – Louise (Sasha Luss)
“I don’t want to fight. I want to live.” – (Trine Thielen)
“A family is worth fighting for and dying for.” – Leonard (Iaian Glen)
“You’ll always be with me, everywhere.” – Leonard (Iaian Glen)