The Liberation Men

The Liberation Men is a good movie with a lot of drama and suspense in it. It is a period movie that is worth seeing. It takes place in an historical wartime period. However, what is most surprising is that it is not a historical romantic movie without compromising it's creativity and originality. The movie got stronger as the movie went along, pulling you in. The women in the film are important characters but it is the men who are the central to the film's story. Films transporting audiences back through time have captivated movie audiences over the years and this film is no exception. Bravo!

In an era where Hollywood dominates the depiction of world wars, these filmmakers undertook the challenge of creating a realistic and believable movie on a budget. Story is told from the perspective of the Canadian armed forces stationed in Holland, facing off against German Nazis. The visuals are impressive... from the period-era costumes and set design, to the authentic WW2-era tanks rolling over the hillside, to the Jeeps and weaponry. I appreciated the inclusion of multiple characters' points of view. WWII film buffs will love this movie, as will anyone who appreciates an indie drama where the good guys win at a cost. Worth watching!

As WWII is winding down, the film's story relates the role Canadian soldiers played trying to liberate a Dutch town from the Nazis. Financing Indie film is difficult at best without big studio involvement. What they've accomplished with the vintage look...period costumes, the sets, the vehicles and equipment (guns, radio transmission, etc.) is truly heroic. A plus was the use of actual German and Dutch languages with sub-titles for the non-English speakers which is more authentic than everyone speaking English. I'd be interested in finding out more about the film, how and where it was made and the casting of the multi-linguistic actors.

I was a fool! I checked out the Director thinking his involvement with 'Designated Survivor' would mean a definite bit of entertainment on a lazy afternoon! How wrong was I? This is your typical low budget war movie which only those who were involved in its production would sit down and watch. My clue came in the first few minutes when - spoiler alert- a troop carrier with 2 soldiers in immaculate uniforms were 'blown up' by what sounded like a small fire work. Next a hospital scene with no hospital staff and very poor dialogue. I'm generally tolerant of low budget movies but my patience ran out after 10 minutes! There are a ton of good war movies out there, watch those instead.

This film has an Interesting story and it is told well. The attention to detail in every scene is evident. The production design team did a great job, too. From creating a realistic hospital (hospital beds, medical equipment, etc.) from the WWII era to creating convincing battlegrounds. I appreciate what the filmmakers where doing. A job well done. A herculean effort on the part of the filmmakers to make this movie work with a relatively tight budget. The costumes, for example. Not to mention the tanks, etc. Wow! I commend all involved for pouring their heart and soul into creating this film. Check it out!