Badland

One cannot watch this film and not be affected by the emotional impact it has long after leaving the theater. Badland is the type of powerful movie that longs to be discussed and debated.

The film is a disturbing view into the psyche of one man who returns from war beaten and broken. Jamie Draven gives an amazing performance as Jerry, the vet who returns home to a world as alien as the one he was fighting in. His tormented soul struggles to fit back into society, only to find that he is truly lost.

Jerry can no longer relate to his wife and children and without giving anything away, his anguish sets him on a path of self destruction. The only ray of sunshine on his tortured journey, is that of his daughter Celina, played with the maturity of a veteran actress by young Grace Fulton.

The music is haunting in it's simplicity and underscores the torment of Jerry's character. The panoramic vistas seem to add a sense of normalcy and serenity to an otherwise harsh and brutal subject matter and they seem to enhance Jerry's yearning to find peace and redemption. But Jerry realizes that his dream to find peace and a new beginning only brings out more ghosts and memories of his past. He can't escape what he's done and he can't undo the terrible acts of violence he has committed. And when he meets Max, also a war vet, played by actor Joe Morton, he is reminded with blinding clarity that the sins of the past really do follow you forcing you to face them with the force of a sledge hammer. Jerry is so out of touch with reality that he attempts to weave a new life for himself in the face of his brutally violent acts. He is so shattered that he believes he can simply step away from his past and step into a new life like changing a pair of pants. To his horror, he discovers he cannot.

The entire cast gave outstanding performances bringing the realities of war home and one can only wonder just how beaten and broken the vets who come home truly are. This powerful film gives us a glimpse into ravages of war and one cannot help but be affected by emotional whirlwind the characters go through as we follow them.

Director Francesco Lucente has given us a movie without the tired cliché flashbacks of war footage. We already know that war is physically devastating, what Badland shows us is the devastation it has on the soul. It is truly a courageous film that will be the topic of discussion for years to come and a MUST see film.

Badland is a must for everyone. The film is harrowing and emotionally draining. It certainly packs a punch. Jamie Draven acts his part superbly as an anguished and desperate man- and his American accent is even passable! There is very much an atmosphere of claustrophobia and desolation running through the story that it is quite spine chilling in its effect.I believe this will have quite an impact on audiences on release. The only criticism might be that it is too long- there were scenes that could have been shortened. But the overall effect was spellbinding. Congratulations to Badland Films for a believable story brought to us with all the inherent pain and guilt that the main character portrays. His pain is deafening. Congratulations to Jamie Draven too- an ideal choice.

This is a movie that will not let you off the hook easily. It requires time and thought to process it all. It leaves you angry, sad, shaken. It above all things leaves you asking "Why?". And you will not feel satisfied.

Some reviews exactly portray this reaction, in all possible facets, from bad to good.

This movie feels so scarily real. It shows the human ability of phasing out reality, even the worst kind. It shows love that feels so honest as if you were part of this movie.

I really like that this movie had a European feeling to it:

No fast cuts, no fast paced story telling.

This movie gives you time to watch the unbelievable story unwrap, to the bitter end. It makes you think a lot, without feeling kitschy. This is no light popcorn movie. There are not many dialogs, as the eyes and the faces of the main actors can convey more than words could ever do.

I recommend this movie to all people with an open mind.

I do not recommend it for people that are overly patriotic, or in some way are too close to this topic. You will be angry, and by all means will not like this movie.

This movie stays with you, long after the end credits have rolled. It's the performance, the semi-documentary feel, the inspired by true events thing (it does feel real), the political and (anti-) war message it delivers and many other things (among them a very stunning lead performance).

It definitely isn't afraid to pull out all the stops and go for it. For this radical and brave choice(s) it makes, it will get either your admiration or your disbelieve. And with the latter also a bad review. While you can criticize the movie for quite a few things (patriotic it ain't for once), you can't deny it's impact! While the structure might seem a little bit strange (even chaotic if you want to call it that) and it seems not to have a particular goal, this might indeed be the message the movie has for the viewer ...

Sorry, i'm a little bit to late and don't worry about my English, cause I'm German :o) i'd seen the movie today and i was very very amazed. Excellent story and skilled actors. It's so emotional, which may become a true story and some aspects are also belong to my live.

This is just not the highest budget production, but all the things who are required to make good moviers, belong to it.

I'm able to vote only 10 points, but its more than 10, its fantastic! For a wonderful movie evening with, it would be the best choice.

When i have finished my work, i will go out to order the DVD. i must have it.

Martin