Was Once a Hero

Saw a screening of this fine film in Bethesda, MD.

A very original storyline carried within the tried and trusted period found in the untamed western frontier. I found the overall perspective unique, which isn't easy in today's day and age.

The writing was strong throughout, in terms of both dialogue and narrative. Moreover, I was extremely impressed with the performances. These players brought their A Game, one and all.

However, Julie Kashmanian did steal the show, executing an unwavering performance, advancing tirelessly upon a complex and multi-layered character arc.

John Carter Cash's role as the heavy; I can go on and on. He exhibited an almost boyish psychosis, complete with tics and a disquieted gaze that promised wickedness.

Eliza Kelley, a compass, demonstrated a storm of emotions never permitted to come to the surface, but nevertheless, were present in every single scene.

My only concern, and this is nitpicking, was the pace. I felt some scenes were sluggish, and that the tempo, the cadence, needed to pick up a bit. Otherwise a good story, well told.

Solidly crafted story set in the 1890s concerns Civil War vet Darby Hinton and his struggles with war trauma and daily memory loss. Realizing he has become a burden to his family members, his attempt to leave only results in his becoming lost in the woods. There he encounters a young brother and sister on the run from a vengeful group of outlaws led by John Carter Cash. It's up to Hinton to rediscover his hidden heroic qualities ... Hinton is excellent in the part, delivering humor and eliciting sympathy in regard to his deteriorating mental plight. The supporting performances all deliver believable and three-dimensional characters. Director Michael Tuthill and screenwriter/producer Dan Searles (also one of Cash's bad guys) create some memorable moments of unpredictable tension. This deservedly won several awards at the Wild Bunch Film Festival. The only drawback is the modest budget, but it works within the framework of the story. The dense wooded settings are appropriately beautiful and geographically confusing per the storyline. Recommended.

I got an advance copy to review for the theater booking and instantly fell in love with this movie! It really highlights the immense burden PTSD and Dementia can have on not only your loved ones, but yourself. The way the film portrays not only the disease, but the character underneath is excellent writing that you can tell came from the heart.

The visuals are absolutely stunning, and the wild west town of Old Bedford Village really becomes a character of its own right.

I cannot recommend this movie enough, and I can't wait to see and hear everyone's reactions to the movie! See it on the big screen while you can because this is a special movie that deserves it!

I love westerns, and I'm a Darby Hinton fan. I also like the writings of Dan Searles, so I was looking forward to seeing Was Once A Hero last June.

The movie FAR exceeded my expectations.

So well written, and all the actors were superb in their roles.

The movie was, at various times, humorous, exciting, and touching.

Darby Hinton gives a heart wrenching performance that will bring tears to your eyes.

PTSD didn't have a name during the post civil war era, but it was there, as was dementia. You will fall in love with Darby's character and this movie.

Kudos also to Eliza Kelley, Robert Carradine, John Carter Cash, Dan Searles, and the beautiful Rebecca Holden.

But keep your eyes on a young actress by the name of Julie Kashmanian, she will be a star!

Was Once A Hero is an authentic and compelling story with exceptional actors who bring their characterters to life -so convincingly- that you're still thinking about them and the film long after you've left the theater. What also stuck me as special was the attention to a mental/health condition that is well known today but really was not in during that period of American history. Making an key point in the storyline was bold and original as no other Western that I know of has touched on the subject matter with such attention. Cinematography, music, and overall continuity is perfection as well.

Highly recommend. Bravo👏🏻👏🏻