A sensible and well-conducted short film, "Bravery in the Field" deals with a hard clash of generations and values that only reach a common ground, or at least
some respectful level, after a series of events of near tragic consequences.
Les Rubie plays Tommy, a World War II veteran in need of quick cash who pawns his medals for a while and quickly gets beaten and mugged by three punks who wanted to get even at him after one of them got slapped in the face on another occasion. Despite the old age, the old man was quick enough to
cause some damage on that same punk (Matt Craven), and in an odd twist of fate they'll stay at the same hospital for care - but the veteran doesn't realize
it because he was severely injured. With a better sense of observation, the young man can evidence the old man's problems as an PTSD sufferer and little by
little he begins to feel some appreciation for the man.
"Bravery in the Field" is a small tale about respect, values and how sometimes they're all lost and found, and a lot more than just respect about someone who put his life on the line to make the world a better place. It's all about his life trajectory, all the way from there to now, where he lived and
survived through it all and didn't deserve as fate being assaulted and robbed by young vagabonds who don't care about anything but themselves. As another meeting of both men takes place, they both realize how much in
common they could have while living in this cold and almost lifeless neighborhood. It's a quiet story with a nice pacing that allows you to see through the
details about both characters. A very special moment for everybody involved, specially Craven who is a more recognisable star in recent years with credits such as "Crimson Tide" and "The Life of David Gale", and this short was one of his early film experiences. As the repentful punk Lennie, he's really special in that role and you almost feel sorry for him (probably because he's always get him by the old man while his friends always escape). Well, on a final note, a great thank you note to the Academy for including this among the five short, live action films nominated in the category
in 1980, otherwise I wouldn't know about it. This was highly special. 9/10.
