Mommy Brain

Kevin and I watched this movie last night. I think we’ve probably seen all of the modern World War II movies. Aside from HBO’s Band of Brothers (based on Stephen Ambrose’s book – which was also excellent), this is the best I’ve seen. Many of you are probably thinking, “What about Saving Private Ryan?” right about now, but I HATED that movie – and not because of the violence.

This movie was definitely violent and had some fairly graphic scenes, so if you’re squeamish about such things, you’ll want to avoid this one. But if you want to see a movie that artfully depicts how individual people, subjected to the same horrifying circumstances, respond completely differently, this is your best choice. Some respond by becoming bitter and hate-filled. Others respond by demonstrating the best of humanity. Why? What makes the difference? Or, rather, Who?

The movie stars Keifer Sutherland and Scot actor Robert Carlyle, and they both give riveting performances. It’s set in a Japanese POW camp, where Allied soldiers were forced to build a railroad into Thailand. The best part is that it’s a true story, based on a book written by Ernest Gordon, one of the Allied POWs who lived it. I don’t know why this movie wasn’t promoted, but it is one you won’t want to miss.