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Post by PlanetM on Dec 27, 2008 16:43:52 GMT
In 1918 in World War I, in the Meuse-Argonne Sector in France, the former New York lawyer and Major Charles White Whittlesey (Ricky Schroder) is assigned by Gen. Robert Alexander to a massive suicidal attack against the German forces in the Argonne Forest with his five hundred men battalion. However, the forces supposed to be giving support through the flanks retreat and the communications with the headquarter of the 77th American Division are cut. Major Wittlesey holds his position with his men, mostly Irish, Polish, Italian and Jew gangsters from New York, surrounded by the German army. Without food, water, ammunition and medical supplies, only two hundred men survive after five days of siege. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As the First World War draws to a close, American troops penetrate deep into German held French territory, under pressure from French and British allies to advance quickly and smash the last of the German Army in France. "The Lost Battalion" is the true story of a group of 800 American soldiers, attached to the 77th American Division, who were ordered to advance into the Argonne Forest, against heavy German resistance, and hold their position at whatever the cost. Written by Anthony Hughes {husnock31@hotmail.com}
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Post by PlanetM on Dec 27, 2008 16:45:56 GMT
A viewer's comment on the film and Ricky's performance:
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Post by PlanetM on Jan 2, 2009 13:53:32 GMT
I have just ordered the dvd for this film, looking forward to see it!
Has anybody seen it? Did you like it?
Manu
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Post by sparkygirl on Jan 2, 2009 15:15:42 GMT
I saw it, and I usually don't like movies that involve blood and guts, but, for obvious reasons, I did like this one!!
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Post by PlanetM on Jan 2, 2009 17:39:56 GMT
I'm not a big fan of war movies myself but I've read very good reviews about this one and as you said...... there's another good reason to watch it I can't wait to see it now. Manu
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Post by PlanetM on Jan 11, 2009 15:49:17 GMT
Just watched "The lost battalion" today and I agree with the people that have seen it before, it's a really good film!
Obviously being a war film it's hard to watch, with all the violence and the deaths and all but that's how war is and sometimes it's good to think about it.
I think it was well done because it shows various points of view and that it doesn't matter on which side you are, there can be bravery, heroism but also selfishness in all sides.
Ricky was great in his role, portrayed bravery, sense of duty but also fear and humanity very well. A very good job Ricky, thumbs up!
So what are your opinions?
Manu
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Post by attie27 on Jan 11, 2009 22:42:23 GMT
Hi M I wrote this in 02 The Lost Battalion 2001 review by attie Director Russel Mulcahy famous for directing videos from Duran Duran to Elton John Brings WW1 to masses with this movie. Unlike the W.W.II epics Enemies at the Gate and Saving Private Ryan this one is based on a true events that occurred on October 2, 1918. Rick's performance as Charles Whittlesey is brilliant. If you have never seen Rick in a lead character role this is the one to see. The original A&E production took Rick to Europe for months of rigorous training and filming. He did most of his own stunts including jumping from foxhole to foxhole 4-5 times and injuring his back. I particularly thought this was a very special movie since I had grown up enjoying Russel's video work. 20 some years of amazing visuals (who could forget Simon Lebon front and center on that famous yacht) For Russel to first work with my all-time favorite band and to now work with my all-time fave actor was a real treat! The movie begins with the following... The following is based on a true story of W.W.I 1914-1918. The first scene of the movie gets the viewer right into the action Charles walks down a trench corridor and observes his troops. Without a word you can tell Rick is already fully in character. Charles reaches out his hands to a soldier who is blindfolded and rushing to get back safely. (This is not Rick's first war movie he played real life Calvin Graham in the W.W.II epic Too Young the Hero, And Otto in Texas during the fight at the Alamo) The soldier is shot right in front of Rick and you see the blood of the soldier splash on to Charles face! So much for subtlety for those who are squemish keep the remote handy! Charles is then summoned by his commanding officers to take a new Platoon into the Argon forest. He reluctantly agrees. You then meet the young men (many who are immigrants who proudly chose to serve their country even though most were not even drafted. The boys don't all get along at first but eventually realize they are all the family they have left. This is a great way for older teens to get a first hand accounts of WW1 and should see it in their classes. Rick then makes sure that his captain knows that he does not want any more boys to die taking Mill! Once of Rick's best scenes is when he puts his Lieutenant in his place by not taking his excuses for his sloppy appearance or lack of Confidence. "Welcome to the 308" he says when his done telling his Lou. How to be in charge. It is a quiet yet powerful performance by Rick that really sets the tone of this movie. He doesn't try to overplay or outshine the other actors. He gives them room to display their talents. I was pleased that they chose to cast unknowns instead of the usual hot at the moment guys! The first battle is both exciting and shocking. Rick again without saying a word starts the scene with grace. Charles blows his starter whistle and they start out. Right away boys are being killed. This movie is so relevant right now due to the war in Iraq. The actors used real W.W.I weapons and during the documentary Rick mentions that many of the "City Boys" had trouble learning and using the rifles since they had never used one before. The action scenes are fast and shaky. At times it is hard to see where Rick is in the scene unless there is a close-up but you are so caught up with what is happening you just hope no one was hurt. It is not just shoot em up bang there are some very touching scenes. Rick took his entire family on location during the filming. It must have been fun for LUKE and HOLDEN to see Daddy playing soldier. The Lost Battalion proves 2 main points. 1 that Rick works his butt off in every movie his makes. 2 That he is a very underrated actor (Let's see the Teeny Boppers do all this stuff in a 26 year career! As the movie progresses the boys look to Charles for guidance. Without giving too much away the Platoon must stay trapped between the enemy with no relief, food, water or medical supplies. Rick leads the first group up and waits to send for the others. They are alone and must hold. They endure every hardship imaginable including friendly fire by there own military and The Storm Troopers who chose to use FlameThrowers as their last resort. Charles never chooses to surrender or withdraw. He loses men and ends up with only men. This must have been a very grueling and intense working environment for an actor who was still working on his 3rd and final season of BLUE. My face scene is when Charles sees a private in trouble due to the fact his gun has jammed. He rushes to the boys side and gently helps him through by reminding him of his basic training, lets him do it himself, and when another soldier tries to help Rick says,"Stay at your post the Private is in control here!" What a great scene! I wonder how much of the dialogue was adlibbed? Relief finally comes but it proves to be too late! As they are bombed accidentally by there own (Friendly fire) the look on Rick's face when one of his sergeants is blown to bits is amazing! "If we hold on they'll hold on" Rick says, "If we can hold on we may be able to end this war!" You will be touched, and feel proud when you see this movie. Rick did a heck of a job. When he Leeds his troops out of the forest at the end of the movie you will not be able to hold back the tears! A++ effort by our guy Rick. All involved the extras; Director special effects etc did a full-blown big screen movie on a low budget. Here is a website that shows an interview about the movie by our guy Rick so check it out www.aetv.com/tv/shows/battalion/interview_schroder.html (attie27)
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Post by PlanetM on Jan 12, 2009 18:57:31 GMT
Thank you so much Attie, this is a very good review You have a good eye for scenes, reading your review I remembered all the scenes you were talking about. I agree with you when you say that Ricky's performance is especially good becuase even being the lead character he doesn't put the others in the shadow..... He portays an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances very well. Often a glance, a facial expression says much more than an entire dialogue. His family was with him during filming?That's good, it must have been a lot of fun for his kids and a good way for Andrea to be near to him. I hope someday Ricky will come to England for a film, the Lake district where I live is very scenic, perfect filming location. And I'm a good guide Manu
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Post by PlanetM on Jan 12, 2009 18:59:28 GMT
I tried to open the link for the interview but it said "sorry the page couldn't be found" Maybe you could copy it and post it in the "Interviews" sections? thanks manu
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