Set in an alternative reality where the Cold War still wages in the 90’s, this movie portraits a very realistic war between America and USSR. STORY SECTION: 9/10 Premise 2/2: The two World Powers have economical problems and food shortages and many consider a war as the only option for gaining access to one another’s power supplies. A scientist, fearing a possible nuclear war, develops a laser satellite system that can destroy nuclear missiles while crossing the stratosphere, thus preventing a holocaust. Unfortunately, his pacifist ideals are considered as a possible threat on the part of the World Powers. The side possessing this system will have complete safety over a nuclear attack from the other side. His plan becomes the excuse for the beginning of a bloody war of attrition. It is a very real story about very real situations. Plausibility 2/2: The general story is realistic as hell. It is brimming with politics and detailed references to military bases, real cities and weapon systems. If a war had indeed occurred, this movie would be a very close simulation to it. Complexity 2/2: Believe it or not, this movie is more about side stories rather than a main story. It is more like 5 different teams all over the world affecting the war in different ways. The war is formed by their actions and not the other way around. The story is not focused on individuals and has no main heroes and main villains. And definitely not a ridiculous bunch of teenagers saving the world with super powers while the rest of humanity just runs haplessly around (American Superheroes anyone?). Pacing 1/2: The plot is rather repetitive. One side attacks, the other retaliates in greater force, the first side retaliates for the retaliation in an even greater force, and so on, and so on… What stands out here is the human stubbornness to let go or to give up. Many leaders refuse out of pride to stop the war, even if it means the death of millions in retaliation. Several low-ranked soldiers prefer to avenge the death of their loved ones by killing hundreds of the opposing side, rather than accepting a truce. It is the human intolerance the cause of all this mess. Conclusion 2/2: But it is also the human will for peace the cause that ends this attrition. Indeed, the movie has a decent ending. A sad and rather corny but a solid and real one. CHARACTER SECTION: 6/10 Analysis: Presence 1/2, Personality 1/2, Backdrop 1/2, Development 1/2, Catharsis 2/2 The problem here is that we have a huge cast of over 50 characters crammed in a movie. There is simply not enough time to get to know them or really bind with them. Most will feel very generic and although they behave quite realistically, you simply don’t get to appreciate all that in an average of 2 minutes per each character. Meaning, they have a very realistic feeling on them but not enough time to make good use of it. But generally, they are still better than those found in mediocre titles. ART & SOUND SECTION: 8/10 Art Analysis: General Artwork 2/2, Character Figures 1/2, Backgrounds 2/2, Animation 2/2, Visual Effects 1/2 Sound Analysis: Voice Acting 3/3, Music Themes 3/4, Sound Effects 2/3 Just like the story and the characters, the graphics are very realistic, based on real locations, war bases and weapon systems. The music themes are really sad and low-toned, pointing out the cruelty and the vanity of war. Voice acting is mature and serious. Explosions and destruction are depicted in quite a straightforward way but they get the message through. As part of the whole realism package, the battles are not fancy or extreme. You won’t get aroused by watching them; unless of course you are a military otaku. A few points are lost because the character figures don’t have much variety. You almost fell like watching the same 5 people playing 10 different roles each. Plus, the voice acting is usually dry, making you feel tired of listening to people talking for over 5 seconds. VALUE SECTION: 3/10 Analysis: Historical Value 0/3, Rewatchability 0/3, Memorability 3/4 Although the movie leaves you with a great impression because of its realism, the chances of rewatching it are fairly low, as the story is easy to remember and the characters very dry to be interested in seeing them again. Plus, this title has no historical value and there are a hundred other much fancier and famous war dramas than it that simply overshadow it even if they lack its realism. Being realistic and being entertaining are two very different things. ENJOYMENT SECTION: 6/10 Analysis: Art 1/1, Sound 1/2, Story 2/3, Characters 2/4 VERDICT: 6.5/10 A very nice war scenario simulation. Mostly good for its realism but boring the rest of the way for the same reason. The lack in character coloring and the rather simple way the events unfold are also a thorn. SUGGESTION LIST The Silent Service. Another realistic and political war drama. Area 88. The best war drama with airplanes.
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