Watch WWII: The Long Road Home

WWII: The Long Road Home is a remarkable film about a young soldier's adventure during the second world war. Written, directed, and produced by the 18-year-old Elliot Hasler, the movie portrays the war with great intensity, drama, and authenticity. The film follows the story of a young British soldier, George (played by Hasler), who is stranded behind enemy lines after his army unit is decimated by a German ambush. George must elude the enemy and make his way towards safety, facing numerous challenges and dangers along the way.

The story begins in 1944, during the final stages of the war in Europe. The movie opens with a breathtaking aerial shot of the French countryside, followed by the sights and sounds of an intense clash between British and German soldiers. George is a young recruit who is part of the first wave of the Allied invasion of Normandy. George and his comrades land on the beach and try to push inland, but they face heavy resistance from the enemy.

After a gruesome battle, George is separated from his unit and is forced to go on the run. The rest of the film chronicles George's journey as he tries to make his way through the German-occupied territory. He encounters a variety of obstacles, including dangerous terrain, unfriendly locals, and enemy patrols. He also has to fend off hunger, fatigue, and injury. But despite all these difficulties, George remains resolute in his mission to get back to his own allied troops.

Along the way, George meets other characters who help him in his journey. Alice Rogers plays a French girl named Suzanne, who becomes George's companion and aid. The two of them do not speak each other's language, but they form a connection nonetheless. Although their relationship never becomes romantic, you can see a spark between them. David Aitchison appears as a resistance fighter who also assists George in his quest. The characters' interactions move the story forward and provide a break from George's solitary journey.

The film features some really impressive battle sequences. Hasler adeptly directs the action scenes and manages to create tension and excitement. He also provides a great sense of place and time, with a keen eye for period detail. There are moments when the film feels too gritty and realistic, and watching it can be a bit difficult for some viewers. But that just adds to the movie's appeal as it transports the audience to a different time and place.

Hasler does an excellent job portraying George's state of mind throughout his journey. The young actor manages to convey a sense of vulnerability and determination, as George battles his way towards safety. It's impressive to see an 18-year-old take on such a demanding and complex role, and he delivers an outstanding performance. Rogers and Aitchison also provide great supporting performances in their respective roles.

The film concludes with George reaching his objective, but not without cost. The ending is bittersweet, but also uplifting, as George realizes the value of the journey he has undertaken. Overall, WWII: The Long Road Home is a remarkable movie that deserves to be seen by fans of war movies. It's a gripping and authentic account of the hardships and challenges faced by soldiers during the war. Through his film, Hasler has created a lasting tribute to the brave men and women who fought in World War II.

WWII: The Long Road Home is a 2019 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.9.