★ 5 / 10
The once-controversial topic of gays in the military
Brent Marchant
The once-controversial topic of gays in the military has settled down somewhat from its flashpoint status years ago (even if it’s not yet everything that…
The once-controversial topic of gays in the military has settled down somewhat from its flashpoint status years ago (even if it’s not yet everything that members of the LGBTQ+ community would like it to be). But, in the not-too-distant past, it was still a hot button topic, one that made life difficult for those in the military, especially for those in relationships who served together, despite guaranteed provisions against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Those are among the challenges addressed in writer-director David Wagner’s third feature outing, a fact-based tale about a closeted (and married) tough-as-nails Austrian military drill sergeant (Gerhard Liebmann) who clandestinely falls for an out-and-proud recruit (Luka Dimić). While the story and sentiments are truly touching, the overall execution, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired. Perhaps the biggest problem here is the screenplay, which is loaded with developments that unfold at an unrealistically fast pace, creating awkward transitions and, consequently, diminishing the picture’s credibility. The effect of that is pacing that comes across as needlessly rushed, something that could have been resolved by simply taking a little more time to allow the narrative to develop, especially given the film’s comparatively short 1:27:00 runtime. The character development feels exaggerated at times, too, with the sergeant vacillating wildly between over-the-top beast and tender loving partner and with the recruit appearing as a little too defiant and flamboyant to be convincing. And then there’s the cinematography, which at times is so dark that it’s virtually impossible for viewers to discern what’s going on, particularly in an initial intimate sequence that’s about as murky as the ocean floor. It’s regrettable that this offering gets so much wrong, because it’s a heartfelt story that deserves a more effective telling. There’s a lot to be said for sharing a touching tale such as this, but the least its creators can do is tell it with earnest believability, something that’s largely absent here.
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★ 8 / 10
Not a foot wrong
laduqesa
I approached this film with some trepidation due to the setting in the army, something I'm not usually keen on watching. I needn't have feared. Army life was…
I approached this film with some trepidation due to the setting in the army, something I'm not usually keen on watching. I needn't have feared. Army life was an integral part of the film, just as the burgeoning fascination of Charles Eismayer and Mario Falak with each other was. This was based on a real-life romance although I don't know how much was fictionalised.
Swarthy Luka Dimic playing Mario would be enough to melt anyone's heart. He did a great job, at his real age of 36, of portraying a much younger recruit. Gerhard Liebmann plays a wonderful rôle of playing the buttoned-up, closeted sergeant major.
As the story unfolds via a lovemaking scene of exquisite tenderness and passion (my goodness, Dimic's lips) we reach the inevitable conclusion. The photo of the real couple shown at the end is a good finishing touch.
For those who ask what a hunky youth sees in a far older martinet, well, there are many such relationships in both the gay and straight worlds. True love knows no age boundaries. My soul mate is thirty five years younger than me!
This film should appeal not only to niche audiences but to a wider public accepting of the revolution in morality that has taken place over the past few decades. A definite recommend.
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★ 9 / 10
honest perspective
Kirpianuscus
I appreciate the honest perspective about a profound sensitive theme. The good performances, to. And, not the last, the message. A simple story of a seargent…
I appreciate the honest perspective about a profound sensitive theme. The good performances, to. And, not the last, the message. A simple story of a seargent, tough, correct, brutal, in many occasions, good father and reasonable husband and the root of his behavior. A young, Yougoslavian man, recruit in Austrian Army Forces.
Their conflicts, connection, secret.
Few admitrable to touching scenes.
And beautiful way to not become victim of cliches.
Not the best film about this theme, but great for correct manner to use each detail as piece placed, in precise manner, to the fair place.
A virtue - the well use of suggestions as explanations for behavior of characters. And the ruined building in winter, remindig Andrei Tarkovski universe.
So, I like it can sounds strange. The respect for just a well crafted film is more normal. And for inspired acting.
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90%
TOMATOMETER
· 10 reviews
87%
AUDIENCE
7.0/10
3.2K
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Well, the movie ended before we got to know if he got a desk job or just retired. No way he could continue as instructor after marrying Mario...