Passchendaele - The Movie

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

I thought I should let you know that Sally and I went to see the early afternoon show just up the street. It's amazing.

I knew it would be good, because Paul Gross is pretty much incapable of doing anything bad, and because in part at least, the story is based upon his own grandfather's related experiences in WW1. Paul is one of the few in the business who believe in preserving the memories in much the same way we do.

Passchendaele is a movie which, had Hollywood had a hand, would have cost at least three times as much to make and wouldn't carry nearly the same weight. This was done by Canadians, in Canada, but beats the calibre of most Canadian films hands-down, mostly due to Paul's insights. It really is outstanding, in all respects. If anything, the first half played too long where more of the second would have been more welcome, but I do understand his point. Overall, the movie leaves you stunned, quite unwilling and unable to move; the battle scenes are the most realistic I have ever seen outsaide of Band of Brothers, but in some ways even better, for to replicate the mud and the blood and the soaking wet misery of Passchendaele in a unique challenge in itself.

I urge anyone who can to see this film, and preferably on the big screen. Artistically it's a masterpiece; even just as a war movie I daresay it sets the standard for years to come.

Two thumbs up/five rifles from this house!

Now only if I can talk Paul into doing the same thing for The Scheldt...