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When Trumpets Fade
1998
Set during one of the Second World War's most shocking and unforgettable battles - the battle of Hurtgen Forest in the Autumn of 1944. American forces are under orders to secure a bridge flanked by enemy tanks. Men already trapped in a hellish minefield face death from all sides as shells rain down from the sky. Hundreds of .. Read more
| Starring | Ron Eldard, Zac Orth, Frank Whaley |
|---|---|
| Director | John Irvin |
| Genres | Drama, Drama |
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When Trumpets Fade
Set during one of the Second World War's most shocking and unforgettable battles - the battle of Hurtgen Forest in the Autumn of 1944. American forces are under orders to secure a bridge flanked by enemy tanks. Men already trapped in a hellish minefield face death from all sides as shells rain down from the sky. Hundreds of lives have been lost, and the surviving troops are bloodied and shell-shocked. There are only four renegade soldiers remaining, who all have one thing in common: a desperate will to stay alive.
| Starring | Ron Eldard, Zac Orth, Frank Whaley |
|---|---|
| Director | John Irvin |
| Studio | Arrow Films |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 32 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama, Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 24 Sep 2007 Production year: 1998 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (2)
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This made-for-cable film based on a true story plays like a fine art house feature, with some genuinely gripping and novel situations. Not a run-of-the-mill war film, but an intimate and powerful study of the moral complexities and horrors of battle. During the winter of 1944, in western Germany, an emotionally and physically exhausted American private (Ron Eldard, Sleepers) is promoted against his will when he serendipitously survives as the rest of his comrades die around him. Whether or not he's a hero, coward or pure victim of circumstance is the point of this searingly affecting film, which dramatises one of the most senseless battles of the Second World War. Given both intelligence and power by the sure-handed direction of John Irvin, this is wise, affecting television that should not be missed.
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"...A fine sensitivity to the emotional toll of war..."
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Most helpful member's review
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19 out of 19 people found this review helpful
Hard-edged war film
When someone makes a war film about an important battle or front that history has almost forgot I always applaud it. The Battle of Hurtgen Forest on the Belgian/German border took place immediately before the German Ardennes Offensive in Winter 1944, the so-called Battle of the Bulge, last gasp German push of the war. For this reason it has been overshadowed although the American army suffered over 20,000 casualties during the battle. As the American army try to break through the German Siegfried line they face enormous, desperate German opposition. When Trumpets Fade is centred around a Private known for his 'yellow steak' but as the film progresses his unfaltering desire just to survive whatever the cost, he becomes the reluctant hero embarking on daring raids with a unit of raw replacements. This is a tragic film, although for a HBO movie the effects and the cinematography are superb. My only real problem with this is it fails to portray the sheer scale of the battlefield leaving you feeling that it was just a couple of hundred men against a few German artillary guns and tanks. However if you enjoy war films that bring a different edge to the craft then this is good choice.
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Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
It can blow it's own trumpet
I only discovered this film when looking at a favourite war movie list of some blogger on the internet, and took a gamble on renting it.
I'm glad I did! While the scripting is, in places, a little run of the mill, namely the self serving squad leader meets rookie scenario, and the music in places is cheesier than a vintage stilton, the acting is at worst of a reasonable standard, and the action sequences detailed and realistic enough to stop me picking fault.
This is certainly a worthy companion to Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers. Watch, enjoy! -
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Set during one of the Second World War's most shocking and unforgettable battles - the battle of Hurtgen Forest in the Autumn of 1944. American forces are under orders to secure a bridge flanked by ... -