Passchendaele
There is only one rule... Don't die.
Set during World War I, we witness the struggle of Michael Dunne, a conflicted Canadian soldier, who must return to the horrors of the battlefield in order to keep a promise to the woman he loves. The film shows the heroism of those that fought in battle, and of those that loved them.
Member Reviews
"Passiondale" would be more accurate - Greensleeves
Written/Directed/Produced/Starring Paul Gross. There is a clue in that first line that should serve as a warning to potential viewers.
I'd planned to title this review "A Chick Flick masquerading as a war movie" but someone beat me to it.
Paul has taken a movie that, it appears, nobody else would touch because it is such a stinker, and did it all himself.
The battle at Passchendaele is little more than a footnote to this story line - a marketing gimmick to attract a Canadian audience that knows just enough history to recognize that it was a very important event for us. The majority of the story is just one more syrupy, pretentious, Harlequin Romance chock-a-block with cliches and absurd coincidences that are intended to pass as a thread of a story line.
If you are thinking of watching this movie to learn more about WWI, and Passchendaele in particular, save yourself a disappointing experience and give this turkey a wide berth.
My condolences to those who were involved in making the movie. While any job is better than no job, it must be disappointing to have worked so hard only to be left with a product that can't be forgotten fast enough.
P.S. - I did not intend to offend fans of Harlequin Romances in writing this review. If that's what turns your crank, enjoy this movie. You probably won't like the blood and gore in the battle scenes, but that's the price of watching a movie that doesn't know if it is supposed to be recounting a truly horrendous event in our history or providing light entertainment involving a brave and passionate heroine; dashingly handsome knight in shining armor; dorky side-kick; nefarious evil-doer; a slutty air-head; and dialogue that is so predictable that it would offend any group of first-year writers.Does Not Disappoint - CynCanada
Paul Gross does not disappoint in the making of this film. Yes, it has a complicated story-line with multiple facets going on at once ... but isn't that life? and especially life during times of war. This is not a feel-good movie ... but the very fact of the subject-matter, you know that going in. It is superbly directed and acted which keeps one's attention in spite of the dark story. Highly recommend - whether you are Canadian or not.Recommended - evester85
I had been wanting to see it for some time when I finally watched it. I really like Paul Gross (like a good little Canadian), and the movie looked really good. It did not disappoint. I laughed (a little), I was touched and I cried. Really really good film. I highly recommend it.
It was kind of heart-wrenching. (It's a war movie, so of course it's sad.) But, more than that, it felt really real. I felt emotionally drained, like I had just been through something. The movie is an experience, not just a movie. That is the sign of a really good movie, in my opinion. I felt the same way after Changeling. It's not overly hopeful or overly depressing. I really feel it brought out the good and bad of the times (not that I know from experience, but you know what I mean).
Member Reviews
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"Passiondale" would be more accurate - Greensleeves
Written/Directed/Produced/Starring Paul Gross. There is a clue in that first line that should serve as a warning to potential viewers.
I'd planned to title this review "A Chick Flick masquerading as a war movie" but someone beat me to it.
Paul ...Does Not Disappoint - CynCanada
Paul Gross does not disappoint in the making of this film. Yes, it has a complicated story-line with multiple facets going on at once ... but isn't that life? and especially life during times of war. This is not a feel-good movie ... but the very fact of the ...Recommended - evester85
I had been wanting to see it for some time when I finally watched it. I really like Paul Gross (like a good little Canadian), and the movie looked really good. It did not disappoint. I laughed (a little), I was touched and I cried. Really really good film. ...