Everyman's War

2009

Action / Biography / Drama / War

4
Rotten Tomatoes Critics - Rotten 23%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Spilled 23% · 100 ratings
IMDb Rating 5.1/10 10 1474 1.5K

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Plot summary

No one in high command believed that German forces would attack in the sub zero temperatures and near blizzard conditions. As the pre-dawn attack comes, with communications down Sgt. Smith is left with no choice but to make his way through enemy fire, unarmed and wounded, into town and warn of the coming attack. Based on actual accounts "Everyman's War" explores the heroic events of this decorated veterans courage and the struggle between duty and desire. Between the prospect of the life and love, Dorine that waits at home and the harsh realities of war which marks the pivotal epoch in his life as he discovers that the loss of hope can be worse than the loss of life. One man's courage... One man's hope...Everyman's War.

Director

Thad T. Smith Photo
Thad T. Smith

Top cast

Todd A. Robinson Photo
Todd A. Robinson as Lt. Naggi
Bruce M. Fischer Photo
Bruce M. Fischer as Judge
Jay Lance Photo
Jay Lance as Panzer Commander
Cole Carson Photo
Cole Carson as Sgt. Don Smith
720p.BLU 1080p.BLU
962.98 MB
1280*566
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles
23.976 fps
1 hr 44 min
Seeds ...
1.93 GB
1920*848
English 5.1
NR
Subtitles
23.976 fps
1 hr 44 min
Seeds ...

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by GianfrancoSpada 6 / 10

Everyman's scaramouche

There is a particular challenge in crafting a war film that seeks to balance intimate storytelling with the grand scale of World War II combat. The film in question attempts to capture the visceral experience of soldiers on the ground, focusing on personal sacrifice and small-scale engagements rather than the sweeping, large-budget spectacles often seen in the genre. However, while its ambition is commendable, the execution leaves much to be desired in several key areas, from production values to narrative coherence and technical prowess.Visually, the film struggles to achieve the immersive realism that defines the best of the genre. The cinematography is serviceable, but it lacks the raw intensity that one might expect from a film attempting to depict the brutal nature of war. The color grading and lighting choices, instead of enhancing the sense of period authenticity, sometimes give the film an artificial, almost staged quality. This is further exacerbated by inconsistent shot compositions and a reliance on handheld camerawork that, while likely intended to create immediacy, often feels unpolished rather than deliberate.The film's budgetary constraints are evident in its production design. As a low-budget film, with a budget of around $720,000, it faces limitations in its ability to fully realize a historically immersive world. While some effort has been made to recreate the wartime setting, the costumes and equipment do not always carry the weight of historical authenticity. The firearms and gear, in particular, occasionally appear too pristine, lacking the worn, battle-hardened look seen in superior WWII films. This lack of attention to detail can be distracting, particularly for viewers well-versed in military history and accustomed to the meticulous authenticity found in films like "Saving Private Ryan" or "Das Boot."Sound design is another critical element where the film fails to fully realize its potential. The gunfire and explosions lack depth, often sounding flat and unconvincing, which diminishes the intended impact of battle sequences. In comparison, films like "Fury" or "Band of Brothers" excel in crafting an auditory landscape that places the audience directly in the chaos of war. Here, the lack of layered sound design results in action scenes that feel underwhelming rather than immersive.The performances vary significantly in quality. The lead actor delivers a sincere effort, but the supporting cast is uneven, with some performances feeling stilted and unnatural. The dialogue, often overly expository, does little to elevate the emotional weight of the story. In more refined WWII films, characters convey depth through subtle expressions and restrained dialogue, whereas here, the script frequently resorts to heavy-handed speechifying. This robs the film of the nuance necessary to make its characters truly compelling.Pacing is another issue that affects the overall effectiveness of the film. While it is commendable that the story attempts to highlight the personal experiences of soldiers rather than focusing solely on large-scale battles, the uneven rhythm of the narrative results in prolonged lulls where tension dissipates entirely. This is in stark contrast to the expertly paced tension found in films like "The Thin Red Line," which manages to blend introspection with the omnipresent dangers of combat.Despite these shortcomings, the film does possess moments of genuine sincerity. It is evident that the filmmakers have a deep respect for the subject matter, and their effort to tell a meaningful story is apparent. Notably, the director is the son of one of the real-life protagonists, which adds a layer of personal connection and emotional investment to the project. The film's strongest aspect is its intent-its desire to honor the sacrifices of soldiers and to bring a personal, human element to the battlefield. However, intention alone cannot carry a film when execution falters in so many technical and artistic areas.Ultimately, while the film may find an audience among those who appreciate any attempt at portraying lesser-known WWII stories, it falls short of the high standards set by the genre's best. It lacks the cinematic polish, narrative strength, and technical prowess that define truly exceptional war films. As a result, while it is a heartfelt effort, it remains an underwhelming entry in the pantheon of WWII cinema.
Reviewed by Wuchakk 6 / 10

Americans going to Western Europe to fight Germans in the wintery forests

The true story of Don Smith and his fellow soldiers leading up to the Battle of the Bulge in December-January, 1944-45, is chronicled."Fallen Not Forgotten" (2009), aka "Everyman's War," is a WW2 Indie only costing $720,000 and is reminiscent of "Straight into Darkness" from five years prior, just more straightforward and less surrealistic. It was a labor of love written & directed by the sons of the real-life protagonist. "The Frozen Front" (2017) is another comparison. While this isn't as good as "Straight into Darkness," it's superior to "The Frozen Front."I watched it because I was in the mood for a WW2 flick, but also because I heard how little it cost and wanted to know if a decent WW2 film could possibly be made on such a non-budget, shot exclusively in Oregon of all places. Just think of the cost of apprehending items from the early 1940s, such as clothes, cars, uniforms, weapons, military vehicles and a tank or two, not to mention convincing sets. Then you have to have enough money left over for competent no-name actors and amenities, like lodging and catering.Yet the Smith brothers pulled it off. Sure, it's a micro-budget Indie, but the story & characters drew me in enough to give it a marginal thumbs-up for those who don't mind spare change Indies. The well-depicted Germans even speak German (with English subtitles).The movie doesn't overstay its welcome at 1 hour, 43 minutes.GRADE: B-
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