denis888 Review of Field of Lost Shoes

Field of Lost Shoes (2015)

Mesmerizing Masterpiece About VMI Cadets, War And Romance

[10/10 · 5 December 2014]

Yes, it was worth the wait. I had been expecting the great movie, and I have gotten this. Everything is good about this movie - actors (with Jason Isaacs and David Arquette staying power), music, the setting, the tonality, the mood, the pace, the message. Deep, anti- slavery motif is strong throughout, and even those young Southern cadets from VMI are not all pro-slavery men, they just defend Virginia the way they could. The poignant scene of the pre-battle talk of General John C. Breckenridge with 7 cadets is a real gem of the movie and it underlines the tragedy to come, as the next day was that battle. The battle is depicted with all that urgent brutality, mud, blood, mercilessness, honest severity and terrifying chilling accuracy. There is no beauty in men killing each other and shelling to shreds. There is no fun in dead enemy and joy in lost comrades. The characters of President Lincoln, General Grant, General Siegel are all well drawn and only add much to the spellbinding truthfulness of the story. It has the elegance of Gods And Generals, deep tragedy of Glory, warm humor of The Blue and The Gray, grandeur of Gettysburg, and I am sure this work will stand the test of time well. Highly recommended