Saints and Soldiers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of soldiers get lost in the woods and argue about religion while trying to deliver a message, ultimately proving that even Germans can be your friends if you were once their Mormon missionary.

🍿 Saints and Soldiers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Malmedy Massacre

In December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, American soldiers are captured by German forces. The prisoners are lined up in a field and mercilessly gunned down in what becomes known as the Malmedy Massacre. A small group of soldiers, including Corporal Nathan ‘Deacon’ Greer and Medic Steven Gould, survive by playing dead.

Escape and Evasion

Deacon, Gould, and two other survivors, Kendrick and Gunderson, band together to try and reach Allied lines. They scavenge for supplies and attempt to avoid detection as they navigate the harsh winter landscape. Deacon, haunted by visions of past trauma, struggles with his conscience regarding violence.

Encounter with the British Pilot

The group encounters Flight Sergeant Oberon Winley, a British pilot with vital intelligence about German troop movements. Winley’s information could save thousands of Allied lives, making their mission even more critical. However, Winley’s arrogant demeanor creates friction within the group.

Moral Dilemmas and Encounters

The soldiers find temporary shelter with a French woman and her daughter. They face a moral dilemma when they capture a German soldier, Rudolph, whom Deacon recognizes from his time as a missionary in Berlin. Deacon’s decision to release Rudolph creates tension and tests the group’s trust.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Corporal ‘Deacon’ Greer (Corbin Allred): A religious American sharpshooter haunted by past actions, grappling with his faith amidst the brutality of war.
• Medic Steven Gould (Alexander Polinsky): An atheist medic whose beliefs are challenged as he witnesses acts of faith and sacrifice.
• Flight Sergeant Oberon Winley (Kirby Heyborne): A British intelligence officer with vital information, initially arrogant but gradually humbled by his experiences.
• Private Shirl Kendrick (Larry Bagby): An American private, craving a cigarette and providing comic relief, who ultimately sacrifices himself for the mission.
• Sergeant Gordon Gunderson (Peter Holden): A seasoned American sergeant who provides leadership and guidance to the group as they try to survive.
• Rudolph ‘Rudi’ Gertz (Ethan Vincent): A German soldier and former acquaintance of Deacon, whose conflicted loyalties lead to a pivotal decision.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Deacon: “Sometimes, doing what’s right means doing what’s hard.” – Deacon shares this sentiment as he struggles with his conscience and the realities of war.
• Gunderson: “We gotta get him back, his information could save thousands of lives.” – Gunderson, the sergeant, convinces the others to risk their lives to help Winley deliver vital intelligence.
• Gould: “What’s the point, Deacon? What’s the point of any of this?” – Gould expresses his disillusionment and questions the meaning of war.
• Winley: “I just need a cigarette.” – The British pilot desperately craves a smoke, highlighting the stress and deprivation of war, often said with an arrogant tone.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $780,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,310,470
• Worldwide Gross: $1,310,470

💥 Saints and Soldiers Reviews

Personal Review

I was really moved by ‘Saints and Soldiers.’ The scene where Deacon has to reconcile his faith with the act of killing, and when he recognized the German soldier that he helped convert was so powerful. The ending, with Gould taking Deacon’s Bible, really got to me. It showed how war can change people and open them up to different perspectives. I wasn’t expecting much, but the movie’s heart won me over, and the ending actually made me tear up.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of World War II films”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about faith and morality in wartime”
  • “Indie film enthusiasts”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven narratives over large-scale action”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence”
  • “Some scenes of graphic war violence”
  • “Thematic elements about faith and morality”
  • “Brief threat of sexual assault”

Professional Reviews

• IndieFilm Monthly: “Despite a low budget, ‘Saints and Soldiers’ delivers a compelling war story focusing on faith and morality. The performances are earnest, though the script occasionally falls into familiar war movie tropes. Overall, a worthwhile watch for its heart and message.
• WarMovieBuff.com: “Authenticity and grit take a backseat to character drama in this WWII film. While the action is limited, the film explores the psychological toll of war and the unexpected connections forged in the face of adversity. It has some historical inaccuracies and liberties, but still tells a solid story.
• The Christian Film Review: “A thought-provoking film that tackles complex issues of faith, forgiveness, and the humanity of the enemy. ‘Saints and Soldiers’ offers a refreshing perspective on war, emphasizing compassion over outright violence. Though the low budget is apparent, the message resonates strongly.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved how the film portrayed soldiers as human beings with complex emotions and internal struggles.: Most audience members appreciated the film’s emphasis on character development and moral dilemmas rather than excessive action.

Many people were surprised by how much they enjoyed the film despite its low budget.: The beautiful Utah scenery standing in for the Belgium forests got consistent praise from viewers.

Overall Consensus: Saints and Soldiers is a moving war film that prioritizes character-driven drama and moral exploration over large-scale action, resonating with audiences who appreciate thought-provoking stories about faith, forgiveness, and humanity during wartime.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in Utah, with the snowy landscapes standing in for the Ardennes Forest in Belgium.”
• “To keep costs down, the filmmakers relied on authentic WWII vehicles and equipment borrowed from collectors.”
• “Corbin Allred, who played Deacon, carried a photo of his real-life grandmother, which his grandfather carried during WWII.”

🖥️ How to Watch Saints and Soldiers?

As of today, you can rent or buy ‘Saints and Soldiers’ on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check these platforms for availability in your region and consider renting or purchasing to support the filmmakers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Saints and Soldiers, you might like these similar films:

• Band of Brothers (2001): Both depict the experiences of American soldiers in WWII Europe, focusing on camaraderie and survival.
• Saving Private Ryan (1998): Focuses on a small group of soldiers on a mission behind enemy lines, similar to the core narrative of Saints and Soldiers.
• The Hiding Place (1975): Explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and moral courage during WWII, mirroring Deacon’s internal conflicts.
• Unbroken (2014): A story of survival, resilience, and faith in the face of extreme adversity during WWII.

🛒 Saints and Soldiers Related Products

• Saints and Soldiers: The Ultimate WWII Film Collection (Blu-ray): A curated collection featuring Saints and Soldiers alongside other critically acclaimed WWII films, offering hours of historical drama and inspiring stories of courage and sacrifice.
• 1:35 Scale WWII US Army Infantry Figure Set: Recreate memorable scenes from ‘Saints and Soldiers’ with highly detailed, historically accurate figures. Perfect for collectors and hobbyists, these figures bring the film’s characters to life.
• Authentic WWII US Army Winter Combat Boots Replica: High-quality replica boots as seen in the film. Wear history and show your appreciation for the sacrifices made during WWII. Great for cosplay or everyday wear, these boots combine style and historical significance.
• Saints and Soldiers: Behind the Lines (Documentary): An in-depth look at the making of ‘Saints and Soldiers,’ featuring interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and insights into the historical accuracy and creative process. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of bringing this story to the screen.

🎧 Soundtrack

Saints and Soldiers features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Villa” – performed by JoAnn Ottley

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This Scene Was Improvised By The Actor in SAINTS AND SOLDIERS… – #shorts #short

Did you know this intense scene was actually improvised? I can’t believe how natural it felt, knowing it wasn’t scripted makes it even more impressive!

How Potato Flakes Caused a Gun Jam in Saints and Soldiers?

Ever wonder what bizarre things can go wrong on a movie set? This is a wild story about how potato flakes caused a gun jam during the filming of ‘Saints and Soldiers’ – seriously, you have to hear this!

Saints and Soldiers: The Void Interview with Matt Meese

Want to know more about Matt Meese’s role in ‘Saints and Soldiers: The Void’? This interview dives into his character and the behind-the-scenes experience – it’s always interesting to hear from the actors themselves!

He saved his enemy (2014) Saints and Soldiers: The Void #sad #warishell #ww2 #saintsandsoldiers

Check out this powerful scene showing a German soldier saving his enemy! It shows there is more to people than just their uniform. What would you do in that situation?

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