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This movie tells an historic story, and begins with a somewhat arty slant. But it gradually becomes a dadaist study in human depravity and thinly veiled injustice in terrible times. Though set in WWII, it is not a war movie. It probes deeply and uncomfortably into moral issues rarely discussed in war movies. For this reason it is extremely compelling.

The plot line is not direct, and the characters often confusing, but that is it's goal to be a moving piece of cinematic art. The film develops into a Felliniesque dream where logic and a pleasant, easy, normal straightforward narrative dissolve into a a gaudy abstract symbolism that will require a second viewing to figure out. This film is on the level of Bergman, Fellini, Godard etc. It is a challenging, heartfelt film, not suitable for date night. The direction, camera, acting, editing, sets, wardrobe, casting, are excellent.

I watched this in 2020-- 12 years after it was released on the Criterion Channel. Never had heard of it, but the description sounded interesting. Interesting, the language is Italian with English subtitles, even though many of the characters are American (including Burt Lancaster) who was ironically typecast as the dithering, bullying American general (referring to Buck Turgidson in DR STRANGELOVE).

I couldn't find any professional reviews of this film, or any box office history, so, because of its ambivalent anti-war/anti-Americanism it may never have played theatrically in the US. The Criterion Channel may be the only place you'll find it. But if you love cinema, you'll love this film.

The star of this film is a very unusual person. Many of the reviewers here resent that, complaining that he's OCD, has no qualifications for anything, and a typical narcissist. These are people who are quick to judge, because something is strange to them, and therefore offensive. They are so smart and worldly that they feel they can tell everyone else in the world how to make a film, how to live their life, and gleefully describe all the short comings. Nevermind that these unqualified critics have never accomplished much themselves... they just know what people should do, and they get their thoughts, unedited, on the Internet.

This is a very smart, very unique portrait by genius filmmaker Marshall Curry. Look at all his awards and achievements, and measure your life against his, if you really want to be a serious critic and understand the nooks and crannies of great cinema. If you don't measure up, then please realize nobody gives a damn what you think.

Pay no attention to the negative reviews. They fall into the category of "I'm an expert, and this is not the film I would have made, if someone gave me a million $$. Well, sourpuss, you can be pretty sure it won't happen, so take your jealous shots proving how talented you are, by dissing and snarking great, brave artists, it will be as close as you'll come to the fame and fortune you so lust for. Go make your own movie.

This film is an excellent personal statement of Dylan and Slater. The melodic and harmonic music explored is a high point of the 1960s music world. Pretty quickly it devolved into distorted guitars, screaming vocalists, and manic drummers. All so loud that it only makes sense to drunks.

I'm so appreciative that so much time and effort went into it, and captured the little scene of really beautiful music so well. I'm impressed that Jakob Dylan and his generational cohorts took the time to reflect and put their own loving spin on it. The sound is amazing, and the camerawork is inventive, sensitive, and moving without getting in the way. The editing is brisk, clever and unobtrusive. Many inventive bits that display the love of craft in music and cinema. Loved Jakob Dylan.

As an American indie filmmaker, I love these sorts of Irish dramas. RUN AND JUMP is similar story. Their dramatic arc is smooth and steady, despite all the problems, much like life itself. Wish I could see more like it. Laugh out loud Irishisms soften much of the sting with a sense of duty and love despite the worst slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. The beauty in the people, the wardrobe, the settings is memorable and striking. Great film.

Who knew that New Zealand's Maori natives suffered the same hellish treatment dished out by the English Empire around the globe. This is another chapter of Western "civilization" the elites would prefer to have kept swept under the rug. It's a sad tale of gender, racial, andethnic prejudice and abuse. The director is young and inexperienced, but tries her hardest to convey original ideas in new ways. Her bravery in tackling such a delicate subject with honesty is unique.

It's very difficult to be picky and compare techniques to Spielberg, and the Hollywood elite who had so much more to work with in their careers. I applaud this director, cast, and crew for doing a great job.

If your idea of a great film is STAR WARS, you can pass this one quietly by. But if you're a curious person who enjoys history, politics, and deeply emotional situations in foreign cultures, you'll find this quite compelling and rewarding.