Exemplory movie!
Bonita A. Wolfe | Nebraska | 08/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My Dad served with the 10th Mountain Division in WWII. He never told me much of the horrors of this war in trying to protect me. The closer he came to dying he spilled bits and pieces of his time in Italy with the 10th. I am so pleased that Abbie took it upon herself to film, and edit this movie into such a factual movie that explains what really went on during WWII. I appreciated the mix of WWII footage with newer shots. The preciseness of this movie left me in tears, knowing that the "boys" of the 40's did their utmost to preserve our freedoms. This movie tells it as it was!"
Excellent WW2 Narrative
MCC | California | 03/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The book, by Jenkins, The Last Ridge: The Epic Story of America's First Mountain Soldiers and the Assault on Hitler's Europe is a well-written narrative about a Division whose skill in difficult terrain has been tapped once again in the current conflict in Afghanistan. The training and experiences of the 10th were unique and, as I learned, several of the men involved returned and left a lasting impact on US winter and summer mountain recreation. Anyone familiar with modern backpacking gear and garb will shudder at the description of these guys in their woolen pants and rag socks, carrying canvas rucksacks. On 7 foot skis to boot!
The story of the Italian campaign is a page-turner. This part of the war is not, I believe, well-known, or at least the story hasn't been repeated in multiple books and films, so it was an eye-opener as well. The tragedy and brutality remain mind-numbing.
The DVD documentary is a good introduction, but not a replacement, for the book. This is a story that should be bought as a combo. The DVD lacks the depth and detail of the book, you will miss a lot of the story if you only watch the DVD. The DVD does give you interviews and first-person accounts with Division members, you can use your imagination to imagine them as soldiers 60 years ago. Also, be sure to watch the features, they add considerably to the documentary. If you only have 45 minutes to give to the topic, buy the DVD. But you will do better to consume the printed version as well."
Simply magnificent
joe | wisconsin | 03/18/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"By virtue of an extraordinarily fortunate twist of fate, I happened upon this documentary, having missed its original broadcast. Watching the film and the extras, I found it well north of marvelous, one of the most beautiful things I've experienced. From the historical to the present day, it was simply magnificent. I laughed and I cried, it strikes deep and humbles to the core."