Search - Straight Into Darkness on DVD

A War Film not to be missed.

4tunes500 | Barneveld, NY United States | 06/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have collected War movies since I was a teen. Now in my 40's I have now seen or own more war movies than most can imagine even exist. I thought Id seen every variation on a war movie you could do. Walking through Walmart a few weeks ago I stumbled across this and even though I had never heard of it decided to give it a try. I was impressed, to the point where I can't get it out of my head. What a jem! Maybe it does borrow a little from the Gary Sinise character in a "Midnight Clear" & certainly offers a little nod to "Castle Keep" but beyond that it is a truly original and surreal story that may not fully fall into place for you until the very end. It is an independent film with a bigger movie feel. (After "Saint & Soldiers" & this I think I could be hooked on Indie war movies).
Set in the winter of '45 the film adresses the horror of war from perspectives that you won't expect and leaves you questioning the motivations of those that choose to fight. An interesting twist is that it's Director is more known for Horror films. This may well be what drives its originality. I won't go into plot development because I believe the less you know about the story the more impact it will have on you. It is not an expensive film to buy, which just seems to add value to a quality film. It's not your run of the mill war movie; that may be more than some people can take. but it's so worth it in the end. Rent it or buy it, but don't pass this one by."

A surprising independent find, heralding great films to come

E. Parkinson | Los Angeles, CA | 05/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Director Jeff Burr may have defined a career trajectory point with his superb work on "Straight Into Darkness." Like Oliver Stone's "PLATOON" or Terrence Malick's "THIN RED LINE", Burr does not shy away from the graphic realities of war, nor does he skate over philosophical and character themes. As eloquently described in a current FILM THREAT feature story and review, Burr gets the most out of his cast, crew and concept and delivers that long sought after (but seldomly found) independent film treasure. Bravo!"

An "Alamo" for Europe

Game Cube Addict | Seattle WA USA | 06/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie surprised me. I was expecting it to be dark (the title says it all), but there's a lot of light here as well. You'll find it in the spirit of the children who join forces with two American soldiers to defend their "castle" from the Germans. Scott MacDonald carries the action brilliantly with his wild-eyed Deming. You never quite know if or when he'll cross the line completely and lose it. And yet his humanity comes to the fore when it's crunchtime. Ryan Francis as his conflicted cohort provides the perfect counterpoint for the insanity that slowly surrounds these two. Director Jeff Burr adds a gritty layer to the scenes and settings in Romania where the movie was filmed. This one sticks with you for a while."

War, suspense sprinkled with horror

David Melbourne | New York, NY | 06/13/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I watched this film really not knowing what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. The opening scene was powerful, several GI's in a jeep heading away from the front lines, they drive over a landmine. The Director--Jeff Burr really knows where to place the camera--he gets great coverage and you really see a lot of the work that goes into every shot, it is visually very stunning. The actors and situations were very well done. The characters were very disturbing and the film bordered between horror and suspense and the end packed quite a punch, with a lot of shooting and explosions. The most controversial elements of the film involved Roumanian children in the movie--but if you watch the documentary on the making of the film--it will open eyes to how this picture was made, and the documentary is very honest and tells you things that you would never have known.
I was changed after watching this film! Highly recommend if you like a little war, sprinkled with horror and suspense.
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