During the 1864 battle of the wilderness three union soldiers and three confederate soldiers get seperated from their units as twilight engulfs the ravaged battlefield. The men wander alone through the dangerous woods sepa... more »rate of each other until they meet by chance on the banks of a quiet creek. Studio: Peace Arch Home Entertain Release Date: 10/18/2005 Starring: Brian Merrick Terry Jernigan Run time: 105 minutes Rating: Pend Director: Kevin Hershberger« less
"This little independent film is just perfect. It is poetry for the eyes. The backdrop of this movie is the American Civil War's Battle of the Wilderness. Written, directed, and produced by Kevin Hershberger the film unfolds like a canvas before your eyes. Shot on location throughout Virginia it gives the viewer a perfect feel for the times in which the story takes place. Six soldiers, a terrible battle, friends, enemies, and waiting love are all in this story. The acting is great too. Brian Merrick as Confederate Harrison Bolding and DJ Perry as Yank John Sunderlin really play well off of one and other. A good part of the story takes place at night when color and affinities are blurred. There is a good lesson here about war and humanity. If you are a Civil War history lover, buff, or whatever buy this DVD."
Something rare and special...
Ross J. | Commonwealth of Virginia | 12/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Writer-director Kevin Hershberger has done something special with Wicked Spring which other directors, with much bigger budgets, have failed to do: created a period piece which transcends the period. Wicked Spring is not just about a War; it's about the people fighting the war. Just as the soldiers from both sides of the conflict laid aside their weapons and shared a campfire, the Director laid aside the politics of the War and brought into the light the predicament men in war find themselves in: they want love, but are asked to kill. That's harder to swallow than tack.
The battle scenes were nicely wrought, and these are where Hershberger's vision came out the most: because of the evocative mood, tone, and depth of the camera shots, the battle scenes were some of the best I've seen in Civil War movies. Hershberger should also be given kudos for casting natural actors with the look and integrity to carry this picture. Hershberger obviously saw that the two lead actors had presence, and, when the scene boils down to just the two of them talking about life, love, and war, Wicked Spring is at its best.
Nevertheless, I'd recommend this movie. Especially to Civil War buffs, but really to anybody interested in what goes on in a soldier's heart.
"
Very good Indie film...
RJ | PA, USA | 11/19/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I would recommend this to all Civil war buffs and Indie filmmakers that have a chance to get a copy of this film. This is the first feature from this director and he does a great job. The story of two soldiers torn by war is as old as time, but "Wicked Spring" takes a fresh view at the troubles and trials of the Civil War soldier. The best scenes in this movie are between the Union and Confederate leads over the reading and writing of letters home. A touching and believeable scene. Outstanding music worthy of any big budget flick, an intense and deliberate use of great sound effects. The authentic feel of the movie is off the charts. If you get a chance, get your hands on this movie."
Very Accurate Movie!!
Daniel Teague | Tennessee United States | 12/24/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I had the DVD pre-ordered and anxiously awaited its arrival. You can dis-regard the negative review below because evidently that person has became spoiled by Hollywoods version of war...and idn't a history buff at all. Yes the film was short and the dialouge lacked in some places. But then again would you spill your whole life story to a stranger you'd just met? No. The film was on a $500,000 budget and they had like 65 re-enactors. With what little they had...they done an AWESOME job with the most accurate battle scenes and uniforms that have came outta the Civil War era of films. EVER!! This was a film about the horrors of war...and how we got to get a peek into just a few of the soldier's lives...and then we saw how everything was destoryed right before our eyes. As war really was and is."
A FINE CIVIL WAR DRAMA!
Steven Hancock | Winston Salem, NC United States | 08/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Director Kevin Hershberger has crafted an exciting and emotional Civil War drama set during the brutal 1864 battle of the Wilderness, where over 25,000 Confederate and Union troops were killed, wounded or captured. The battle scenes are brutal and real, and the acting is quite good. During the first ten minutes of the film, you see what each man is leaving behind as they go to war; one to fight to preserve the Union, the other to defend his home. Any Civil War historian, and fan of serious drama, will want to check out "Wicked Spring." Movie/DVD Grade: A-"