Lonesome Soldier

Watching this movie was truly riveting. To call the character Jackson Harlow aka Alexander Randazzo anything short of a true masterpiece of production and film is a misstep of massive proportion. From the realism of the situation Jackson finds himself in, to the true bond only brother of war experience together. Lonesome Soldier perfectly portrays the disease of which the soldier is infected by when you come back home from the sandy hell hole of Iraq. While the physical battle of war is over for Jackson the mental one is running rampant and part of what makes the film so impressive is Alexander Randazzo's ability to portray that the disease is winning. I will leave this review with one last thing, a soldier doesn't want to be called a hero, he just wants his dog tags...

"Lonesome Soldier," directed by Nino Aldi and released theatrically in November 2023, is a powerful and evocative portrayal of a soldier's struggle with PTSD. The film stars Alexander Randazzo as Jackson Harlow, a young man whose journey from an aspiring musician in Tennessee to a war veteran haunted by his experiences in Iraq is both harrowing and deeply moving.

The film opens with a compelling depiction of Harlow's life before and during his military service, quickly immersing the audience in his world. Aldi's direction is meticulous, capturing the raw and often brutal reality of war, and the subsequent struggles faced by veterans upon their return home. The cinematography, handled with exceptional skill, utilizes a mix of stark battlefield scenes and intimate close-ups to convey the protagonist's emotional turmoil effectively.

Randazzo delivers a standout performance, bringing depth and authenticity to his portrayal of Harlow. His nuanced acting captures the complex emotions of a man grappling with the aftermath of war, including scenes of intense vulnerability and resilience. This performance is well-supported by a strong cast, including Allison McAtee as Jackson's mother, whose portrayal adds a poignant layer to the film, highlighting the impact of PTSD on families.

The screenplay, co-written by Alexander and Oscar Nominated writer Lionel Chetwynd, is poignant and well-crafted, providing a balanced mix of action and introspection. The dialogue is powerful and thought-provoking, effectively conveying the inner conflicts of the characters. The script also addresses significant themes such as loss, redemption, and the enduring bonds of friendship and family, making the narrative both engaging and emotionally resonant.

"Lonesome Soldier" is a poignant and thought-provoking film that provides a raw and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by war veterans. Nino Aldi's direction, combined with Alexander Randazzo's exceptional performance, results in a film that is both powerful and deeply moving. Its exploration of PTSD and its impact on both soldiers and their families is handled with sensitivity and insight, making "Lonesome Soldier" a significant contribution to the war film genre.

I enjoyed this movie very much although the language and drug content was extremely hard to watch. I believe it portrayed the struggle of PTSD very well as well as how the families of our soldiers also struggle with the condition. This movie should be mandatory for soldiers returning from combat as well as their family members so that we can save these soldiers the struggles that many of them face when they come home. The acting was very strong especially from the core actors who connected well together. The music also brought a very strong message to the film as it was extremely well done. I look forward to watching this film again when released on DVD.

The cinematic production was truly magnificent, characterized by meticulously orchestrated cinematography. The discerning eye will delight in the abundance of underlying themes woven seamlessly into each frame. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition individuals often grapple with in a private and intricate manner, making it challenging to articulate the depth of their personal turmoil. Witnessing this profound struggle depicted on the screen made me feel acknowledged and reassured that I am not alone in my experience. The intricately crafted shots, rich with profound underlying messages, have consistently captivated my senses, ensuring that even after the 5th or 6th viewing, my enduring fascination remains steadfast.

This really movie hits home and we have a son in the Army. The entire cast did a great job. This movie is a must see. I can definitely relate to his mother. I did not want my son to join the Army, but now he is a changed man and still serving his country. He loves it. The cast made us feel every emotion throughout the entire movie. The visual effects and music made it very real. I loved how several of the cast members are actually veterans. This gave the movie real truth and positivity. I recommend this movie to all families of veterans and love ones that have PTSD. You will not regret your decision to watch this movie.