User reviews

First off, this is an Indie Film, so if you are expecting Saving Private Ryan then this isn't the film for you. BUT... This is a great WWII indie film that features a perspective not very often seen. The Canadian armed forces in Holland, facing off against Nazi Germany.

I have to give huge props to the team that pulled off this film. Not only is this a period film, but it's a period war film, and not only that,d it's a period war film that takes place in a foreign country. So to everyone involved well done!

That being said, I do feel that some of the acting was a bit rough at times, but overall a fun Indie War film told from the Canadian perspective, which is one I am unfamiliar with as an American.

There are so many lesser told stories from the Second World War and, while I'm nowhere near as knowledgable as some, the Canadian perspective was one that I knew nothing about.

Based on true events, the film centres on a group of soldiers towards the end of the war, who work with the local resistance to liberate a Dutch village as the clock ticks down towards an allied attack, intended to drive out the Nazi occupiers.

Despite it indie roots, The Liberation Men achieves a lot with its budget. The film is really elevated by the production design, which feels absolutely spot on. The story is engaging, and the creative team are clearly passionate about telling this lesser explored perspective of WWII, all of which makes for an enjoyable 90 minutes.

Not only is this indie impressive in its cast count, with many speaking multiple languages, but the telling of the tale from - not only the Canadian Army's perspective - but about the Holland occupation lends a new view and keeps it from being 'just another war film'.

. Impressive too is its ability to feature great locations, costumes, weapons, props, and other period appropriate military paraphernalia. Indie film often has it's limitations but this one outshines them.

. Looking forward to more from this team as, with this as any indication, their next film promises even more action and adventure.

I was a fool! I checked out the Director thinking his involvement with 'Designated Survivor' would mean a definite bit of entertainment on a lazy afternoon! How wrong was I? This is your typical low budget war movie which only those who were involved in its production would sit down and watch. My clue came in the first few minutes when - spoiler alert- a troop carrier with 2 soldiers in immaculate uniforms were 'blown up' by what sounded like a small fire work. Next a hospital scene with no hospital staff and very poor dialogue. I'm generally tolerant of low budget movies but my patience ran out after 10 minutes! There are a ton of good war movies out there, watch those instead.

This film has an Interesting story and it is told well. The attention to detail in every scene is evident. The production design team did a great job, too. From creating a realistic hospital (hospital beds, medical equipment, etc.) from the WWII era to creating convincing battlegrounds. I appreciate what the filmmakers where doing. A job well done. A herculean effort on the part of the filmmakers to make this movie work with a relatively tight budget. The costumes, for example. Not to mention the tanks, etc. Wow! I commend all involved for pouring their heart and soul into creating this film. Check it out!

To put it straight first: this movie deals with a serious episode of the Second World War that is worth knowing about. However the quality of the movie is cringeworthy. Mostly bad actors and supposedly bad directing. Some scenes are so long that actors struggle to convey a clear emotion, uniforms are not correct, in particular the German uniforms where a Falschirmjäger regiment wears standard Webrmacht helmets etc. In the middle of a the night the town streets are brightly illuminated, possibly to indicate the Canadian artillery a clear target. All the behaviours displayed are more 21. Century than 1944, with rude corporals and sergeants addressing officers like buddies etc.

In short, this movie is like so many recently made WWII movies: low budget, dull acting, historical inaccuracies all over the place. What a shame.

Just saw the Kingston screening today on Bevrijdingsdag 5 May (Liberation Day in the NL).

As the daughter of a Frieslander that survived WWII to emigrate to Canada, this film was of immediate interest. Knowing many of the military museum and re-enactor volunteers recruited, made this movie a must-see.

From the stories I have heard from Dutch family members and fellow Canadian Veterans, I found the storyline very realistic and completely believable.

Great attention to detail in the unifirms and equipment that even a veteran could find minimal fault with. It had the feel and cinematography of such classics as Guns of Navarone or A Bridge Too Far.

The only points for improvement would have been more money & time to build on the story, as it was there, it just could have used more depth; particularly with the Janna character. It was evident that this shortcoming was not due to effort, only budget.

Director/Actor Terry should be proud, and Writer/Producer Danny should be doubly proud of this film, not only for the end result, but in the skilful way he leveraged local support and real Canadian military (retired) expertise in creating a bittersweet story of a violent period in history that draws more on the emotion felt by many involved vs focussing on gore and destruction.

The writing was excellent, and the main actors were all solid. With more funding (=more time) available, the cast would have had more time to create the synergy this movie was so close to, and would easily have hit a 10/10.

So knowing the (acknowledged) limitations of time & money, the end product was an outstanding piece when consideration is given to how much was accomplished with the budget and filming days alloted. BZ and bedankt!

Huge kudos to the entire production team for creating a picture perfect production design with realistic period *everything." That kind of stuff isn't easy to source anywhere and it was impressive how they were able to cobble all of those things together and utilize them realistically on-screen.

There are also a pair of actors in this piece -- Anne-Carolyne Binette and Theresa Stork -- who have promising careers ahead of them...from what I've heard, they had to learn Dutch with a dialect coach from scratch for this piece and that alone is an impressive bit of performance!

All in all -- it's a low-budget indie that's attempting to achieve a lot of narrative goals at the same time -- and for that reason alone the film can be commended.

Worth the watch to see Michael Ruhs take a spin on a leading role with heroic implications and an important bit of Canadian military history that bears watching.

The liberation men is a solid indie war flick that depvs into the backstory of the liberation of Holland. Good character development, low light shooting and story. The pace could be better, the lead at times seemed a little low energy although a solid effort there, throw in some more adventurous camera angles (the Dutch angle would be appropriate, Mr robot frame), and sometimes the sound was difficult to hear, but all minor things when you see the effort to detail and other things put into this movie. It takes an army and deep pockets to make the kind of movies we are used to seeing in the box office, which makes this one worthy of look just to see what can be done on a 'budget'.

The story involves the liberation of a Dutch town by Canadian solders in WWII. So many war movies deal with the Big Battles when there are untold stories of the smaller but no less important victories that can turn the tide of war. Writer Danny Crossman and Director Terry Jansen focus on the liberation of one town by a few soldiers who must negotiate enemy lines, gathering bits of information, and try to figure out the best path forward. Dialogue is in three languages (English, Dutch, German) and each side has their own mission and justifications. The movie shows that there are stakes for each side, regardless of which side we ourselves are rooting for. Micheal Ruhs plays the lead character, Roy, a soldier whose own injuries weigh against him but still proceeds forwards despite the risks. This is a fine war drama that shows the individual motives and actions behind the larger events.

The Liberation Men feels like an accurate depiction of a WWII story told with an empathetic lens. It is a story of heroism from Canadian soldiers and a film to be added to your lit, especially if you are a fan of war films from that era.

Told in several different languages it is a good idea to have the subtitles turned on unless you have some familiarity with German and Dutch.

This film reminds us of the difficult and complexities experiences during these times and the fear and power that the Nazi's instilled. A well told story about the unsung heroes that is worth a watch.

Makes me wonder if Danny Grossman, the writer, served in the military as the love and respect for the soldier's experience is there.

*The Liberation Men* is a tense and deeply human war film that pulls you into the chaos of WWII with an urgency that feels both immediate and personal. What sets this film apart isn't just its historical accuracy or its high-stakes premise-though both are handled with care-but the way it captures the emotional toll of war on the soldiers caught in its grip.

The story follows a group of Canadian soldiers racing against time to prevent an artillery strike from devastating Dutch civilians. The ticking-clock intensity keeps you fully engaged, while the raw, unfiltered performances add layers of emotional weight. These men aren't invincible heroes-they're flawed, exhausted, and terrified, which makes their bravery feel even more real.

Visually, the cinematography does an excellent job of immersing you in the grim reality of war. The battle sequences are visceral and unflinching, yet the quieter moments-of camaraderie, fear, and fleeting hope-are what truly make the film resonate. The score complements the tension beautifully, never overpowering the narrative but subtly amplifying its emotional beats.

While *The Liberation Men* doesn't necessarily reinvent the war genre, it delivers a gripping and well-crafted story of sacrifice and resilience. It's a film that doesn't just depict war but makes you feel its weight. If you're drawn to historical dramas that balance action with deep emotional stakes, this one is definitely worth your time.

This was a fun film filled with impressive action and set design. Props to the filmmakers for making this on what I understand was a modest budget. It looked great and brought me right into the moment.

The lead was believable and felt like he was from the era. This goes for the rest of the cast, too. There was not a bad performance amongst them.

On an action level, the film delivered.

I think the film could have benefitted from exploring the characters a bit deeper, especially the villainess and the lead female character.

All in all, this film delivered the goods.

I would watch it again.....

In an era where Hollywood dominates the depiction of world wars, these filmmakers undertook the challenge of creating a realistic and believable movie on a budget. Story is told from the perspective of the Canadian armed forces stationed in Holland, facing off against German Nazis. The visuals are impressive... from the period-era costumes and set design, to the authentic WW2-era tanks rolling over the hillside, to the Jeeps and weaponry. I appreciated the inclusion of multiple characters' points of view. WWII film buffs will love this movie, as will anyone who appreciates an indie drama where the good guys win at a cost. Worth watching!

A well done movie given ressources available. They tell a poignant story of a very important moment in history. Utilizing locals for extras and locations choices was a great way of engaging and educating. Many Merrickville residents learned more about the Liberation and how it impacted so many. Kudos to the Canadian armed forces and everything they did during WWII. Same goes for those that supported the effort from Canada. Thanks to Kolo Productions for picking Merrickville as a location and allowing residents to contribute. It's a worthwhile film to watch. Share the news and encourage others to watch it too.

As WWII is winding down, the film's story relates the role Canadian soldiers played trying to liberate a Dutch town from the Nazis. Financing Indie film is difficult at best without big studio involvement. What they've accomplished with the vintage look...period costumes, the sets, the vehicles and equipment (guns, radio transmission, etc.) is truly heroic. A plus was the use of actual German and Dutch languages with sub-titles for the non-English speakers which is more authentic than everyone speaking English. I'd be interested in finding out more about the film, how and where it was made and the casting of the multi-linguistic actors.

Showcasing the liberation of a Dutch town by Canadian soldiers, this indie film has a dedication to historical authenticity, with impressive costumes and attention to detail that reflect the era. It has strong performances with both determination and depth. The film's narrative unfolds at a thoughtful pace, allowing viewers to grasp the stakes involved for each character. The cinematography captures the beauty of the Dutch landscape, enhancing the film's emotional weight. While it may not have the polish of a big-budget production, the heartfelt storytelling and character development make The Liberation Men a worthwhile watch for history buffs and fans of WWII dramas.

"The Liberation Men" is an indie film that tells the story of a small Dutch town's liberation by Canadian soldiers during the final days of World War II. For a low-budget production, the filmmakers have done an impressive job, especially with the authentic WWII costumes, vehicles, and equipment. The dedication to historical detail is clear.

While the film is competently shot and edited, the narrative lacks a bit of depth in terms of character development and pacing. Some performances stand out, particularly Kurtis Sanheim, but others fall a little flat. Directed by and starring Terry Jansen, the movie does a decent job of showing the strategic complexities of retaking a town without destroying it in the process.

Though it might have benefited from a larger budget and more time, "The Liberation Men" is an admirable effort, and history buffs will appreciate its attention to period detail. It's definitely worth a watch for fans of WWII films.

Battling the German Army was never easy and the Canadians in Holland gave them a run for their money. The Dutch Resistance played their part as did the sympathizers with the Nazi's cause. Here Canada's mettle was tested to stop a friendly fire incident that could have been catastrophic. An excellent period piece bringing history to life. A friend of mine now deceased fought through Holland as a young Lieutenant with the Canadian Army. Much of what he told me about fighting through the streets of Holland is well depicted here in this historically accurate and well acted picture. Your Dutch, German and English will be tested. As will your appreciation for uniforms and vehicles that fought both sides through the war.

Throughout my life i have seen many films about the second world war from a wide range of perspectives.

Downfall by Oliver Hirschbiegel showed me the war from the perspective of the Germans.

Ivans childhood by Andrei Tarkovsky showed me the war from the perspective of the Russians.

Saving Private Ryan by Steven Spielberg showed me the war from the perspective of the Americans.

For the first time ive seen the war from the perspective of the Canadians in "The Liberation Men" written by Danny Crossman and directed by Terry Jansen.

The film takes place with a battalion of burnt out and exhausted Canadian soldiers in the Netherlands at the end of the war. Everyman soldier Roy played by Michael Ruhs is tasked with infiltrating a nearby village behind enemy lines which is still allegedly under control of hundreds of fanatical Nazi soldiers who refuse to surrender.

When despite the fact there are over a thousand civilians residing there he discovers his superiors would rather burn the entire town to the ground innocent civilians included Roy races against time to find a way to save the town without destroying it.

The Liberation Men is a highly ambitious film made on a limited budget which tries to accomplish many different things possibly too much at once- the film is explored from the perspectives of the Canadians , Germans and Dutch but thanks to Terry Jansens tight edit and direction the film largely stays cohesive and engaging.

The film focuses on character development and dialogue as opposed to violence e and conflict but when it does it captures the futility of modern combat notably One flashback scene when Roy and his men are in a field in the middle of the night opposite the Germans but despite being in such close quarters neither can reach other or make any progress so they trade bullets and insults in equal measure.

The films musical score perfectly nails the ever-escalating stakes as the town draws closer to destruction.

This film presents a compelling and well-crafted story. Each scene showcasing the filmmakers' commitment to creating an authentic and immersive experience. The production design team has constructed a realistic WWII-era world. From recreating the interiors of a hospital, medical equipment, and muted lighting-to well crafted battlefields that transport viewers back in time, every element feels genuine and thoughtfully considered.

The costumes are crafted with an eye for historical accuracy, mirroring the clothing worn by soldiers, medics, and civilians during the era. The attention to texture, color, and wear brings an extra layer of realism that enhances the visual storytelling. And then there are the vehicles, grounding the action and conveying the gritty, relentless atmosphere of war.

The filmmakers clearly poured their heart and soul into every frame, overcoming production challenges with ingenuity and passion. Their dedication is palpable, and the end result is a film that not only tells a powerful story but also stands as a testament to the artistry and commitment of everyone involved. This film is a must-see, both for fans of historical drama and for anyone who appreciates the kind of storytelling that resonates long after the credits roll. Don't miss the chance to experience it for yourself!

You can tell the filmmaker wasn't just making this film for fun. It feels like he has some kind of involvement with the military or just a deep reverence for those in the service. The humor in this film definitely caught me off guard and had me laughing a few times. The Liberation Men feels like a love letter or a way of honoring someone special in the filmmaker's life. I really enjoyed the performances from the woman who played Janna and the other lady that was one of the bad guys (I can't remember her name in the film but I believe she was one of the Nazis). Im sure making a war film is challenging but the people behind this project have a lot to be proud of!

Good historical accuracy and military action considering the budget. Looked intimate rather than cheap. There must have been a lot of pre-production diligence. Impressive Dutch and German dialogue delivery from Canadian actresses playing the spies and collaborators in the target town. A promising filmmaking team.

My only criticism is that some of the soldier characters could have been more developed, a home-front backstory, brothers or best friends off to war sort of thing.

But the one night in one big war story itself is very good, I enjoyed it, and as an ex soldier myself found it to be believable. No eye rolls or as ifs, you can tell there was at least one real veteran on the filmmaking team, and some historians involved.

"The Liberation Men" is a tour-de-force for Producer Danny Crossman and Director Terry Jansen in their first full length feature film. The film focuses on the Liberation of a Dutch town by Canadian troops in WWII.

It features a great story based on an actual event, believable and sympathetic characters, wonderful acting, fantastic sets and historically accurate production values. It represents an amazing collaboration between movie makers, actors, veterans, collectors and re-enactors as well as actual historic equipment, arms and vehicles from a military museum.

Kudos to the dedicated cast and crew that laboured long and hard to create this must see movie.