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I am not usually a big fan of short films, as they many times are just an abbreviated version of what is intended to be a much more extensive story. You end up feeling cheated in the end because you know there should be more on that screen than what you have just watched. This film, though, is a very nicely encapsulated work that conveys a ton of emotion in 15 minutes.

First, the acting is amazing. The ever-versatile Jessica Steen, an actress who receives far less attention than she deserves for her performances, manages to present a very sympathetic character in a very short period of time. We see both the main event and the aftermath portrayed beautifully and believably by her in war-torn Bosnia and back home.

Sam Duke as Drago lets the viewer witness the tragedy of war in a kid who is caught in the middle of it all. He is wonderful in the way he makes the audience care about what has happened to him, although the exact nature of how he got into his predicament is not clear, nor is it important.

Cameron Chapman's script is not all that complicated. It doesn't have to be. It is a glimpse into a poignant moment in time between two people caught in war, a snapshot of an event. It is a complete short story arc that plays on all the right emotions and eloquently touches on the topic of PTSD, even if ever so briefly.

Chris Cinnamon's direction and Dan Dumouchel's cinematography hit the mark for presentation. In fact, the entire production is visually beautiful, with an excellent use of light. The terrain helps immensely in making this production work and in creating a believable story. They certainly put it to good use, as well as all the resources at their disposal.

This film is worth seeing, despite its short nature (thus it being a "short film"). I was left with a sense of completion after watching it because it had accomplished its mission of storytelling. I cared about the characters by the end, which is saying a lot when it comes to a short. I can easily see this film being a vehicle for teaching or discussion in a broad number opportunities. Teachers, take note!

This film, while not Oscar material by any means, is an enjoyable Saturday night movie. As many others have commented, the cinematography is creative and pleasant to the eye, enticing one to become a game warden in the northwest. It also has an impressive cast that does the best it can with a script that bounces around at times and is, for the most part, predictable.

The beginning of the film does a fine job of illustrating the setting of the northwest, with sweeping landscape shots that really gives the viewer an idea of vastness of the wilderness. Mountain fans will be inclined to rewind and play the aerial shots again just for the view.

Regarding the predictability of the story, there are a few surprises that keep it from being clichéd. There is also a subtlety about it that prevents it from looking like a female on a Rambo rampage. Unfortunately, this creates some lagging spots where the story must develop. Still, it does move along, recovering from those moments and jumping back into the story with both feet.

Amick's performance as Julie Clayton has some rough spots, but is otherwise enjoyable. However, the most notable performance is given by Graham Greene, as Nick Rollins, an SFPD officer with issues. The interplay between Amick and Greene is not over the top, keeping the film on an even keel. Graham's smooth delivery is what keeps the story afloat at key moments. If the movie had not been about Julie Clayton, Nick Rollins would have had his own story to tell.

One gets the feeling that WOUNDED would play well in book form, but it holds its own as a film due to its cast. Adrian Pasdar, of HEROES fame, does his best work as a voice on a phone line. He has an eerie tone that is taunting and cold. His dialogue could have used a little streamlining to increase the threat, but one could argue that it is not the character's way. Hanaghan is a very focused character, and perhaps the dialogue is that way to keep in line with that.

Overall, this film is worth picking up as a rental. It holds a viewer's interest long enough to see it through the end. Yes, there are some nitpicking points that could be made regarding the story or the actions of the characters, but that can be said of just about any film. There are no major sins against real life policies or physics that cannot be overlooked in the name of entertainment. If anything, check it out for the great wilderness shots. They are eye candy in and of themselves.