Storming Juno

How can we express our thanks and recognition to those Canadian youngsters who gave their lives for us Europeans, and French in particular. I was only 3 years old in June 1944. I was with my parents one of the few lucky ones not really exposed to the harshness and monstrosity of the filthy German IIIrd Reich. We were the lucky ones to have escaped occupation of Egypt thanks to Monty and his army. What would have happened if El Alamein had not been his victory? The Egyptian government was pro German, few know that.

As someone wrote above, the USA have been up to now considered practically the only one who won the war. When you speak with US citizens and Republicans in particular they just look at you Frenchmen like small fry. They never mention that the Canadians were there, that Commandant Kieffer and his men represented the French on D-Day and many lost their lives. They forget that the French Resistants were also there and helped them prepare that day. They always think they know best and other should keep quiet.They always think they are the best of the best...

But here at last Canada has been remarkably presented and the movie sounds so true that all the parts which have been dramatized merge completely with the news reels. It is terribly moving and unless you have a stone instead of a heart you just can't keep from crying at different moments.

This movie is far more impressive and real than all the Hollywood's super productions of the Spielbergs and Co. It's a must see and I'm astounded that there are only five reviews. How unjust!

There have been some excellent canadian films recently about this country's contribution to various wars. Assault on Juno (2010) is something not to be missed. A great documentary drama depicting the events of the d-day invasion when our troops landed on Juneau beach. Surviving veterans - now octogenarians are interviewed after staging. Their emotions encompass pride, shame, sadness, nostalgia, and a kind of bewilderment. The assault on Juno plays out the specific events of people who have served in various divisions: the amphibious tank team, the amphibious assault team, the amphibious assault team, all set to achieve their goals in a gripping minute-by-minute story.Finally, Canada has been wonderfully presented, and the film sounds so true that all the parts that have been dramatized merge completely with the news reels. It's terribly moving, and if you don't have a stone instead of a heart, you just can't help crying at different times.

Unlike the misconception that Americans don't appreciate the contributions of our neighbors to the north, I (and countless others) fully understand the sacrifices made to keep the hope of freedom alive in this world.

As a long-time USAF Airman, I've worked and played alongside some of the great men and women of Canada. And would trust my life, and protect theirs, any day if necessary.

Thank goodness for stumbling upon this movie, and reminding myself that we have the greatest neighbors right next door. We all aren't the narcissists that are depicted. We are truly blessed. God Bless Canada. But please come get all your geese...they're everywhere. Haha.

Dedicate yourself to viewing a war film or documentary over the course of the Sept 11th Remembrance Holiday W/E. Canada is a modest nation in terms of population, temperament and the size of our film and doc industry. Our story is unique, and it's been too long overshadowed by our American neighbor's mega-industry. Recently, there have been some excellent Canadian films about this nation's contributions in various wars. STORMING JUNO (2010) is one not to miss. An excellent docudrama depicting events on the D-Day invasion when Canadian troops landed at Juno Beach. The director eerily captures the Canadian personae: boys hardly men, of quiet strength, determination, ability and courage; also fear, trepidation and naiveté going to battle, with their remarkable performance against grueling odds. Veteran survivors - now octogenarians are interviewed following the dramatization. Their emotions span pride, shame, sadness, nostalgia and a sort of bewilderment. STORMING JUNO enacts specific events of the men who served in the various divisions: the amphibious tank team, the beach landing team, the paratrooper team, all set on achieving their objectives in a gripping minute by minute story.

I was pleasantly impressed! It's not the greatest war epic of all time or anything but make no mistake, for the semi-educational historical war docu-drama genre, this is Spielberg Saving Private Ryan level stuff.

There are some cheesy moments and the budget shows at times with the graphics and lack of background actors. But I was still thoroughly impressed by the overall production value and was never taken out of it wherever it was obvious the budget maxed out. The film really succeeds at giving you enough little endearing backstory moments to care a bit about the characters and what's going on. The actors are not gonna win any Oscars but again, for this budget and this genre, they did their job and engaged me as a viewer. They should certainly all be proud of the end product.

I'm guessing it was made for TV so it's not overly graphic but it nonetheless did a great job at capturing the horrific intensity, fear and chaos of storming the beaches with some great explosions and countless troops getting mowed down by turrets with good effects. The camera work is solid and really goes a long way to make what was probably just a couple dozen actors look like a true war on the beachfront.

If you're a fan of this kind of stuff or interested in Canada's role in WWII, this is a no brainer. And if you even just happen to catch it, it's worth watching and probably one of the highest quality things you'll see from any genre made for just a few million dollars. Glad I found it =)