jstew-03283

Such a breathtaking film of 14 boys who had to endure the tragedies of a post war hostilities. Set to do a job in which most of them know won't finish they get up every morning and go out with hope that they will survive another day. The writer/director weaves a beautiful story and you are captured halfway through the movie and pulling for the boys to survive. The Captain who hated the Germans as depicted in the opening scene ends up stealing the movie as he becomes as emotionally involved as we , the movie goer. Just brilliantly written and filmed along with the soundtrack it just builds and builds till the crescendo. Not as much of a war story as a triumph of the human heart !

Was so lucky to be a part of this film. I appeared as featured extra in this film in the scenes filmed at Bush stadium in Indy which was made into a an exact replica of the Whitesox home park. Was in college and had my SAG card and got a call from my agency saying they need some extras for featured roles in crowd. Being a baseball player all the way through college and a huge fan of the game it was a no braineer. Spent several days at the park shooting long days. Watching Sheen, Cusack, Sweeney and the cast do thier craft up close and personal gave me a greater respect for what they do. Making a film is hard work and a grind, long days and very tedious. Got to meet and talk to a lot of the cast during breaks and lunch's. Sweeney and Sheen were especially gracious and wonderful to the extras working along side of them. The director was very detailed in wanting to ensure he got the baseball scenes right and filmed the action scenes over and over until he thought the were good enough. Some of the actors never played the game but spent alot of time mastering the nuances of the game and it comes through in the baseball scenes. Only appeared in 2 films in my life "Hoosiers" and this one which are still 2 of the best sports movies ever made. Great experience I will never forget!

Not just a fight movie but much much more. What a story written by Sean Patrick Flannery, the lead actor. I didn't know he is a jujitsu instructor and practices the art everyday since a young child. This makes the fighting and training very real and top level. But the film was much more than that. The wonderful development of the relationship with his best friend and his wife and son put the film In a different category. It's is heart wrenching at times but exhilarating in others. I was expecting a good movie based on the reviews but was not expecting this. One of the best movies I've seen not just this year but in awhile. Not just a guy film but one that everyone can enjoy as it is multidimensional. Watch it it will be one the best 2 hours you have spent in awhile!!!!