An Act of War (2015) User Reviews

Modern day noir, slow, dark, black, not good for Vietnam era vets...

[jsever-53847 · 5/10 · 1 April 2015]

Today is my 45th wedding anniversary, except my wife died February 12 of last year. Dealing with her death after the first year left me facing the black hole I have ignored for 52 years - Panel 01E, Line 79, the Wall. My best friend in the Army, whom I trained, died in Nam early on - December, 1963. As part of finally facing this, I have been reading some about the war, written by Vets - The Things They Carried (I was Infantry) and The Sorrow of War (by a North Vietnam Vet). This movie came along. I'm not a movie reviewer, not a movie historian, just an old guy that has seen a lot of movies and like dumb, mindless action flicks mostly with lots of colorful explosions, and maybe some breasts. And the good guys always win in the end. So don't expect sophistication.

This movie is for one, black and white noir. For two, is painfully slow for the first 30 minutes, picks up a bit the next 30 minutes, and has a decent ending. I found it very painful. So I rated it in the middle. I'm sure college kids taking movie appreciation classes will love it. It has all the noir ingredients that make movies so cool. They have not had to live this stuff.

Every Veterans Day, I go to town, order two pints of beer, drink one and bring my buddy up to date on what has happened, and leave - with one full pint left untouched. We made a deal 52 years ago and counting. I'm gonna keep it until I die, which hopefully won't be a lot of years from now. I first went to Nam in 1985 on a Veteran's project - point of the spear for normalizing relations - and was met by a vet from the project (and good friend) and we spent two of the craziest weeks I have ever had in (what was) North Vietnam. We cried a lot together, and separately, then came back escorting 7 Indian orphans (don't ask). Two months later he was dead from an overdose - his name, and many more like him, should be on the Wall, but are not.

This movie addresses that pain, well acted by them too young to have experienced it. I honestly don't know how to rate it. Did I like? No.

Will I forget it soon?

Probably never.

Is this really a movie review? Naw, just something I had to say. I will never forget this movie, and I will never like it, either. So a 5.

Melancholia.

[rmax304823 · 6/10 · 25 August 2015]

An artful, powerful, and depressing movie, Travis Bickle on steroids.

Russ Russo is a young man who is one of those urban loners -- unshaven, shabbily dressed, a mere projectionist, whose only hobby is taking movies although he seems to get no pleasure from it. There is no figure with less humor this side of Mount Rushmore. It develops that he was taken as a POW and tortured. It has driven him mad and he finally bursts like a pustule.

The climax reveals that the four victims of his final spasm of violence, before his own suicide, were hallucinations. One of the victims, we discover, was his own father who, in reality, had been killed after being shipped out to combat.

I take it to be an anti-war statement. When Russo finally eats his gun, the film switches at once from black and white to color as Russo's blood splatters all over an American flag on the wall.

If it was intended to be an anti-war film, it succeeds. Okay. Russo's father had been killed after being shipped out to a war while Russo was a child. And Russo himself had been a prisoner of war. What wars were they? I don't know. We seem to have been at war in one place or another for some half a century and I can no longer keep them straight. It's been a kind of perpetual war.

It's magnificent in its establishment of atmosphere but the atmosphere is as depressing as hell. Russo shuffling along deserted city streets. Russo sitting alone in an empty diner. Russo have sex with a hardened whore -- an imaginary hardened whore at that.

Throughout, the actor's face is a mask of tragedy, which seems only to underscore what we already have learned. His voice is a hoarse, tentative whisper, as if he's hardly more than a ghost. He's a wispy echo of Travis Bickle and it's tiresome after a while. The other performers have room to stretch out a bit and they deliver the goods.

The story borrows not just from "Taxi" but from "American Psycho", "A Brilliant Mind", and even Bob Clark's horror story, "Dead of Night," in which a young man returns from Vietnam as a sort of zombie. The business of the hallucinated friends is becoming an over-familiar conceit. It's like the ending in which the terrible story turns out to have been nothing more than a dream.

But if you're going to make this kind of film, PTSD is an appropriate springboard. It's a very real psychiatric condition that leads to nightmares, substance abuse, violence, and suicide. It ruined Audy Murphy's life. And I can't forget one interview I did as a behavioral scientist with a Vietnam Vet in the VA hospital in Palo Alto, and his describing the Vietnamese crawling about under his artillery fire "like ants", and his having been picked up on the beach with a pistol, ready to find permanent relief from the monstrous memories.

It's an ambitious movie and the director has handled it in ways that are sometimes innovative. We see two people in a shot. One shows a photo to the other and says, "Do you know this man?" The audience expects an instant insert of the photo being held by a couple of disembodied fingers. Not here. We do eventually see the picture but it's a fuzzy image of a man and two kids. There are too many loopholes in the plot for the movie to be entirely successful but it's going to be hard to forget.

Bad movie

[teddie-19756 · 3/10 · 15 April 2015]

Looked interesting at the first sight and acting was good too. You keep waiting what's gonna happen and so, but that doesn't seem to be the case after more than half of the movie. Terrible ending. I mean, why would he get the tapes with criminals risking his brother, when what we get is his revenge against the same people that developed as characters in the first half of the movie? His ex-employee might have been an asshole but to kill him? Marlon looked like a nice guy despite selling drugs and Ivana had every right to avoid him, no girl would like to date such of a strange guy, especially not after filming her making sex and showing it during the movie at the cinema. It's all stupid, really.

I agree that this might be a veteran's problem and this movie does bring this into the sight. But that's the only reason this movie gets a 3 from me, because it was absolutely crap otherwise. I mean the plot and so, acting was decent I'd say but it doesn't change the whole picture by much.

Don't waste your time on this movie

[mariodman · 2/10 · 1 July 2015]

This movie is not worth watching. I am very disappointed with the reviews and ratings on here that led me to waste my time watching it. I would say that Russo's performance was above average. Directing was good. Problem is that the movie had no real story. The twist at the end made the entire story line nonexistent. Also, the ending with the brother and police did not make sense. The movie was painfully slow, I suppose for artistic sake, but it just dragged out the story that wasn't there. I read other reviewer's remarks that this portrayed PTSD in soldiers. It doesn't effectively do so. As the action of the movie is negated by the ending. Was it PTSD? Was it schizophrenia? Was it something else? We don't really know by the little bits and pieces we are offered, and by the lack of any true diagnosis in the movie.

An act of war is dead on arrival...so bad it's beyond words!!

[dgefroh · 1/10 · 14 April 2015]

The rating this horrid movie is getting is so way out of line I'm wondering just what the other reviewers are smoking. This movie is so bad, nobody should have to endure this complete and total waste of time.

Where do I begin, how about the fact that the storyline is completely and totally ridiculous. Who ever wrote this garbage must of been on drugs or simply brain-dead. The plot is obvious from the very beginning, I'll spare you the details other than keep your finger on the fast forward button when watching and get to the movie credits as fast as you can because when you are there, that means you are done with this so called movie.

The way I look at it is there is 2 hours of my life I'll never get back. Please, if you are reading this review, trust me, do not waste your time, money, or sanity watching this rubbish, a root canal would be a much better use of your time than this insipid garbage posing as a legitimate movie. Oh, by the way did I mention I hated this movie?

Gripping, Gritty, Dark and Truthful

[bernardjohn · 7/10 · 3 April 2015]

I did not know what to expect before watching this film. I was pleasantly surprised at finding this "gem" of a film. It is beautifully shot and composed. Hard to believe this was a "first effort" by writer/director Ryan Kennedy - he takes you to the side of town where bottles, hearts and bodies get broken. Looking forward to what he does next.

The cast, top to bottom, is excellent. The three leads, Russ Russo, Natasha Alam and Doug E. Doug give honest, nuanced performances. Watching Russo is painful and heart rending. He is brilliant and I believed everything about him. I look forward to seeing more from this "new" actor. Ms.Alam is tragic in her portrayal of Ivana - her emotion truthful and raw. Doug E. Doug is equally good, bringing a quirky, broken, surprisingly sympathetic character to life. He is almost childlike.

There are other noteworthy performances to mention. Robert Miano as "Sully," is natural and easy. Nothing "actory" about his performance. I have seen his work before and he is a craftsman.

The opening sequence of the film draws you in. The actor playing Lt. Sullivan, Chris LaPanta, is another actor I have never heard of - He is measured, controlled, believable and real. His performance is subtle and nuanced. You feel his fatigue and empathy.

My only criticism is that the film is a bit long/slow in spots. That said, I will add this film to my list of films i will watch again to find new and interesting moments and gladly recommend. Well done.

Not enough

[unclet-30169 · 3/10 · 28 May 2020]

This movie did absolutely nothing for me. The male lead is uninteresting and you never really like or care about him. I'm really not sure if this was supposed to be a character study, but the interpretation of the material was uninteresting and unappealing. I really would not recommend this unless you want to feel really depressed.

Get A Grip

[richnlp-40474 · 7/10 · 21 July 2022]

It is funny to me how utterly dependent modern soldiers are on being diagnosed with PTSD, and about their feelings. I love soldiers but here's a news flash: war is ugly, and violent. YOU chose to join, and thought it was going to be what...a party? Now you play the victim at every turn. Great flick, and thanks for your service, but I wish all the whining 'soldiers' on here would get a grip. And yes, I have been through everything a soldier goes through. I don't moan about it online.

Unrealistic and typical Hollywood presentation that is certainly not worth watching

[rrcharpe · 1/10 · 4 December 2015]

I am a Vietnam combat veteran who has had PTSD (never did go see a doc or shrink and I'm already 67 so missed out on that)and had some quite violent confrontations for the first 8 years after I got out. The difference between my situation and this contrived load of BS is that in my case I refused to "knuckle under" to thugs that I would see either beating on a loved one, ripping someone off of their personal items when I was close enough to do something about it or threatening others with violence. I'm not proud to say I never lost a fight in my life. However, all that said, the premise of this movie is quite flawed. Even if it is just a single representation of a return U.S. Military vet going on a violent streak and then taking his own life, in a sense it is a metaphor (or at least the writers of it wanted it to be) for the supposed generalized malaise of returning vets. The actual truth is that regardless of our (meaning U.S. combat veterans who were discharged honorably) memories of war and subsequent reintegration back into "normal American society" the vast majority of vets cope with things (as I did) and remain honorable men. No returning vets I have ever met (although I know there are statistically a few who do it) have actually committed suicide. I would boycott this movie if you can as it does not in any way represent the reality of most returned combat veterans and is a leftist Hollywood way of saying "our returning combat troops are generally flawed and out of control (which can be disproven). I only fought to protect people when I got out and never started any fight. I have no record as in all cases I was found to be in the right. StocktonRob

Finally, someone is talking about this subject matter

[stevensmaggie · 8/10 · 3 April 2015]

Approximately 21 Iraq/Afghanistan war veterans commit suicide per day. Not really sure if anyone knows that there are more soldiers killed each day in America once they've returned home safe than were ever killed in Iraq/Afghanistan during the years of war. I started following these guys when I saw them giving an interview on Bloomberg raising awareness on PTSD, and was anxious to see the full film when it released a few days ago. I don't really write reviews, but felt compelled to for this one, because it needs to be seen, needs to be talked about, and something needs to be done about this issue, BOTTOMLINE. This film is a work of fiction, but is oh so true at its core. Powerful film from some young up and comers who should be be given a chance to do something bigger.

Loved it

[roell29 · 8/10 · 3 April 2015]

A brilliant, greatly underrated flick. Deeply immersive with a high degree of psychological realism in the context of a gritty hyper-realistic noir. The director/writer evinces an uncommonly acute understanding of human nature. The interactions of the protagonist with the three main characters, all on the fringe of society, are fascinating. Well, two of the three, anyway. The third was just a rotten SOB. The twist and the end, though done many times before, works nicely and was entirely unanticipated by me. I did not detect a false note in the entire movie. If you are a fan of Paul Schrader's work, this is right up your alley. Mr. Kennedy has an intriguing vision and I sincerely hope he gets a chance to make another movie.

Excellent movie !! Shows a side of PTSD that most, thankfully, will never see

[sbradburry · 9/10 · 3 April 2015]

This film masterfully takes the viewer into a world that inside the mind of someone who is battling demons that only he can see. While there is violence I implore watchers to continue to the end. There is more depth to this story then you would first imagine.

Russ Russo takes on this role in a very personal way and truly brings a new layer of understanding to post-traumatic stress disorder. As the wife of a Vietnam veteran I greatly appreciate the fact that PTSD is a topic that can be identified and hopefully one day understood.

Ryan Kennedy takes on a hot topic that until now only showed the Hollywood image of something that affects more people today than most would believe. I would caution viewers to remember that there are many different ways PTSD can affect a life. Some are mild reactions and violence is not a foregone conclusion, however An Act of War takes us inside the mind where we don't often get to go.

Kudos to all involved in this film !!

A Powerful, Beautiful Neo Noir Tale That's Sharp, Nuanced and a Must See!

[BobAndrews81 · 10/10 · 2 April 2015]

I was inspired to write this review not just because this movie was particularly fantastic but because of the very powerful and emotional review by my brother veteran from Vietnam. I'm also a Veteran, but I was in Iraq and Afghanistan. I don't know what my brother went through in Vietnam, but I know what I experienced in the desert. And it brought me to some dark places. I was lucky, I don't suffer from severe PTSD and I made it home with all of my body intact. But many of my friends did not. Some are great, but some have been trapped in a very dark place.

I expected this movie to trivialize that experience, or to use it as a tool laden with clichés. I expected another movie about a crazy vet who thinks he's the love child of Rambo and Charles Bronson. But it's not that at all. Instead, it's a brilliantly told and beautifully shot neo-noir film that shows a nuanced slide further into darkness and madness. This isn't a story about a crazy vet gone mad, it's a story about a sick man, who happens to be a vet and loses himself to the darkness.

Was it hard for me to watch it at times? Absolutely. Especially when I could see slivers of people I know, friends, brothers and sisters who served with me who have struggled with the darkness. But unlike my brother from Vietnam, I did like it. No, I loved it. This film could have been trite and awful and I could see someone who only watched the trailer or read the description as assuming that's what it is. But the film itself is awesome. And while it may be hard at times for some, that's true about a lot of great stories, especially in film form.

But the acting by Russ Russo as Jacob is superb. Nuanced, authentic, raw and engaging. Natasha Alam was also fantastic and took what could have been a cheap, trashy role and played it with remarkable reality. I especially loved Doug E. Doug as Marlon. His character provides a levity and human touch that's both necessary and superbly done. Why isn't he in more roles like this?

Visually, the film is stunning. Not a single scene misses and the visual component alone makes the film worth watching. I can't believe that this is Ryan Kennedy's first film as a Director. And I actually found the pacing to be almost perfect. The only exception might be a few scenes with the Detective. But even then, it's subtle and still works.

All in all, this movie is superb. I can't recommend it enough and I'm so happy I stumbled upon it on Amazon. I plan on watching it again with my wife tonight. And I'm looking forward to seeing what this director does next! Do yourself a favor and watch this film. I can't believe that it's current score is as low as it is.

A film that will leave you thinking

[mattmamie · 9/10 · 2 April 2015]

I wasn't really sure what I was getting into when I sat down to watch this film. Sure I have had friends who have gone off and served our country but I never realized how much something like that could psychologically change you. An Act of War examines a man on the brink of his own destruction because of his lack of guidance after coming home to a thankless nation. This film heads to some dark places, but it feels justified. A solid amount of time is spent establishing who this man is to understand just how he could end up in the mindset he is in by the end of the film. And I have to say, its a fascinating ride from start to finish. I was quite impressed with the performance that Russ Russo gave. There is a great deal of subtlety in his work and his level of restraint is commendable. I'm very excited to see what he does in the future. If your a fan of films with a classic noir look, or if you want a film that really makes you question what society has accepted as truth then I highly recommend you give this film a chance.

Loved It!

[grinks · 9/10 · 3 April 2015]

I'm going to be honest, this film starts off slow. Poster and trailer sucked me in, and wasn't really what I was expecting. Wasn't really in the mood to put my thinking cap on, as I thought it was going to me a mindless movie with some action and suspense. There was suspense, however the action was substituted with legitimate substance. Kind of a re-imagining of Taxi Driver, but as a lover of Taxi Driver(I saw it in the theater when it came out), I've always wished there was more out there like it. Film has some shortcomings, but you've got to give it your attention because the ending will have you wanting to see it again. Wish I would have bought the damn thing instead of renting on iTunes. Definitely worth 90 minutes of your time. This Russ Russo guy blew me away.

Not an action thriller as advertised, but a good film...

[deepak-99969 · 8/10 · 4 April 2015]

I was employed at a VA Hospital for two years. No matter what department you are in, you get to know some of the guys who are there on a regular basis. Hard to admit, but this is an all to frequent tale of someone unable to adapt once they make it home. It may be a bit dramatic or theatrical in places, but that's the idea of a fiction I guess. I just felt the need to say that from my experience, the plot of this film is not too far fetched to be believable. I wish I had a solution to the problem addressed in the story, but I don't think there is one beyond ending all conflict, which is never going to happen. As long as people are sent to fight the battles of more powerful people, these issues will persist. At least someone took the initiative to address it in a narrative form, which will make a lot more people aware of it that otherwise would be. This is not an action thriller as it's made out to be, but certainly worth the watch.

amazing

[dennisdejonge-38029 · 10/10 · 2 April 2015]

At first is saw just a 4,5 rating so my expectations where not too high, but after seeing it, i was really surprised by this movie. Although it's in black and white, in my opinion it makes it even greater because the makers didn't focus on the quality of the movie and other bullshit but it's all about the story that makes you realize a lot of things. I wont spoil any details so all i can say to people is just, to take some time and watch this movie. My deepest respect for all the people fighting for our freedom and risk their lives, as well in combat as in the life after that. People should see this movie so those men and women get the respect which they deserve. It shows in a great way, the word that we live in and what soldiers give for their country.

I say, just watch it yourself and you'll understand why i said all those things.

Spectacular

[dimamlewis · 10/10 · 1 April 2015]

This film will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The cinematography and all encompassing plot is truly a work of art. It not only is a thriller but also shows you the true struggles of post military civilian life. This shows the true horrors that the bravest and strongest men have to deal with. This is a sad but true situation. A must see for all citizens. May the men that give it all, be given some relief when they come home. Let this film change the world and bring peace to all. Let this show all that the price of war is not just death, but also destruction. May God bless all and show favor on the world.

epic film showing the harsh reality of our hero's

[danielcardwell · 9/10 · 4 April 2015]

I Thought this was a brilliant watch! I stumbled across it by accident and read the bio. I was intrigued from the get go and decided to give it a watch. This is a truly epic film. Very dark and one can only assume close to some war vets reality.

I got a feel for nickys character straight away, the way he portrayed himself when people spoke to him, he did a fantastic performance.

A sad film which highlights our hero's war isn't over when returning from service.

Great story from start to finish

A must watch

It makes think..

[miryamcan-16907 · 9/10 · 7 April 2015]

Jacob is a veteran of war and, when he comes back home, he tries to return to normal life, but unfortunately it will not be easy for him to forget the trauma of war, so he will continue to suffer and memories continue to haunt him. Life before the war was peaceful and happy, but now that happiness seems impossible to recover, and what remains is only a sense of self-destruction. This film makes think because we don't know how soldier's life changes after the return from war. Maybe we think they have only honor and prestige, instead they are alone with their fears and their post-traumatic stress, while the whole society can't help them because it can't understand their real condition.

Was not expecting that! thought provoking!

[ethanzeenath · 9/10 · 9 November 2016]

This is one hard-hitting, gritty urban film. A Vietnam veteran who works as a projectionist, who becomes obsessed with cleaning up the politics and crime in his city. He becomes more and more paranoid and insane as the film goes on. The other stars of the movie all give excellent, realistic performances as the people he comes into contact within the dark edges of the city. This is a disturbing and terrifying film, but it should definitely be seen as one of the all-time classics indies.

a timeless and important movie that is a reflection of society.

Feels like essential '70's viewing.

9/10

The Projectionist: An All To Real Tale of the Forgotten Soldier

[angiequidim · 8/10 · 8 February 2014]

Jacob, a veteran of the military has been released from duty and now faces the world he sought to protect. Unaware that he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from his capture and torture from enemy forces. Trying to make sense of his life, he leads a dreary existence as a projectionist for a run down theater in a poor neighborhood. He is surrounded with older run down mementos that remind of a happier past before the military. The people in his life also suffer the ills of the world around them; not catching a break from poor decisions. All these people intertwine with Jacob and lead to a tale of self destruction. This subject is something of a hotbed and not nearly addressed enough by society. We send strapping young lads into war but are never prepared to deal with the consequences and the products of such devastation.

And what of these heroes when they return? Many of them become homeless, unemployed, even worse they are ignored. Ryan Kennedy brings out a brilliant tale that taunts shocking realism for the men and women in our armed forces. This vision complimented with the black and white cinematography brands this sense of isolationism and angst. It's a call for healing to those who suffered and need our attention. The world is too busy to help another human being much less a soldier who has served his time. The performance by Russ Russo as Jacob was heartfelt. The audience can easily connect with the protagonist and is carried through his journey of despair and the people around him that offer no solace. The cast had brought the dialog from Ryan to life completing the vision of this sad tale. This film is exclusively distributed on Kickstarter digitally and the campaign will finance its theatrical release. This movie needs to be shared as it is a beautiful piece of cinematography with a grueling story to tell.

Amazing

[miryamcan · 9/10 · 7 April 2015]

"An act of war" is the story of a veteran of the military that - after knowing the atrocities of war - comes back home, but unfortunately he can't lead a normal life because of the post-traumatic stress. Violence and loneliness will continue to haunt him despite he attempts to adapt to normal. It is a realistic view of what happens to many soldiers returning from war, of what remains after the honors and prestige: they cannot return to live as ordinary people, because they will bring back for ever the memory and the trauma of having fought and having seen the deaths of their comrades. From now he won't live peacefully, because he has only a sense of self-destruction.

simply wow.

[actionscifibuff · 10/10 · 30 January 2014]

I got a chance to see this film at a private screening last year in Times Square... All I can say is, make sure you witness this movie and most importantly watch it with the lights off and until the end.... It's a film that's part of a dying breed of movies that has powerful storytelling and tangible characters. It grips you right from the beginning and while it starts with a soft pace it spurs deeper into darkness quickly and takes you along for a gripping ride. The acting from everyone and especially the lead Russ Russo left me holding my breath at times, plus it's always nice to see Doug E. Doug from Cool Runnings playing someone completely opposite of his usual character and killing it. Overall I gave it a 10 here because of what happened at the end of the screening.

P.S. I found out that the director was 21 at the time of filming and this was his first feature film... I wanted to crap myself. The fact that this is a directorial debut by a phenomenal filmmaker who has likely 70 more years of storytelling in him left should be the sole reason you stop reading, hit play now and enjoy the drama.

Memorable!

[roy-kohli · 8/10 · 31 January 2014]

I base movies on if I will remember it down the road or in a future conversation with friends. The Projectionist was and will certainly be a movie that I will remember and talk about for a long long time to come because of the uniqueness of the story characters and plot line. I'm not much of a movie critic but really enjoyed watching this film and was completely engrossed in the film from the first minute. I believe the character base is what makes this movie memorable and original. During points of confusion or uncertainty the acting from different characters really brought you back into the film. the film's cinematography completely blew me away because I generally don't watch B&W films and I forget how beautiful imagery can be in that state. I cannot recommend this film enough for anyone who truly loves movies or good stories that they can sit with friends and talk for hours on end about. This is truly a gem.