Unflinching Gaze Into War’s Psychological Impact
Read Time:3 Minute, 18 Second
MOVIE REVIEW
Reveille
NR – 
Genre: Drama, War
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 47m
Director(s): Michael Akkerman
Writer(s): Michael Akkerman
Cast: Kevin Sinic, Bernd Wittneben, Yony Marian, Christopher Erk, Bart Voitila, Jared Becker, Joe Bongiovanni, Maxwell David Marcus, Jake Powers
Language: English, German, Polish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: on Digital + Demand on August 4, 2023
RAVING REVIEW: Michael Akkerman whisks us away to the frost-bitten landscape of Italy during the bleak winter of 1943 in his war drama REVEILLE. This cinematic adventure unpacks a narrative exceeding traditional military encounters, highlighting the often overlooked shared human experiences that thrive even in the shadow of conflict.
Deep within Italy's core, a cave carved into the rugged terrain of the Apennines becomes an unexpected haven for battle-scarred American and German soldiers. Amidst the echoes of an intense firefight, these warriors find themselves in a scenario that examines their understanding of duty, loyalty, and morality.
REVEILLE starkly contrasts today's mainstream cinema, often creating fast-paced narratives. Instead, Akkerman treats us to a serving of authenticity, a very dialogue-driven war film. With a keen eye for detail, he examined a trove of historical records and intimate conversations with World War II survivors' families to present a narrative that explores war's far-reaching psychological impacts.
War narratives have always held a certain allure for the silver screen, but the harsh truths of battlefields are often lost in translation, replaced with exaggerated tales of heroes and villains. This obsession with spectacle frequently sidelines the nuanced reality of warfare. REVEILLE challenges this status quo, offering a captivating display of genuine character growth and a bold examination of war's many shades.
In an industry often saturated with 'good versus evil' narratives, REVEILLE strikes a unique chord by emphasizing personal transformation and the intricate realities of war. While war films aren’t my favorite genre, I can still appreciate the heart and effort put into this. The detailed look and feel felt like a passion project meant to be more than just another in the long line of genre films.
Delving deep into the annals of history and grasping the psychological dimensions of World War II soldiers, Akkerman shows REVEILLE a fresh angle on war narratives. This passion for historical authenticity shines through as he meticulously recreates an often-overlooked incident near Naples, Italy, in November 1943.
From the wide-ranging landscapes of Idaho, Akkerman stepped into the glitz and glamour of filmmaking after graduating from the Columbia College Hollywood Film Institute in 2017. With REVEILLE as his debut behind the camera, he exhibits an uncanny talent for storytelling and an ability to bring World War II narratives to life with historical accuracy. But Akkerman's creative powers are not confined to the director's chair. His skills in graphic design and character sketching enhance the film's authenticity.
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[photo courtesy of BUFFALO 8 PRODUCTIONS]
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Excellent review. Reveille started out to be a short film, but turned into something much more by showing both sides . It’s come a long way since it’s inception. Michael was able to gather a crew that was just as dedicated as he was to showing his vision. I’m sure we are going to hear more from him.