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The TV Commericals couldn't be more wrong. They make "Hart's War" seem like an unrealistic, over-used formula-type war movie where a group of underdog POW's conquer a Nazi prision camp and supplant the leaders, much like the unrealistic, manipulative "Last Castle". When, in fact, it is so much more than that. And you think the Hart character is played by Willis since he is practically the only person shown in the clips. When, in fact, it is so much more than that. The Commercials don't even touch upon that the main issue in "Hart's War" is the issue of racism in the armed forces during WWII or that the movie revolves around an intense courtroom battle. The commercials were intended to attract young to middle age men who like war thrillers loaded with special effects, unsuccessfully I might add, judging by their lackluster opening week at the box office.
This movie had much more than the special effects that litter the screen during most war films nowadays, it had a heart and soul. It practically had no special effects for that matter. This movie was made to enlighten people on the amount of racism in the armed forces during this time period, and it did so successfully. This was best seen when lower ranked soldiers mocked the higher ranked black officers instead of saluting them or when a bigoted soldier intentionally planted a weapon in a black man's bunk, which ultimately got the black officer murdered. The action of the movie picks up when that same racist soldier was found dead with a black soldier standing over his dead body. Its an open and shut case, right? WRONG! The movie then turns into a military court room battle where Lt. Hart played by Colin Farrell has the unenviable task of defending and coming up with a legitimate case for Lt. Scott played by Terrence Howard.
The acting is first-rate. Bruce Willis wonderfully played a smaller role, known as Col. McNamara, a hardened and suspicious ex-soldier who's only desire in life is fighting in war. His motives for doing certain things will entice you to want to know more immediately. Marcel Iures accurately displayed an arrogant, smart, brutal but almost caring Nazi Commandent. He befriended Lt. Tom Hart and helped him with the case, mainly because of his hatred towards McNamara, but also because they both attended Yale together. The confrontations that McNamara and the Commandent had were priceless, each trying to outsmart the other. But the actors that really stole the show were Colin Farrell and Terrance Howard as the conflicted, but genuine inexperienced Lt. Tom Hart and the courageous and honerable Lt. Lincoln Scott, the man accused of murder. His heartfelt speeches about the racism he faced and the obstacles he had to endure just to help his country in battle were touching and moving and made the story come to life. Its worth the price of admission for the performances in this movie.
The ending is said to be unbelieveable, far-fetched, manipulating, and the downfall of the movie, yet while I found it to be completely realistic and neccessary, it was a little too conventional for my liking. This was a compelling story of racism durin WWII, but also of honor, sacrifice, and courage. Nothing is what it seems in this movie and "Hart's War" has a couple jaw-dropping surprises, much like Willis's earlier movie, "The Sixth Sense" and "The Others", just not to the extreme of either of those other movies, but shocking nonetheless. And the performances in this movie are first-rate and worth a look.
*** 1/2 out of ****
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