Recon

All the low reviews are highly accurate. The explanation of how Marson was later saved at the end of the film ironically would have made for a far better movie. The modern directing style and associated camera angles do not suit war films, especially those struggling to share a compelling story as it is. Forget the anecdotes and shoddy narration. Just awful. Could go on all day

Supposedly based somewhat on true events, Recon is a basic, low budget take about 4 soldiers who having just completed a mentally scarring mission are promptly sent back out to perform recon and report on enemy movements among the snow - capped Italian mountains during World War 2. The overarching theme is of soldiers already struggling with the consequences and psychological toll of previous actions, being thrust into another compromising situation. The movie is Robert Port's (an Oscar winning short filmmaker) feature debut and he is clearly less invested in military minutiae and more interested in seeing where these characters go from the film's harrowing opening scene, which unfortunately is also better than anything that follows. Port in my opinion, needed to spend a little more of the film's production budget on getting more accurate technical military advice. Because although the acting is of an acceptable standard, the reconnaissance soldiers we see depicted, just behave so incongruously, it's just too much of an ask, that we viewers are expected to believe in and sympathise with them. I've only had limited military training and experience, but seriously. Soldiers behind enemy lines wandering haphazardly, shouting and arguing constantly amongst themselves, grouping together to make easy targets, not searching people they come across properly, especially considering the aforementioned opening scenes? Absolutely nothing rings true. I mean I literally wanted to reach through the screen and throttle Private Asch myself. He just never shut up and was seemingly oblivious to the fact that a noisy, careless soldier such as himself would likely attract enemy attention to either himself, or his fellow soldiers. Simply confounding all around! Recon looks good, for a small scale production. It's just a pity that after a compelling opening stanza, bizarre narrative set - ups and script decisions make the finished film so ineffective in conveying its worthy themes concerning post traumatic stress disorders among front line military personnel.

You probably have heardd of suspension of disbelief. This applies very much to this movie right here. I understand that those who have served in the military (even more so have been to places where discipline was important), might have issues with how the characters do conduct themselves here. But this is also where the movie thrives - giving you people and characters who are not the best of examples. Rethinking and questioning every fatal decision you make - relaying what happened ... but especially being burdened and having issues with dealing what is happening to you and your mates ... moral decisions to make and all that. This may be flawed and feel removed from reality for some, but it also might make sense for a lot of other folk/viewers too.