Allies is a 2014 British war film written and directed by Dominic Burns showing the bonds between soldiers whose strength and endurance never wavers while on a challenging task during World War II. The movie features Julian Ovenden and Chris Reilly and appears to dramatize the life and times of the Allied forces in an imagined mission deep in France under the Nazi regime where the elements of a war thriller and assassin’s creed interlace themes of selflessness and loyalty.
Plot Summary
Taking place in 1944 soon after the Normandy landings, the movie Allies is about the British and American soldiers who go on an important mission. The team, under the command of Captain Gabriel Jackson (Ovenden), must make their way through France for an undercover operation which may swing the Allies’ chances in the favour. In the process, the soldiers undergo violent assaults, mounted resistance and moral dilemmas, suffer the establishment of relations and the bitter truths of the battle.
Captain Jackson shows determination as a leader, but he does not get any easy task as there is resistance from the Germans and also from his own unit. With Jackson there is Sergeant Harry McBain (Chris Reilly) who stays loyal and in difficult situations. As the unit starts to bond, they suffer ambushes, lose their own men, and breakdowns both physically and emotionally. The movies show the struggles of each soldier and how do they deal with their own personal fear, divided loyalties, and the will to live against the odds in an unfriendly land.
Themes
In the film, much focus is given to the brotherhood and what others can achieve through other soldiers during wars. Allies explore the themes of loyalty and courage and the grey areas of justice that accompanies war. They face the ultimate death and have to trust on one another for survival, which reinforces the relationships that are formed through endurance of difficult circumstances. The film also deals with the issue of sacrifice, each character hopes to go back home but have the greater good to fight for.
Cinematography and Aesthetic
Allies contains some of the most stunning landscapes and warm WWII settings to fully immerse the viewer in the war. The camerawork in the film which is shot in England and France offers the beautiful view of the countryside but also the destructive view of it as well under rest. The creators use close quarters combat sequences effectively together with environmental sounds for effectiveness in portraying the action sequences. The mood is rather gritty and somehow eerie and reflects the true nature of war without glorifying the soldiers too much.
Performances
Julian Ovenden did well as Captain Jackson, showing the character’s struggles to follow orders and lead men into the fray. Sergeant McBain who has been well acted by Chris Reilly adds emotions and represents various other actors in this specific film. The two as a leader and as partner bring a lot of the emotional aspect of the picture and they together show the kind of brotherly love that inspires men to fight despite everything they see.
Reception Praise was given to the performances, cinematography, and the depiction of the war. People had reservations about the dragging pace and the occasional cap on over utilized clichés that seemed to run the film as a generic war movie. All these however were leveled up with the rest within this article as all eyes were aimed at war that this war film presented. Historical war drama and war portrayal had made it captivating, even if the story doesn’t provide something fresh in its genre, critics believe that it does engross viewers. Overall Impressions All these went hand in hand as the film manages to capture important events during World War II, the actions between engagements and the silent bonds that go as far as brotherhood. New focus to something in the same World 2 Setting may not introduce something that is nationalistic to the viewers but it is sincere and respectful towards the factual events presented . Critics further said that definitely is character and relationship centered, the emotion behind a soldier is the core for the history that they are tasked with, alongside action. The plot may be the same as others but the beautiful aesthetics and a great cast brings a new life into this genre.
Target Audience
Allies could be an interesting show for viewers who have a deep fondness of war movies and appreciate character development within the war setting. If you like movies like Band of Brothers, Fury and Saving Private Ryan, then Allies offers a similar insight into the valiance of WWII soldiers and the ordeal they went through with a story that underscores the power of friendship and loyalty in the midst of war’s violence.
