Title: Peace
Release Year: 2019
Genre: War, Drama
Director: Robert David Port
Based on: Peace by Richard Bausch
Starring: Alexander Ludwig, Sam Keeley, Franco Nero
Plot Summary
Peace (2019) is a war drama set during the latter part of World War II. The film follows a group of American soldiers as they embark on a dangerous mission through the wintry Italian countryside, where they are forced to confront not only the physical dangers of war but also the moral dilemmas it presents. The story takes place in 1944, during the Allies’ brutal Italian Campaign, a series of bloody battles fought to liberate Italy from the Axis powers.
The soldiers, led by Sergeant Reese, encounter a variety of challenges as they navigate the fog of war. On their journey, they capture an elderly Italian man who is suspected of working with German forces. This confrontation forces each soldier to confront their own ethical boundaries. The group debates whether to execute the man to avoid potential risks or spare him, grappling with the question of mercy versus survival in the heat of combat. Through this struggle, the film delves into the psychological toll of war and the ways in which violence tests one’s humanity.
Characters
- Sergeant Reese (Alexander Ludwig): Reese is the determined yet haunted leader of the group. As a hardened soldier, he must make difficult choices to protect his men, even when these decisions weigh heavily on his conscience. His character grapples with the trauma of war and the desire to maintain his humanity despite the brutality surrounding him.
- Private Hoke (Sam Keeley): Hoke is one of the younger members of the squad, caught between the demands of duty and his moral compass. He is the moral heart of the story, often questioning the orders and decisions made by Reese and the other soldiers. Hoke’s internal struggle represents the conflict between loyalty to his fellow soldiers and his own beliefs about right and wrong.
- The Italian Man (Franco Nero): The elderly Italian man they encounter is a mysterious figure whose true loyalties remain unclear. His presence acts as a catalyst for the soldiers’ ethical dilemmas, forcing them to question their assumptions about enemies and allies in a war where allegiances are often ambiguous.
Themes and Messages
Peace offers a raw, unfiltered view of war, focusing on its impact on soldiers’ minds and souls rather than on large-scale battles or action sequences. The movie’s themes explore complex questions of morality, fear, and survival.
- The Morality of War: Peace delves into the moral ambiguity that often arises in warfare. The soldiers’ debate over what to do with the Italian man highlights the ethical gray areas that soldiers face in combat situations. This theme invites viewers to reflect on the personal sacrifices and decisions made by individuals in war, often under extreme stress and fear.
- Survival and Humanity: Each character faces the challenge of balancing their survival instincts with their sense of compassion and humanity. The wintery setting, harsh conditions, and looming threats create a constant atmosphere of tension, where every decision feels like a matter of life and death.
- Psychological Toll of War: The film portrays the emotional and psychological toll that war exacts on soldiers. Reese, Hoke, and the rest of the squad each react differently to the trauma, guilt, and fear that haunt them. This theme reflects the lasting impact of war on mental health, showing how soldiers’ experiences often lead to inner turmoil and conflict long after the fighting ends.
- The Fog of War: The movie emphasizes the uncertainty and confusion of war, showing how soldiers must often make split-second decisions without clear information or a full understanding of the situation. The “fog of war” creates a sense of ambiguity that permeates the story, leaving both characters and viewers questioning the true intentions of those around them.
Cinematic Style and Direction
Directed by Robert David Port, Peace has a gritty, realistic style that emphasizes the bleakness of its setting. The film’s cold, gray color palette and haunting cinematography create a somber tone, mirroring the inner turmoil of the characters. The snowy, isolated landscapes add to the film’s atmosphere, highlighting the harsh conditions and sense of isolation faced by the soldiers. Port’s direction favors close-ups and quiet, tense scenes, allowing the audience to feel the characters’ internal conflicts and anxieties.
The dialogue is minimal and carefully crafted, giving the movie a sense of realism. The film focuses less on action and more on the emotional battles within each character, making it a meditative exploration of war’s impact on the human psyche.
Reception and Impact
While Peace received mixed reviews, critics appreciated the film’s attempt to portray the complexities of wartime morality. Audiences who enjoy psychological war dramas found it compelling, though some noted its slower pace and introspective approach as challenging compared to more action-driven war films.
The movie resonates with viewers interested in the human aspect of war, as it offers a different perspective from typical war films. By focusing on a small group of soldiers and their internal conflicts, Peace provides a personal, grounded portrayal of the toll that war takes on individuals.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Peace contributes to the genre of war films that emphasize the psychological and ethical dimensions of combat, similar to classics like Saving Private Ryan and Platoon, though on a more intimate scale. It reminds viewers of the importance of empathy and humanity, even in the most challenging and violent circumstances.
The film also honors the personal sacrifices of soldiers and sheds light on the less-discussed aspects of warfare—such as the moral burdens soldiers carry. Through its portrayal of mental conflict and ethical decision-making, Peace highlights the complex reality of war and the difficult choices soldiers face on the battlefield.
Conclusion
Peace is a somber, thought-provoking film that brings to light the inner struggles of soldiers in war. With strong performances, notably from Alexander Ludwig and Sam Keeley, and a compelling focus on moral ambiguity, the film challenges viewers to reflect on the human cost of conflict. By focusing on the smaller, quieter moments of wartime, Peace emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion, even in situations defined by violence and survival.
For audiences looking for a reflective take on the realities of war, Peace offers a powerful narrative on the strength it takes to hold onto one’s humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.
