Dominic Burns directed the British war drama ‘Allies’ (2014) which focuses on the struggle for the establishment of friendship, trust and fellowship as well as devotion and bravery amongst men in the battleground especially in World War 2. In this film, based on real events and set during the war, the focus shifts to the British-led Operation in occupied France and its consequences, and to the relationship of soldiers who share the struggle of combat and its stress.
Synopsis
The year is 1944, the month: July, and D-day has come and gone – this is the background to Allies. The film depicts an operation by a team of British and American soldiers in Nazi-occupied France. The team, led by British Captain Gabriel Jackson (Julian Ovenden), receives orders to destroy vital supply lines and disrupt Hitler’s forces. As the team advanced, they were faced with a measure of powered territory where they were supported by one another and their skill sets.
As the operation continues, British and American Forces come under more and more attacks held both German ordinary armed forces, as well as by the surrounding terrain. Over the course of events, taxpayers and savor each other’s stories and see the personal reasons that are causing them to commit souls to the endeavor. As the pressure increases, and the fighting becomes more sustained, the operation turns into a battle for its completion, a battle for the lives of the men involved, and a battle to restore their reputation as soldiers.
Key Characters Captain Gabriel Jackson (Julian Ovenden): Jackson is a committed and resourceful leader who strives to ensure the mission will not fail – no matter the odds. He represents the concept of struggle and deftness in his character. Sgt. Harry McBain (Chris Reilly): Tough and loyal, McBain is Jackson’s right hand, and brings a level of grounded strength to the group. His allegiance to Jackson and the mission gives a more sober feel to the tale. American Soldiers: The group also includes several American soldiers who add variety to the composition of the team and integrate British American cooperation during the turmoil of war. Themes Brotherhood and Loyalty: There is relativity or a deep bond between soldiers who have been through thick or rough together. As a result of such combat experiences, their loyalty becomes the main theme of the film. Sacrifice and Duty: Soldiers demonstrate a fierce commitment to the mission, a commitment that does not come cheaply. The film does address the risks and consequences of such missions. International Cooperation: The collaboration of British and American forces is an added perspective to the narrative which focuses on the unity of the Allied forces during the World War II period.
Style and Tone
Allies depicts the suffering and realities of WWII combat in a realistic way. The visuals focus on the devastation of the battlefield. The battle sequences are loud and intense, and the cinematography enables the viewer to bond with the stress and brotherhood of the troops on the screen. While it is not as lavish as some of the large funds war films, Allies makes up for this in character focus and emotional content of the narrative.
Reception
The film has received acclaim, especially for Julian Ovenden and Chris Reilly, for their roles in the film and for portraying war brothers very well. Some of the critics, however, did mention that the film lacks due to it being low budget compared to big budget war epics and versa. In any case, fans of the war genre will be pleased with Allies since the film shows soldiers bonding and a relatively less known story of the mission.
Similar Recommendations
If you loved Allies, you can check out the following films that are also based on the idea of war friendships and courage:
Fury (2014) – A tank crew in WWII goes through multiple changes as the story progresses with lots of action and worthy friendship formed between the soldiers wearing a uniform.
Band of Brothers (2001) – A world renowned miniseries that has a great deal of depth exploring the lives of paratroopers and their friendships formed in WWII.
Saints and Soldiers (2003) – A war drama which tells the story of a small group of soldiers from the Allied force who got lost in the battlefield.
That faith and comradery itself made it possible for those in the war to keep a sense of humanity. In this regard — ‘Allies is a war film about the human beings behind the warriors. People who face overwhelming odds and risk everything to protect their comrades’. For fans of human themes in WWII stories this is a must see.
