Hart’s War is a wartime drama set during World War II. The film follows the story of Lieutenant Thomas Hart, played by Colin Farrell, a young officer who is captured by German forces. After being sent to a POW camp, Hart is embroiled in a dangerous game of wills with the camp’s commanding officer, Colonel William McNamara, portrayed by Bruce Willis. The plot thickens when two African-American pilots are brought into the camp, leading to a trial where Hart must defend them in an atmosphere rife with racial tension and moral dilemmas. The movie explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and the complexities of war.
Length: 2h 5m
Genre: War, Drama, Thriller
This Title is: Tense, Thought-Provoking
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Trailer
Cast
- Colin Farrell as Lieutenant Thomas Hart
- Bruce Willis as Colonel William McNamara
- Terrence Howard as Lieutenant Lincoln A. Scott
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R for some strong war violence and language
Content warnings include scenes of war violence and use of racially charged language.
Trivia
- The film is loosely based on John Katzenbach’s novel of the same name, inspired by his father’s experiences as a prisoner of war in World War II.
- Director Gregory Hoblit insisted on shooting the film in chronological order to authentically capture the characters’ emotional journey.
- Despite its wartime setting, the film focuses more on the psychological aspects and moral conflicts of war rather than on action sequences.
Our Review
Hart’s War blends a compelling wartime narrative with deep moral questions, making it a standout war drama. The performances of Colin Farrell and Bruce Willis are particularly noteworthy, each bringing a complex layer to their characters. The film’s focus on racial tension and ethical dilemmas within the confines of a POW camp sets it apart from typical war movies. While the pacing can be slow at times, the engaging plot and strong character development make for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
Critic Scores
Critic Scores aggregate ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. (Click on any score for a detailed review.)