The Lost Battalion

War films have a special place in my heart, ever since I was a young boy watching these films with my Grandfather I grew to appreciate the sacrifice that our soldiers give, and gave, to keep our country and the world safe. I am also the first to admit that I haven't seem all of the war films that are out on the market and when some one suggests a film to me, that I've never or heard of I make it a point to see it. The hardships of the men who fought in World War I come across with such strength and believability that by the end of the movie your left with feelings of lose and frustration as if you were somehow a part of the battle that took place.
On Oct. 2, 1918 the 308^th Battalion of the U.S. Army's 77^th Division became surrounded by German troops in the Argonne Forest and for five days they fought off the enemy until a rescue can arrive. The realism of this film is breathtaking, considering that it was a made for cable movie it has all of the earmarks of being theatrical release. Between the superb acting and the outstanding set and costume design the audience is transported to 1918 in the thick of battle with all of the carnage and destruction that these men endured. The standout performance here is made by the lead actor, Rick Schroder, who many of us grew up watching in movies such as The Champ and the TV series Silver Spoons. The piece that he turns out in this movie totally wipes away any preconceptions that you would have of him as a child, childish, actor.
I have not seen a lot of World War I films, but in resent years more have been made and I've seen a few of them, and with each one that I see I become more and more appreciative of the men who fought in these battles. I can't say enough about the job that Schroder did, he was just brilliant in his execution of this role and after seeing this film I'll look for more of his films in the future. This is a definite must see movie if you enjoy war films, not only for the realism of the scenes and situations but for the brilliant acting of a group of men who show us through this story that freedom is something that must be fought for, not just given away.