Product Details

• Actors: Jonathan Bennett, James Cromwell, John Cromwell, Jackson Bond
• Directors: Sam Fischer
• Format: Color, Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Image Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: May 29, 2012
• Run Time: 104 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (182 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00772M1D8
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,147 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

When SSgt. Kyle Vogel leaves a handwritten letter on the seat of his car, grabs a pistol and steps into a Minnesota forest, we wonder who he is and what he’s about to do. Flash back a few months as Vogel lies wounded in a hospital near Anbar Province, Iraq. The night before he’s due to return to combat, his doctor, Lt. Kelly Tripp, presses him on why he’s so obsessed with collecting battle souvenirs. Kyle proceeds to tell her what happened on Memorial Day, 1993, when, as a 13-year old boy, he discovered his Grandpa Bud’s WWII footlocker. Though reluctant to talk about the war, Bud, who served with the 82nd Airborne, strikes a deal with Kyle: “Pick any three objects, and I’ll tell you the story behind each one.” As we see Bud’s WWII tales from Europe, we also see how Kyle’s experiences in Iraq have paralleled them—and how that day on the porch will affect how he ultimately deals with the losses, regrets and moral dilemmas that unite all soldiers across wars and generations.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 94 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Combat Veteran's Perspective March 2, 2012

By 36gOPFOR

Format:Blu-ray

This movie is a poignant characterization of the conflict that combat veterans live with, during and after their experiences. Focused on a WWII U.S. Paratrooper and his grandson it gives us a sense of the emotions that many combat veterans of all eras may go through - having to make a decision during a war that you know is going to end badly for someone and then having to live with your decision or in having friends be killed or injured. Anyone who has had a family member or friend who has seen combat can recognize the defensive wall that many veterans erect as their way of dealing with the experience. Hopefully this movie will encourage at least some of those veterans to allow their friends and family to try to understand.

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must see for any generation!! March 28, 2012

By Megan

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was lucky enough to see a screening of this film, and was blown away. To echo the reviews below, it's more than a war movie, it's a family movie. The movie crosses multiple generations, and encompasses stories from two wars. For those from the WWII generation this will bring back their own memories from a time with the war was very much part of their daily life. For those with loved ones serving now it gives a real face to what is happening. For everyone else it's a solid reminder that memories are stories that need to be shared, that burdens can't be carried alone and that all generations have something to give to one another.

Additionally, it teaches us that Memorial Day is more than a time for picnics and BBQ, more than just a free day off and a parade but that it's a day when we honor and remember.

I strongly recommend this for anyone, not just those with military ties

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Memorial Day July 1, 2012

By Col. Stevens

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a Marine veteran and grandfather, this film touched me on both counts. As a veteran, the meaning/importance of those small "souvenirs" one acquires during their time in service can be both cherished and guarded. This film approaches that importance with reverence without the carnage usually found in "military movies".

The closeness between the grandfather and his grandson was also touching and special. I am lucky to be very close to the only grandchild I have, a boy of 5 1/2. We have, since his birth, had a special relationship that continues to grow each day. I too have things to share with him someday.

Sometimes fathers, because of their role and lack of experience/wisdom, cannot share with their son, daughter, or other family members. With the years comes a realization of the memories tucked away which those "souvenirs" represent. This film helped in my confirmation of that.

I recommend this film to all Vet's and their families, and everyone else. I hope I have/will not be the only veteran/grandfather that is touched in this way. I also hope that it helps all who view it to share, respect, and understand those "things" that may never be spoken of by the veteran.

The "story" is 5 star. Own the DVD/Blue-Ray; share it with all who will sit still long enough to watch it. Lord knows we sit and watch allot less deserving films.