REVIEW
Philip Anders (Paul Anthony), known to his family as Pip (“Yeah, yeah, yeah, my dad had great expectations”), has just turned eighteen and finds his life in turmoil. His brother was recently killed in a car accident and Pip is now estranged from his parents, living homeless on the streets. As he attempts to sort out his young life, he listens to a tape left to him by his deceased grandfather Jason (voiced by Ian McKellen), telling him of his experiences in World War I when Jason was also eighteen. How both Anders men of different generations face their demons forms the core of this poignant, soul-searching drama that approaches the two alternating stories with intelligence, thoughtfulness and sensitivity. On the streets, Pip befriends a young gay hustler (Clarence Sponagle) who offers him occasional shelter, and also meets Jenny (Carly Pope), an attractive social worker with whom he begins an affair. This story parallels Jason’s (Brendan Fletcher) tale as he is trapped behind enemy lines and attempts to escort a wounded comrade to safety: each man is on an uncertain journey of redemption and self-discovery. As the emotionally wounded Pip, star Anthony grounds the film with a nuanced portrayal of a wayward soul, and Fletcher is remarkable as a soldier fighting not only to stay alive but to maintain his humanity as well.

bearpig wrote on 06/02/2007:

From Dallas wrote on 08/04/2006: