THE LAST FRONT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Julien Hayet-Kerknawi and Enigma Releasing is the story of a village against an enemy on THE LAST FRONT.

During World War I, Leonard (Iain Glen) is a widowed farmer raising son Adrien (James Downie) and daughter Maria (Emma Mortgat) in the Belgian countryside. Adrien is in love with Louise (Sasha Luss) who comes from a prominent family that don’t agree with the relationship. Leonard tries to explain this to Adrien and is causing problems but what is to come put all problems aside.

Coming down the road are Nazi soldiers led by Maximilian Von Rauch (Philippe Brenninkmeyer) and vicious son Laurentz (Joe Anderson). Their first stop is at Leonard’s farm in order to take whatever they want, including Larentz threats of violent. When Adrien worries about his love Louise and dares to take on Larentz’ need for violence.

Now, Leonard rushes to the town being met by Father Michael (David Calder) who reminds Leonard of a hiding place inside the church. Knowing that he must help the townspeople hide, it takes no time before the soldiering force bear down on the town and wreak havoc and destruction among those who could not hide.

Leonard manages to bring some people out of the town and Laurentz is furious. Pushing Von Rauch into running after the townspeople, they set out to follow Leonard and the townspeople. The soldiers don’t know that those who have escaped are trying to get to France but it doesn’t mean they aren’t going to fight with everything they have.

Glen as Leonard is a quiet man living a farmer’s life with his children. He is respected by the town and is still dealing with the passing of his wife. When the Germany soldiers arrive, Leonard is pushed to save his family and the townspeople who trust him. Glen gives his character a strength based in a combination of sadness and anger. I will admit to totally enjoying the character of Jorah Mormont from the television series Game of Thrones and since the ending of that series, Glen has gone on to take on roles that prove he is an acting force. In this film, Glen’s character faces an enemy for the good of the town and his family.

Anderson as Laurentz is a vicious and cruel man who believes he has the right to do whatever he wants any way he wants as people have no value to him. That is a difficult role to play but Anderson wraps up in it to the point where the viewer is going to cheer for the good guys with enthusiasm. Brenninkmeyer as Von Rauch is a father who clearly sees what his son is capable of and even with a threat, it doesn’t seem to affect his decisions or path going after Leonard.

Luss as Louise is a young woman who is now living in a world that has changed so much and affect those she loves. Following Leonard toward France, she helps those in the group move forward. Luss is charming and portrays a girl in love during a dire time in history. Calder as Father Michael realizes that he must turn to Leonard in finding a way to save as many of the townspeople as possible.

Other cast include Julian Kostov as Thomas Bosmans, Leander Vyvey as Peer Schultz, Koen De Bouw as Dr. Janssen, Sam Rintoul as Henri Maes, Joren Seldeslachts as Enzo, Trine Thielen as Elise, Mathijs Scheepers as Corporal Weber, Tess Bryant as Mother Pascal, Anna Ballantine as Camille Maes, Caroline Stas as Brigitte and Steve Armand as Nicolas.

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THE LAST FRONT is an intense film that, although focuses on Leonard and his family, spreads quickly to the town and survival in the midst of war. The town manages to be far enough away from much of the war but eventually roars into the middle of their lives with just as much viciousness. Trying to save as many people as possible doesn’t stop a malicious soldier from making it his mission to destroy everyone in his path

The cinematography is so good as the forest becomes an integral part of the story and the small-town feel is absolutely there. The cast, each with an important role, bring together a powerful story with a message of strength, courage and hope in the midst of a very dark time in human history. THE LAST FRONT is a reminder of loyalty and the fight against those who would destroy a community.

In the end – family is worth dying for!