War is never a good experience for anyone. For those who never experienced it, war films help in achieving this goal by providing a glimpse into what it’s like to struggle for survival every second. It raises the important question of how far humanity will go to satisfy their greed.
One such short film is Two Soldiers (2003) directed by Aaron Schneider. The film won the Oscar for Best Short Film (Live Action) in 2004 and it is a brilliant adaptation of a short story by William Faulkner about two loyal brothers who are ripped apart during World War II. The heroic lead characters of “Two Soldiers” are Faulkner’s heartfelt homage to those who gave their lives and loved ones for the freedom that exists today in America.
Ben Allison, Ron Perlman, David Andrews, Mike Pniewski, Deacon Dawson, and Joanne Pankow make the cast in the movie, which also features Jonathan Furr, a child actor.
Set during WWII, 19-year-old Pete Grier (Ben Allison) leaves his small-town Tennessee home to join the army after hearing that Pearl Harbor has been bombed by the Japanese. Even though Pete is much older, he only spends his free time with Willie. The two are extremely close, and the entire movie is focused on the love that connects them for what lies ahead.
As Grier is set to join the army, Willie is told he cannot go along even though he wants to. Willie objects and cautions Pete to let him go with him but his efforts go in vain. However, that didn’t stop Willie from going after his brother. He snuck out of his house and set out to search for his brother. He travels almost 30 miles to the closest town, where he meets a sheriff and eventually puts him on a bus to Memphis, where his older brother is stationed.
Out of innocence and pure love for his brother, Willie shows even more eagerness to meet his brother at the recruiting office. And what followed? It is better to watch it.
Two Soldiers is amazing in that it is a war movie, a family drama, an epic travel movie, and most importantly it is under 50 minutes. Two Soldiers explore themes of isolation, innocence, determination, connection, loss, change, and patriotism. The strong bond between the two brothers is quite remarkable which will for sure leave you in tears. I must say that Aaron Schneider has produced an absolutely brilliant film. Now, if you ask me whether it is worth your 50 minutes, I would definitely say YES! Let your kids, family, friends watch and enjoy it.
