The cinema has certainly had its share of films about World War II, both in the trenches of battle and showing the struggles back home during that time. But the first World War is sometimes overlooked, and the new British production PRIVATE PEACEFUL takes us right into the thick of it, showing the lives of two brothers who find themselves fighting the enemy together against incredible odds. Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo (WAR HORSE) and directed by Pat O’Connor (DANCING AT LUGHNASA), this is one of the better films I’ve seen set during that era.

The story opens with Private Thomas Peaceful being removed from the British army by court martial, though at this point we’re not told why. Cut to a flashback, which finds us at a pheasant hunt in 1908 led by The Colonel (the great Richard Griffiths in one of his final performances), the leader of a small British town, and two young boys watching their gamekeeper father from a distance. They make their way to school, where their teacher addresses the class with strict demands, and isn’t afraid to dish out some tough discipline toward the boys. We learn the two boys we’ve been introduced to are the Peaceful brothers, young Thomas (aka “Tommo”, played by Samuel Bottomley) and older brother Charlie (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin), and their mentally-challenged brother Big Joe who is also hanging around the school. In a tragic and rather freak accident, Tommo’s father dies saving the boy’s life. As the family home was tied to the dad working for The Colonel, Tommo’s mother Hazel (Maxine Peake) must now work for The Colonel serving his ailing wife. Charlie and Tomo eventually meet Molly (Izzy Meikle-Small), a young girl from Peru, and the three of them form a quick bond.

Cut to 1914, Charlie (Jack O’Connell) and Thomas (George MacKay) are now themselves working for The Colonel, at least until they steal a dog meant to be put down. They wind up taking on jobs as vegetable farmers. While still friends with Molly (Alexandra Roach), her father clearly wants to keep them away from her. Tommo believes he’s falling in love with Molly, but she has a secret relationship with Charlie, which obviously makes things complicated. Molly winds up pregnant by Charlie, just as War with Germany is declared. The couple get married, which puts a major strain between the brothers. When the Army comes through town recruiting, Thomas joins up (along with some of his hometown pals), perhaps out of frustration or just to prove himself not a coward. Not long after, Charlie joins up too. While at first the group seems to enjoy each other’s company, the battlegrounds quickly take their toll, and dramatically change the lives of our two young men.

PRIVATE PEACEFUL explores the horrors of war, but builds up to it organically, beginning with two brothers as kids and allowing us (the audience) to follow their relationship both early on and eventually into battle. It almost isn’t fair to call it a “war” film, as the first half revolves around them living a meager life in a small town, and how a new girl comes between them. But once the wartime aspect of the story kicks in, it’s definitely all about life and death in the trenches. Pat O’Connor excels in slowly building to this dramatic conclusion, and keeping the viewer captivated and engaged with these character as things play out. George MacKay (PRIDE) and Jack O’Connell (soon to be seen in Angelina Jolie’s UNBROKEN) are excellent as the brothers, showing all the good and bad aspects of fraternal competition. Their relationship never feels forced or exaggerated, just nautral and easy to relate to. Maxine Peake is also terrific as their mother who struggles to support her family, and sees some of her own faults and history repeating in her sons’ actions. It was wonderful seeing Richard Griffiths one last time, even if here he’s playing a less than likable fellow, and his HUGO and HARRY POTTER co-star Frances de la Tour also shares the screen with him again in a brief but memorable role. But the standout performance here comes from John Lynch, as the angry Sergeant Hanley who commands the troops into battle. He captures the perfect essence of determined military leadership, while convincingly depicting a man tortured and scarred by the horrors of war. It’s a commanding performance, and one that will leave a lasting impression.

The movie is also complimented by a beautiful score from the talented Rachel Portman, who helps define our feelings of any given scene with perfection. The cinematography from Jerzy Zielinski captures the era in smart fashion, transporting us into the fields of Devon and trenches of Flanders, and brilliantly giving the story a polish that never looks insincere. O’Connor has crafted one of the best World War I films I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching, and it’s certainly worth a look. The trailer below was dated 2012, which I’m guessing means it was released in the UK then, but it’s being released in the U.S. on October 31 in New York – no word on expansion at this time. While not as flashy as most Hollywood fare, PRIVATE PEACEFUL tells a haunting tale that feels every bit as important as the era it takes place in.

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