Death of A Soldier

Death of a Soldier is a war drama movie that was released in 1986. The movie was directed by Philippe Mora and is set during World War II.

The movie revolves around the trial of Edward Leonski (played by Reb Brown), an American soldier who was responsible for the murders of three Australian women in Melbourne, Australia. The victims were all strangled to death, and their murders were dubbed the brown-out killings as they all occurred during blackouts.

Major Patrick Dannenberg (played by James Coburn), an officer in the Australian army, is tasked with prosecuting Leonski. Dannenberg is a tough and no-nonsense guy who is passionate about justice and the rule of law. He is determined to ensure that Leonski is brought to justice for his heinous crimes.

On the other hand, Leonski is portrayed as a complex character who struggles with alcoholism and mental health issues. The movie delves into Leonski's past, exploring his troubled childhood and how he was mistreated by his parents. Leonski, in a way, is portrayed as a victim of circumstance, and some of the scenes in the movie showcase his vulnerable side.

The trial proceedings are intense as Dannenberg tries to build a case against Leonski with the help of Sergeant Ray Adams (played by Bill Hunter), his loyal right hand. The defense, on the other hand, employs various tactics to try and create doubt in the minds of the jury, and this creates a tense atmosphere throughout the movie.

One of the standout scenes in the movie is when Leonski takes the stand and tries to defend himself. He appears to be incoherent and is struggling to articulate his thoughts. This scene highlights the struggles that Leonski has with his mental health, and it is also a powerful moment in the movie.

Another great aspect of the movie is the attention to detail. The movie perfectly captures the period in which it is set, and the costumes and the set design are excellent. It feels like you are watching a movie set during World War II, and this adds to the authenticity of the film.

Overall, Death of a Soldier is a thought-provoking and intense movie that explores themes such as justice, mental health, and the atrocities of war. The performances by the cast are top-notch, and the movie does an excellent job of making you care about the characters. The movie can be hard to watch at times due to the subject matter, but it is an essential watch for anyone interested in war dramas or courtroom dramas.

In conclusion, Death of a Soldier is a powerful movie that is unforgettable once you've watched it. With its attention to detail, great performances, and superb direction, the movie is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys war dramas or courtroom dramas.