"War Flowers" (2013 release; 100 min.) brings the story of Sarabeth (played by Christina Ricci) and her young daughter Melody somewhere in the South during the Civil War. As the movie opens, we get thrown right away in the thick of a major battle between North and South. After that, we see Sarabeth and Melody anxiously awaiting news from Sarabeth's husband, who is fighting for the Confederate Army. When finally a letter arrives, it is from Sarabeth's brother, informing her that he has not seen or heard anything about her husband. Meanwhile, we also get to know Louis McIntire (played by Jason Gedrick), an officer in the Union Army, and his dad Gen. McIntire (played by Tom Berenger). Louis has already lost 2 brothers in the war, and his dad, in keeping a promise to his wife/Louis' mother, has decided to send Louis back home to Philadelphia. Louis reluctantly agrees, but at the last minute (just as the train is about to leave), he disobeys his dad and returns to the battlefield, with disastrous results as he gets hurt badly, is left behind for dead and is found by Sarabeth. At this point, we are a good 35-40 min. into the movie. Will Sarabeth's husband return home? What will Sarabeth do with Louis? To tell you more would ruin the plot for you.
Couple of comments: first and foremost, as well intented as the movie seems to be, it was pretty painful to watch, to be honest. The overall feeling I got while watching this in the theatre is that this was some medicore made-for-TV movie, with subpar writing (Gen. McIntire to his son: "You will live, I command it!"), subpar acting (my oh my, whas has become of Christina Ricci?), and subpar production (in the battle scenes, you see soldiers flying through the air when "hit" by a cannon shot, they sure didn't miss their trampoline jump-off!), etc. The acting performances left me most bewildered of all, as surely Ricci and Berenger have talent but it is nowhere to be seen in this movie. Bottom line, in all honesty I simply cannot recommend this movie. Viewer beware.
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I really enjoyed this movie. Christina Ricci & Jason Gedrick worked well together. Always liked both of them. The child actor in this movie was amazing as well and so adorable. The story line was solid & characters well developed. All in all a great movie, though very sad at times. The ending really shocked me. Don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet, so I won't elaborate. Glad I purchased it. I know I'll watch it again in the future.Best Deals for War Flowers (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray) (2012)
A bit strange and melodramatic, it feels like a Hallmark made for TV movie but harsher; yet, I found it watchable and waited to see the outcome of it's characters.Christina Ricci plays a war weary Southern woman who along with her wise, ever hopeful 7 year old daughter(amazingly well acted by Gabrielle Popa), wait for the uncertain return of their soldier husband and father from the Civil War. The war is nearing it's end; A Union captain(Gedrick) is wounded and nursed back to life by Ricci's character while his father(Berenger), a general, searches for him.
The war rages around the young woman's home as she struggles to survive against thieves, a near rapist, skirmishes on her front lawn, starvation and the growing fear that her husband's not returning. She runs out of options and would most likely give up except for the persistent spirit of her daughter.
The staged battle scenes are set-ups to show the horrors that inflict on the common folk stuck in the middle of a nightmare and also, to act as the backdrop for a budding romance as the woman cares for and hides an enemy soldier(also see "Civil Love").
These are good actors in a budget, B-type film that really wants to be more than it is. It had limited filming time, and there is weakness in the script, e.g., they don't develop the romance, it just kind of happens quickly; however, I still appreciate the work they do with what they have.
*SPOILER ALERT* They put in a good but tragic twist near the end that caught me unawares, but the story ends on a positive note with a hopeful future for mother and daughter. After so much trauma, I needed that ending. *END ALERT*
PG-13, some blood, lots of threatening situations, but no nudity or language, not for kids. The extras feature an interview with Tom Berenger.
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I actually bought "War FLowers" because a friend and our horse was in it. Tom B. rode Mike our horse. It keeps you watching and makes you wonder.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for War Flowers (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray) (2012)
"War Flowers" missing word from synopsis.It should say her husband left to fight (FOR) the South.(Confederate Reenactor Coordinator-"War Flowers".) Michael Stephen BryantWar Flowers (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray) [Region Free]
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