PREVIEW: Private Peaceful (12)

Private Peaceful epitomises the devastatingly unfair treatment soldiers were given and the unjust ending many brave soldiers had to face. It is also a story about the friendship between two brothers and the undying bond of trust between soldiers in the trenches.

Private Peaceful, published in 2003, is a best-selling novel written by Michael Morpurgo. It's not the author's only work to be made into a film this year. Morpurgo also wrote War Horse, in which Steven Spielberg helped turn into a major box-office hit in January, this year. It's a rare and remarkable occasion for a British author who sees two films adapted from his work arrive in cinemas in a single year.  

While War Horse is a fable of sorts, telling the story of a beautiful animal to bring humanity to a grim, murderous war zone, Private Peaceful is rooted in a recognisable reality. The film had carefully been adapted for the screen by screenwriter Simon Reade, while Pat O' Connor directs. Both screenwriter and director work well together in sustaining a clear message of the senselessness of war and ineptitude of the commanding officer, which was effectively carried throughout the novel.

Set in the fields of Devon and the WW1 battlefields of Flanders, two brothers, Tommo (George Mackay) and Charlie Peaceful (Jack O' Connell), fall for the same girl, Molly (Alexandra Roach), before signing up for military duty in a war whose horrors they could not have imagined. They come to learn how little importance is attached to individual lives by their generals. In the trenches of flanders they experience at first hand how shell-shock, exhaustion or sheer fatigue can be harshly interpreted by their masters as cowardice.    

Although the film will certainly spark an emotional reaction in every one of its audience, one way or another, I felt that something as simple as the film's structure created a huge impact on its viewing. In the book, each chapter brings the reader closer to the present until the story turns to present. The film stays true to this pattern and produces an anticipation that keeps you gripped throughout. The tagline reads; Divided by love. United by War. Torn apart by injustice. Do not miss this roller-coaster of emotion.

*Another heartfelt Michael Morpurgo tale about the first world war, Private Peaceful is like War Horse on a smaller scale*

Peter Bradshaw - The Guardian 

*The second Michael Morpurgo adaptation of the year, after War Horse, is a more conventional story of love and loss that moves from Devon pastures to the fields of Flanders* Anthony Quinn - The Independent

Enjoy the trailer, below:

Private Peaceful is screening on: Friday 16th at 7.45pm, Saturday 17th 10.45am & 7.45pm and Monday 19th at 2pm & 7.45pm.