Homecoming (1948)
5/10
More of a soap opera than a war movie
12 December 2008
I generally love WWII movies from the 40's, but this one disappointed me as it comes across more as a soap opera than a War film. It doesn't appear that many have seen this film, according to the low number of user comments. I find this surprising for a film that has 2 of the biggest box office names of that era. But perhaps that's attributed to the fact that its not that great of a movie.

Lana is not very glamorous in this role and in fact looks a little dowdy. Perhaps they were trying to help her get taken more seriously as a dramatic actress.

For the most part, I found the movie a little too sterile for a war movie. Its not anything like the realistic portrayals of modern war movies. All the scenes in their Operating tent looks like everyone is in slow motion - there is no stress or panic or chaos like you would find in a real war O/R tent. Even when their medical base is being bombed, people can be seen just strolling by the entrance of the tent. Who does this in the middle of a bombing?

I found the cinematography a little lacking as well. There were some extremely fake process shots and unrealistic studio sets for some of the outdoor scenes. There were some realistic war scenes after the invasion that looked like actual stock war footage. I did like the first kiss between Gable & Turner and how it was shot in the shadows with the white snow falling behind them outside.

I think the movie was probably timely during its original release in helping address the problem of how hard it is to return home after war. So, on that front, it was worthwhile.
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