"Allegiance", which did not receive a wide distribution, played recently at Cinema Village in Manhattan. Not having heard anything about it, we decided to take a look. It turned out to be an interesting experience at the movies that perhaps deserved better because the ensemble cast gathered by, Michael Connors, the creator of this project, who also wrote the screenplay.
At heart, the film's theme focuses on camaraderie,, as well as privilege, in our armed forces. It is 2004, and a division of National Guard is being mobilized to go fight in Iraq, something most the week-end soldiers holding more or less regular lives and jobs, are asked the supreme sacrifice to assist the US forces in that country. Two men are at the center of how their lives will be dramatically altered.
Lieut. Danny Sefton will not accompany his comrades for he has been conveniently transferred to another location which will see no combat because he is the son of an influential politician. The other man affected is Chris Reyes, a trained medic, crucial to the operation. Chris asks for a special dispensation for his son is being treated for cancer. His request is denied. Chris turns to Sefton for help. What follows is an account of how the two men, from different backgrounds will deal with getting Reyes to stay near his sick child.
Seth Gabel plays Danny with conviction. He is torn between his duty, and how he is getting away from the same fate some of his friends will have to face. Bow Wow appears as Reyes, the young man who is being taken against his will without recourse. The best thing in the film is the appearance of Pablo Schreiver as Lieut. Chambers, a veteran of the conflict who is taking Danny's place. This actor keeps showing his great talent in anything he plays.
At heart, the film's theme focuses on camaraderie,, as well as privilege, in our armed forces. It is 2004, and a division of National Guard is being mobilized to go fight in Iraq, something most the week-end soldiers holding more or less regular lives and jobs, are asked the supreme sacrifice to assist the US forces in that country. Two men are at the center of how their lives will be dramatically altered.
Lieut. Danny Sefton will not accompany his comrades for he has been conveniently transferred to another location which will see no combat because he is the son of an influential politician. The other man affected is Chris Reyes, a trained medic, crucial to the operation. Chris asks for a special dispensation for his son is being treated for cancer. His request is denied. Chris turns to Sefton for help. What follows is an account of how the two men, from different backgrounds will deal with getting Reyes to stay near his sick child.
Seth Gabel plays Danny with conviction. He is torn between his duty, and how he is getting away from the same fate some of his friends will have to face. Bow Wow appears as Reyes, the young man who is being taken against his will without recourse. The best thing in the film is the appearance of Pablo Schreiver as Lieut. Chambers, a veteran of the conflict who is taking Danny's place. This actor keeps showing his great talent in anything he plays.