Watch Men Go to Battle

In the 2015 historical drama Men Go to Battle, brothers Henry and Francis Mellon struggle to survive on their Kentucky farm during the Civil War. When Henry (Timothy Morton) marries a young woman named Betsy (Rachel Korine), Francis (David Maloney) becomes increasingly jealous and angry at the world around him. As the war rages on, the Mellons find themselves grappling with their own internal conflicts as well as external threats from Confederate soldiers and unscrupulous neighbors. Henry and Francis often clash with each other, but they must come together to defend their land and loved ones from danger.

Director Zachary Treitz creates a vivid, realistic world with expert attention to historical detail. The cinematography is striking, capturing both the beauty and the harshness of the rural landscape. The characters and their relationships are complex and layered, with subtle performances from the lead actors.

Morton gives a particularly impressive performance as Henry, a man who tries to do the right thing but often finds himself weighed down by the burdens of responsibility. Maloney is equally effective as the impulsive and passionate Francis, who struggles with feelings of alienation and bitterness.

Korine, who may be familiar to audiences from her work with director Harmony Korine (her husband), shines in a supporting role as Betsy. She imbues the character with a quiet strength and resilience, holding her own against the often-overbearing male characters.

The supporting cast is equally notable, with strong performances from actors such as Kate Lyn Sheil and Steve Coulter. The film also features an impressive score from Dan Romer, which complements the visuals and adds depth to the emotional tone.

Men Go to Battle is a slow-burning film that may not be for everyone, but it rewards patient viewers with a richly nuanced portrayal of a difficult time in American history. Treitz eschews traditional storytelling conventions to create a mood of unease and uncertainty, heightening the tension and drama of the film's climactic moments.

The film is also notable for its exploration of themes such as masculinity, sibling rivalry, and the bond between soldiers. Henry and Francis may be at odds with each other, but they also share a deep connection born of a lifetime of shared experiences. Their struggles, both with each other and with the world around them, are rendered with brutal honesty.

At its core, Men Go to Battle is a film about the human cost of war, and the toll it takes on individuals and communities. The Mellons may not be soldiers in the traditional sense, but they are just as affected by the conflict as any soldier on the battlefield. Their story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by all Americans during the Civil War, and the lasting impact of that conflict on our nation's history.

In conclusion, Men Go to Battle is a well-crafted film that offers a unique perspective on the Civil War era. With strong performances, expert direction, and a richly detailed setting, it is a film that rewards those willing to invest in its slow-burning narrative. Recommended for fans of historical dramas and character-driven storytelling.

Men Go to Battle is a 2015 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 71.