A Marine Story
S**T
A Marine Story
After many years of service in tough, overseas postings, a woman officer in the US Marine Corps - Alexandra Everett - played by Dreya Weber, is suddenly accused of being a lesbian, after some anonymous accusations. She has not been sleeping around, so no one can confirm she is not gay. She is advised to resign before an official investigation, so she can get an honorable discharge, but won't get her pension as she still has another year to go. On the day of returning to her sleepy home town she helps arrest some teenagers stealing from a convenience store. The judge gives the girl - Saffron - played by Paris P. Pickard, a choice between going to jail or joining the military. Everett is asked by the sheriff to give her some basic training to get her through the first round of selection. Saffron is very hostile to authority, but as the story progresses we see how things works out for both of them.I saw this in London at a film festival and ordered the DVD when I got home. Despite being a low budget movie, with little known actors, it has the look of a much bigger budget production. The drama unfolds very well and unlike a movie with big stars (where we can usually figure out what the end will be) we have no idea how things are going to turn out, which makes it that much more enjoyable. Dreya Weber is a professional acrobat and gymnast, so makes a convincing Marine in terms of physique, while still being very attractive. When she puts on her Drill Sergent act she is really scary. Paris P Pickard gives a first rate performance as the 'lost girl' and so do all the other cast members. As well as a serious side to the movie, there is plenty of humor and, very important, one can identify with the characters and feel part of their life stories. I have written to the main UK cinema chains and suggested they give it a national release on their digital screens.
J**E
Don't Ask about the lesbianism, but Do Tell your friends about this movie
I was interested in this movie because of the storyline related to gays in the military and being discharged when being found out. I watched the movie, and I found the subject matter to be treated respectably with no preaching, activism, or anything of the sort to detract from the message. As a gay man, I wasn't sure if I would want to watch what could be perceived as a lesbian drama, but I was surprised to see the lesbian-themes were subtle with no overt sexual overtones or imagery. If anything, I found this to be an interesting parallel to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," policy defining a central theme of the film.The majority of the stars of the movie work in the entertainment industry in stunts or behind the scenes work, which explains why they may not be household names. Dreya Webber has a charismatic charm about her that makes you sympathize with her, respect her, and feel her pain with her struggles. The story flows at a natural pace with no real lulls.I gave a 4-star rating because the scenery is beautiful, the scenes are not overdone, and no one really overacted (except maybe a tad for Paris Pickard, but considering her character is out of control, perhaps she was spot-on). I didn't give 5-stars because a few things that happened were just a little predictable....but entertaining nonetheless.
K**M
Great storyline
Fantastic storyline. I am not American and not involved in the military, but as a lesbian I can relate to the unjust reality of life under dont ask dont tell. The theme surrounding Dont Ask Dont Tell has been told before on many occassions but this story was new and different. Dealing with life after suddenly being cast outside the military is hard enough without all the other issues of sexuality.This movie tackled an array of day to day realities within society. Drugs and all the offences and conflicts associated with users and the community. The military and the stigma associated with serving your country. And one womans struggle with all of the issues to breaking point.I loved the portrayal of Alex. You dont need endless dialogue to convey a strong message. Her body language and decision making processes reflected her strong feelings of dispair, isolation, patriotism loss and anger.Highly recommended viewing.
M**.
Surprisingly, heart felt movie that touches on subjects close to home for most people.
Expected A semi-cheesy lesbian flick, was very surprised that this wasn't anything like that. Great storyline! Dreya played her role perfectly, pulling the audience in to her life, past and present. And new comer Paris Pickard did a fantastic job as the troubled Saffron who keeps Ms Weber's character on her toes. Looking forward to seeing more of Paris Pickard in the future. Was not disappointed in the 3.99 rental fee
N**I
Women in military service should not judged by gender alone
As a former Army MP, I personally applaude what Dreya Weber and Ned Farr's teamwork has given the world: An accurate depiction of the damage DADT has had on our nation's defenses, all shown by the struggle of a vet discharged for invalid accusations. Females in uniform have a higher hurdle to clear just to be respected as being worthy of service whether gay or straight, and an early bar scene here shows how dangerous that quest can become...No overt lesbian sex in this film, just some light kissing, so go elsewhere if you're looking for lesbian passion. The passion here is to figure out how to serve in a community that turns against you thru lies and whispers. I thought I had guessed the ending but was very happy to be oh-so-wrong. Thank the powers that DADT is now banished to history so that this tale will not be repeated in the future, but I'll watch this dvd until it's too thin to spin!
F**E
Poignant and very real.
A Marine Story is very well done. I was drawn in from the moment the movie began. It brought tears to my eyes (I can't help it, I'm very emotional). It's unbelievable that this really does happen. Women and men are not allowed to acknowledge a part of themselves because someone making the rules says it is immoral or unethical to do so. Not only do these women and men fight for our freedom, the also have to leave their families behind to do so.All I can say is that I applaud the bravery in this story, I applaud those that brought this story to light. Thank you. Thank you very much for telling a story that is so very important.
S**T
A Marine Story DVD
I saw this in London at a film festival and ordered the DVD when I got home. Despite being a low budget movie it has the look of a much bigger budget production. The drama unfolds very well and unlike a movie with big stars, where we can usually figure out what the end will be, we have no idea how things are going to turn out, which makes it that much more enjoyable. Dreya Weber makes a convincing Marine and when she puts on her Drill Sergeant act she is really scary. Paris P Pickard gives a first rate performance as the `lost girl' as do all the cast.After many years of service in tough, overseas postings, a woman officer in the US Marine Corps - Alexandra Everett - played by Dreya Weber, is suddenly accused of being a lesbian, after some anonymous accusations. She is advised to resign before an official investigation, so she can get an honourable discharge, but won't get her pension as she still has another year to go. On the day of returning to her sleepy hometown she helps arrest some teenagers stealing from a convenience store. The judge gives the girl - Saffron - played by Paris P. Pickard, a choice between going to jail or joining the military. Everett is asked by the sheriff to give her some basic training to get her through the first round of selection. Saffron is very hostile to authority, but as the story progresses we see how the relationship works out.As well as a serious side to the movie, there is plenty of humour and, very important, one can identify with the characters and feel part of their life stories.
C**S
dont dismiss this as lgbt romance with uniforms
I did - hence my only just having seen it. I wasn't up for American cheap production values type stuff.This is actually a serious film which I had wrongly dismissed.It is a well crafted tale from or in answer to the 'don't ask don't tell' campaign.The characters are well developed as the film progresses and the story unfolds in an engaging manner.It was well told with some predictable moments but with plenty of heart and some originality too.
L**C
One to sit and chill out after a long, taxing day...
One thing I really love about this - believe it or not is that it has absolutely no full frontal nudity. I bought it since I read somewhere it was based on a true story - and hey, it's still happening out there isn't it despite all our diplomacy and 'openness'.Refreshing and a good story to sit and chill out on.Dislikes - nothing that I can point out to. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is only because, honestly - I had to reserve it for those I really, really love..
J**E
very good film. well acted and good but sad story ...
very good film. well acted and good but sad story line. It was interesting to see how women have been treated by the millitary in the USA just for a personal choice outside of the work environment. I am glad the film ended well and the people involved in the story sorted their lives out.
M**.
Not the best
Poor acting in this. Not the best of films.
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