The Last Front is a Belgian epic period action drama film written and directed by Julien Hayet-Kerknawi. Set during World War I, it follows a widower farmer-become-war-hero, Leonard (Iain Glen) and his family as they are thrown into the midst of a war they do not understand. It is set during the first days of the conflict as the German war machine advances, and during what came to be known as the Rape of Belgium.[1]
| The Last Front | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Julien Hayet-Kerknawi |
| Screenplay by | |
| Story by | Julien Hayet-Kerknawi |
| Produced by | |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Xavier Van D'huynslager |
| Edited by | |
| Music by | Frederik Van de Moortel |
| Distributed by | |
Release date |
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| Country | Belgium |
| Language | English |
Plot
editIt is set during World War I and follows Leonard as he is driven to spearhead a resistance and protect his community during the German invasion of Belgium.[2]
Development
editThe Last Front builds on the short film A Broken Man that Kerknawi made in 2015 and which received international recognition, being selected to screen at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival as well as winning an award at the WorldFest film festival in Houston.[3][4]
Cast
edit- Iain Glen as Leonard
- Sasha Luss as Louise
- Joe Anderson as Laurentz
- David Calder as Father Michael
- James Downie as Adrien
- Julian Kostov as Thomas Bosmans
- Koen De Bouw as Dr. Janssen
- Philippe Brenninkmeyer as Maximilian Von Rauch
- Mathijs Scheepers as Corporal Weber
- Joren Seldeslachts as Enzo
- Trine Thielen as Elise
- Anna Ballantine as Camille Maes
- Leander Vyvey as Peer Schultz
- Emma Moortgat as Maria
- Caroline Stas as Brigitte
- Kevin Murphy as Fergal
- Sam Rintoul as Henri Maes
- Emma Dupont as Johanna
- Steve Armand as Nicolas
Themes
editThe Last Front delves into themes of lost connections, grief, and the complexity of human nature amidst the chaos of war. By focusing on the nuanced interactions between characters, the film offers a contemplative look at war, emphasising the internal battles faced by individuals as much as the physical conflicts that surround them.[5]
Hayet-Kerknawi said he deliberately wanted to move away from the usual tropes of World War I movies. "No trenches, no left-side Allies, right-side Germans" he said. "I want to show the people how the people themselves handled the First World War, how they had to fight and struggle."[1]
Release
editThe Last Front had its world premiere at Kinepolis in Ghent on 1 February 2024. The film was released in Belgium on 7 February 2024, and in the United States on 9 August 2024,[6] with plans for future releases in other territories yet to be disclosed.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b Clarke, Stewart (25 September 2019). "'Game of Thrones' Star Liam Cunningham, Sasha Luss Join War Pic 'The Last Front' (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ Kay2023-05-12T19:57:00+01:00, Jeremy. "'Game Of Thrones' star Iain Glen, Sasha Luss lead war epic 'The Last Front' for The Coven in Cannes (exclusive)". Screen. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Hollywood Is Coming to Belgium After 22-Year-Old Belgian Director Julien Kerknawi Signs His First Hollywood-Deal". Global Genesis Group. 6 January 2017. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ "Ghent director Kerknawi is shooting The Last Front in the Kluisbos with major international and Flemish names in the cast". HLN News.
- ^ "Julien Hayet-Kerknawi, réalisateur de The Last Front". Cinergie.be (in French). 7 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ "AMC Theater". www.amctheatres. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
- ^ "Julien (29) strikte 'Game of Thrones'-acteur voor zijn debuutfilm: "De première was de mooiste avond van mijn leven"". nieuwsblad.be (in Flemish). 10 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.