This is one of those typical low-budget indie gay holiday movies that probably didn't get much attention when it first dropped. It used to be called 'Red Lodge' before they changed the name. While there are a few moments of actual comedy and sweet romance tucked away in here, they’re mostly hidden under a pile of mediocre acting, weird camera angles, and some really annoying choices by the characters. On the bright side, the whole thing only lasts about an hour, so it’s a quick watch if nothing else. The plot follows Jordan and Dave, a couple who have been together for a few years. Right before Christmas, Jordan pops the question, expecting a big "Yes!" but instead, Dave basically says, "Can't we just stay the way we are?" They head off on a train to spend the holidays with Jordan's aunt, bringing along Jordan’s "sister" Lisa—who was raised by the aunt—and her boyfriend. Most of the movie is just them bickering and talking through Jorda...
From a story perspective, the film is more about about the actual war and the attacks. And in between all this we have the story of Sergeants Ian and John. We don't know much about their past or context but we know they are gay. It is never made very evident whether they are open or not, because they are certainly not try to hide it but also not really trying to not hide it. They have great mutual attraction and are almost a couple. Ian wants to become an officer and constantly keep reminding John that queers are never given officer rank. John doesn't care much about ranks but given he is hot tempered, he gets angry quick and hence doesn't want anyone to know about his sexuality. Besides this tiny sliver of this couple, the film then is focused in these two men leading their squad in a desperate attempt to survive a botched Phoenix Mission, despite their Captain who has lost his humanity and who will use any means to win, including sacrificing the squad.
My biggest problem is that we know practically nothing about these two men. Are they a couple, are they out but no one talks about it, what is really their relationship status like or nothing of that sorts. I guess the maker sort of wanted to give a tribute to all gay men who have served in military over the course of time and Vietnam war (which is put in our faces with some statistics around how many gay men served in that war at the end of the film). Bit in the process, the audience is never really given an opportunity to connect with the two protagonists. Without providing more intimate or personal details about the characters, it dehumanizes them into nothing more than game pieces or stick figures, generic plot devices with whom it's difficult to fully empathize or understand on any deeper level. The production quality of the film is also pretty basic and it just feels sad to see the whole war situation and love situation become more gimmicky than real. The plot had potential, the script was so laughably bad that the whole movie just came off as ridiculous and unbelievable. Bad acting certainly doesn't help.Their dialogues seem unscripted and awkward, the disjointed scenes seem entirely built an attempt to emulate major blockbuster Vietnam war moviesIf anyone is interested in watching a similarly themed film, please go watch "Yossi & Jagger", an amazing amazing film.
The premise of a gay-themed war movie is such a good idea, with the potential to create a real masterpiece, with the same depth and nuance of, say, Brokeback Mountain. Sadly, Love in Country comes nowhere near that. What a pity. (2.5/10)
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