As the daughter of one of the actors in the dramatized scenes, I can tell you that some of what looks like actual footage is recreated. My father, Gerry Whelpton, was at that time a slim man but did "diet" so to speak for the part. I don't believe any actors were harmed in the making of this movie and I am sure their health was monitored to some degree. To their credit and to the producers and directors, they were simply very good at their jobs!
Actors can make you believe in just about anything and it was incredible shot, directed, edited and produced in such a way as to take you back as if you were living the horrors through these talented actors. I have always thought this is one of my father's best work. I first saw it as a child at the NFB library and I can tell you that I carried it with me long after the viewing. If I didn't know it myself, I would have thought the same as the two previous reviewers here.
I may be a bit biased but I was very moved by this film. It was an eye opener for me then, and now, as to the horrors of war and why we should try to be humane no matter what the world gives you, towards every living thing.
Actors can make you believe in just about anything and it was incredible shot, directed, edited and produced in such a way as to take you back as if you were living the horrors through these talented actors. I have always thought this is one of my father's best work. I first saw it as a child at the NFB library and I can tell you that I carried it with me long after the viewing. If I didn't know it myself, I would have thought the same as the two previous reviewers here.
I may be a bit biased but I was very moved by this film. It was an eye opener for me then, and now, as to the horrors of war and why we should try to be humane no matter what the world gives you, towards every living thing.