Penitent (2021) User Reviews

De ja Vu

[carlwicks-38137 · 9/10 · 22 August 2021]

Being an Ex-Squaddie and serving in the balkans I found this film to hit me right where it hurts, Firstly the Whole squaddie way was nailed to a T with the way the officers spoke to JNCOs and the way that all commands were given it felt very real and non scripted. But mainly the locations and the way the events all unfolded was very hard hitting, it took me back 25years and gave me a nostalgia trip.

Well done to all who was involved and the awards are justifies.

Wow, what a great watch, so thought provoking

[kevinjhorsham · 10/10 · 31 August 2021]

I loved this film, so much went on that is not known about it, I have spoken to mates who were there, I have also spoken to people from the region. Such a powerful subject and sad time. The scars may have healed but this film highlights the ongoing plight of all those concerned. Well done to all those who payed a part in putting this film together . This is a must watch.

Very very touching

[dannygreen-74845 · 10/10 · 16 July 2021]

An amazing well written film, great storyline which captured every moment, never have I ever related to a film like this before, this film really moved me. Hard to believe this was a low budget film as it delivered such a punch and the quality of the acting, sound, film and setting were first class. A true real life reflection on the armed forces and what our soldiers have been through and are still going through.......... A must Watch!!!

Penitent Bosnia

[amthomas-78744 · 12 January 2022]

A truly outstanding and thorough account of the war in Bosnia. Served in Bosnia 1994 and brought back a few memories from the tour.

A place that was in complete turmoil and the aftermath complete shambles there.

Producers actors alike very professional and showed the dark horrid side of ptsd that many of us have endured. Well done mr Webster and co bravo guys and girls Tomo Ex Royal Anglian Op Grapple 4.

Wow Superbly made

[benrowe2009 · 10/10 · 7 June 2022]

Seriously more films like this need to be made and shown to more people more often.

This film really does make you think of the torture not only soldiers in the military go through but also civilian life i'm not everybody has their own Demons how mature is the time it is not their fault it is just a given situation and how it is possible to change your life for the better thru helping others and helping each other.

Penitent is an incredibly well told and unlike the cgi of Hollywood this film tells its story it full and true realism allows you to Feel how the main character is feeling I was completely and utterly glued to the screen thank you for allowing me to see the truth from a Civilian point of view. OUTSTANDING.

Very hard hitting great film Would highly recommend

[johnroscoe-88901 · 10/10 · 27 August 2021]

I have watched this twice now and it is a very realistic look at the life behind a soldier eyes and the everyday trouble they face within civilian life and the lack of understanding and support they have to deal with.

The hardest part of the film for me was the suicide in the bath scene.

Thought it was great how the mother showed how horrific it is living with a narcissist and within her horrific life.

Emotional Roller Coaster.

[kernowed · 10/10 · 12 September 2021]

This movie was well written. It was brilliant. They have captured the true picture of a horrible illness, and horrible times. I don't want to spoil it But. It truly is a must see movie! I was on the edge if my seat all the way through. I shared every emotion watching it. That's when you know a truly inspirational movie.

A Soldier's Redemption

[joejohnsau · 10/10 · 17 October 2021]

Martin,

A profound film.

None of us knows how we will respond - no matter the extent of our training- until we are actually under fire for the first time.

In this film, you have illustrated a way out of shame, guilt and self-loathing to the redemptive space where we can (no matter our experiences and responsibilities in war operations) find reason to continue to live and have a hope for peace in our hearts.

Semper Fidelis

Joe Johns (US Marine Sergeant American Embassy Security Detachment Beirut March 1980 to March 1981).

Canadian Armed Forces Catholic Chaplain 2000-2009 (Persian Gulf 2002) Royal Australian Air Force Chaplain 2009-2014 (MEAO 2010)

Medically Retired 2014.

Deeply moving.

[hermyone-10647 · 10/10 · 2 September 2021]

A candid, honest and deeply moving look at living with PTSD, having worked as a therapist for many years I have to say that this film shows the complexities, emotions and difficulties of finding a way to talk about ones experience, let alone begin the long, hard journey forward, regardless of how the trauma was experienced.

Highlighting PTSD in this way is massively important and I hope that it reaches as many people as possible and helps to raise awareness.

Realistic, shocking and well worth a watch

[phoenixcallington · 10/10 · 5 August 2021]

Firstly I am not going to provide any spoilers.

I served in the British Army during the timeline that this film was set. What I can say is this is one of the most realistic films I have ever watched, the tactics, the dialogue, the way that the gobby Corporal has a go at the young officer! All helps to create an environment that is very correct for the Army of the 90's (and not one that leaves me shouting at the screen "your holding weapon wrong" or "They would never say Gun or bullets".

The storyline has a few twists and turns with a nice big shocker and is engaging throughout. The cinematography and Film Score all feel like they belong to a film with a much larger budget and production.

The films highlights the Trauma of War and the lack of support provided by the Army and ultimately Government of that time. But really this story is much much more than a war film - But I'm not going to give any more away - watch it!

Excellent job done by Director and all crew and cast, and I look forward to the next piece by Webster films.

Impressive

[andycollier-03717 · 10/10 · 23 October 2023]

With a very small budget this team of filmmakers have opened the window on what some military veterans have been through. Dark at times and thought provoking, this film deserves all the awards it has claimed. We tend to forget that not all war wounds are on the surface and some take years if ever to heal. This was a brutal war that the history books tend to overlook but happened on our doorstep in mainland Europe. Well done to Martin Webster and your team and let's see plenty more. You should all be very proud of what you have all created and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future.

The burden of war shared

[cutter-63456 · 10/10 · 29 October 2021]

The numerous accolades and awards that have recognized Penitent as an extraordinary movie ought to arouse the curiosity of the crowd to view this phenomenal production. But if the crowds do come, and I hope they do, they may find themselves transformed.

This is a movie about war with no heroes. It has victims and perpetrators, participants and survivors, but no heroes. Usually, the brutal reality of war can be hidden by some individual's selfless sacrifice for the greater good. But in Penitent we encounter war's trapped victims and coldly determined perpetrators, unwilling participants and damaged survivors, but no heroes - which makes Penitent a rarity - an honest story about war, an account in which the viewer unwittingly is drawn in as an uncomfortable witness.

Be prepared for the unrelentingly muddled timeline of a ragged, violent tale revealed through intrusive flashbacks, ghostly apparitions hungering for validation, and a character whose emotional detachment paralyzes him in pain that consumes him. Wander with him as he struggles to find that which he no longer believes he deserves - a spark of compassion and love - that is revealed to him through what he hates most - violence and cruelty.

Penitent tells a strange story, but that is war. If one survives, then life is a constant tumult of being turned inside out and upside down, over and over again, with no end other than death, unless one grasps that brief glimmer of hope, an unexpected spark, before it disappears, perhaps forever. Will there be a terrifying bridge to the future, a serendipitous challenge offering wisdom and a hope for love, the forbidden fruit of war?

There are no heroes, but perhaps a helper along the way and an understanding love may ease the pain. And it would not hurt to have a witness to this strange, yet ever confusing, story of war, a reality that ends in mystery but grounded in deep hope.

As for me, I know where I yearn to be. I want to be on that bridge.

Outstanding

[leonbrown-96678 · 9/10 · 24 May 2022]

Outstanding movie showing you the twists and turns of how a soldier deals with the Consequences of war.

Well done to everyone involved on the budget they had.

Awareness

[mcnally-95911 · 9/10 · 12 September 2021]

This film moved me and reminded me of the mental trauma that our servicemen and women endure as part of their everyday job. It is easy to forget the heartache, horror, anxiety, loneliness, anger, confusion, self-doubt, sadness, and, of course, ultimately, the fear that military personnel live with all of the time. We forget because these people are professionals and just get on with the job they signed up to do. But we must never forget. And this powerful film tells us why. As ex military myself, I know only too well that many servicemen and women do not share their experiences because they find it too difficult. This why a film like "Penitent" is important because it is their voice, a voice that needs to be heard. It also made me think a lot more about being too judgmental and pausing to consider the reasons behind other people's behaviour.. Congratulations on a job well done! Full marks for the music score too!

Incredible

[annmariegroutage · 10/10 · 10 September 2021]

I remember watching the Bosnian war unfold on the news but this film just adds dimensions and feelings I never had experienced before. It is superbly done. Whilst the budget may have been small the wow and the impact are huge. I cannot recommend this film enough.

A journey within

[mguerani · 10/10 · 26 September 2021]

I'm not familiar with the rules and dictionary of the English army, nor I have been to war, so I can't comment, as other reviewers have, on the accuracy of the dialogues. I served in Italy for 15 months thou and I can relate to the feeling of being left somewhere, alone, doing a job that nobody else wants to do, with no recognition at all, 'cause that's just "your job".

I was a trainer officer, so no "active duty" for me, just receiving and instructing thousands of young boys, trying to understand them, reaching out to ease their fear of the unknow and their anger for being thrown in something that they didn't want to be a part of. Most of them were scared that they might have to war for real (Gulf War was coming soon).

And one day, when you end your service, you go back home with your memories, and all your doubts and anxiousness that you can't explain because nobody else relates to them.

This is what moved watching "Penitent", I was thrown back to that world of conflicting emotions that will always be within myself.

Well done to all!

Great watch!

[crazyleekamara · 10/10 · 8 February 2022]

This was remarkably structured. I was very impressed by the cast and story being told here. Very well done to all. Recommend to all keen, real life war lovers, powerful but very real action.

Thought provoking

[jolewisfaux · 9/10 · 21 July 2021]

This is not the genre of film I would usually watch. However, I am still thinking about it weeks after viewing. It was beautifully filmed and well paced.

I enjoyed the subtlety of the script and the direction. Despite a strong message it wasn't too much 'in your face' and I really liked the ending.

Amazing plot! And story

[ronanwebster · 10/10 · 13 February 2022]

Best War Movie I have seen!

It's an action and dramatic filled movie which also focuses on the mental aspect and difficulties of war.

I really recommend it!

Heart strings pulled and good story line

[dazmares · 8/10 · 6 December 2022]

I liked the dialogue of this film and the way the script was written, it seemed to come across as true squaddie Language, almost ad-lib.

It said there was a £10,000 budget for this film and if true, the directors have done well and portrayed a true likeness and definitions of Infantry life and how they operate.

The heart strings were pulled as the Officer went through hell, court marshall and SNLR. With regards to his MH a good reflection and recognition on what he went through and the final outcome regarding support. This will most likely relate to many Ex/serving military. Good effort all round.

Gritty and hard hitting.

[drmorrison-01487 · 10/10 · 18 November 2021]

The acting was superb, I found the whole thing very emotional to watch and that's unusual for me watching a film. It reminded me of films like Dead Mans Shoes and Just a Boys Game.

Excellent.

A genuine and heart felt film

[markmeek-74795 · 10/10 · 25 November 2021]

A very successful and completed project for the film company .

The story is well written , scripted , well produced and well directed . The film company has delivered a film that highlights the difficulty of veterans in a loud voice.

The cast are simply fantastic and deserve recognition for bringing the struggles to life.

It also addresses the lack of mental health support available within the uk .

The story involves some twists which were extremely well written .

Kudos to all involved.

Snowflakes stay away

[sjnoble-30379 · 10/10 · 11 September 2021]

Amazing story and filled with realism. Non of the watered down cgi action scenes you get today. Realistic and gritting story backed up by some great actors.

A must watch for anyone into action films.

Proper film.

[blakehall-95529 · 10/10 · 20 July 2021]

I'm biased as I know the director and force behind this creation, which is a fantastic piece of filmmaking, before you consider this is not the work of professionals with any budget at all.

When you take it into account, this is even more remarkable and makes in a work of importance on that alone.

This film is running away with awards at festivals worldwide and its easy to see why.

The soundtrack is fantastic and the chemistry between the lead male and female actors is noteworthy.

The female actor I believe is not trained but there is something of the Kelly Macdonald in Trainspotting or Vicky McClure in This Is England (others who came in from nowhere) about her.

I'll avoid plot lines for those who want to read the story.

Amazing

[grantpeet · 10/10 · 18 September 2021]

A riveting watch from start to finish. So many emotions to go through following the action, trauma and passion of the movie. The terminology & actions are scarily true to life and a real pleasure to see compared to the big budget bulls**t coming out of Hollywood! Well done to all the cast & crew for creating a masterpiece.