From Here to Eternity Movie Review

From Here to Eternity (1953)

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Written by: Daniel Taradash (screen play), James Jones (based upon the novel by)
Directed by: Fred Zinnemann
Starring: Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed, Frank Sinatra
Rated: Approved [PG-13]
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Plot
A wartime drama set in Hawaii just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, a principled Army private refuses to compromise his beliefs, a sergeant engages in a forbidden affair, and a group of soldiers lives and relationships are forever changed by the outbreak of war.

Verdict
Despite being an older movie, the themes remain relevant. Soldiers consider an uncertain future, and that's all the more poignant as this takes place during World War II. War isn't just imminent, it's underway. While we know about Pearl Harbor, this shows us people on that base struggling with war and relationships before the bombing. That makes the conclusion to this movie all the more powerful.
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Review
Transferred to the Oahu, Hawaii base, Private Prewitt (Montgomery Clift) plays the bugle. He's asked why he requested a transfer, and he states because he was slighted. The Captain wants him on the boxing team as he's a former boxer, but Prewitt is adamant he won't fight. That leads to hazing and unjust punishment from everyone except Maggio (Frank Sinatra). Despite the intimidation tactics, he doesn't relent.

Montgomery Clift plays Private Robert Prewitt

While Prewitt is interested in a girl at the club, Lurene (Donna Reed), First Sergeant Warden (Burt Lancaster) starts an affair with the Captain's wife, Karen (Deborah Kerr). Part of that has to stem from Warden running the base for the inept Captain. Is it confidence or ego that he decides he'll take care of the Captain's professional and personal business? The scene of the two lying in the sand at the water's edge on the beach kissing was groundbreaking at the time, though it doesn't mean as much watching it now. It seems mundane, but it's just a sign of how times have changed.

Prewitt's punishment continues unabated. He's a rebel in a way, refusing to conform to a world of violence. While he's not refusing to fight enemies, he will not fight fellow soldiers. Part of this movie is coping with the military and war. Do you assimilate or do you do what's right? Warden's decision to pursue Karen is reckless, but it may stem from wanting to pursue a relationship while he can. Being at war in the military, tomorrow isn't promised. Prewitt refuses to be put in a position where he could injure a fellow soldier.

Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift play First Sergeant Milton Warden, Private Robert Prewitt

Lurene and Prewitt's relationship seems doomed to fail. She doesn't want to marry a military man, forced to move as required. She wants to leave Hawaii, while he plans to serve in the military until retirement.

It's easy to imagine what this would be like if made today. It's tame by today's standards, but it captures the emotions and feelings of soldiers wondering about an uncertain future. What makes this movie powerful is the conclusion. Pearl Harbor is bombed, and it's an event most of us know. This movie spends the run time making this base's inhabitants developed people with goals and problems. This concludes as their defense begins. While that seems like a great place to finish the story, this does provide a final coda for several characters.