Overview: Based on the novel, Silent Parts, by John Charalambous, An Accidental Soldier is about an Australian soldier who flees the carnage of the Western Front and finds refuge with a French woman in a remote farmhouse.

DVD Verdict: Harry (Dan Spielman) is a gentle soul who does not sign up to fight because he does not want to kill anyone, or anything. He is, in 1918, what would now be termed a Conscientious Objector but they certainly did not recognie that then. When he can no longer stand the pressure, he goes to war - but in his trade, as a baker.

But things change not long after he arrives at the front, and he is forced to fight. After he deserts and is taken in by a French farm wife, his life changes. Spielman plays the part of Harry beautifully and is very believable. The same goes for Marie Bunel as Colombe, the French farm wife.

The film was skillfully directed by Rachel Ward and her husband, Bryan Brown, has a small but vital part in the latter part of the film. The French scenery was gorgeous and the cinematography was well executed. I loved this film because I cared about the characters and what would happen to them. My eyes were glued to the screen for the whole film. I highly recommend it. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.