Thunder Broke the Heavens
Thunder Broke the Heavens

Movie spotlight

Thunder Broke the Heavens

2015
Movie
102 min
English

13 year old Samantha and her 6 year old brother, William Paul, survive a major tragedy that sees their whole family dead, leaving them in a foster home. Life at the foster home slowly becomes abusive and the kids run away and attempt to survive on their own in some abandoned structures in the woods. When the food and supplies run out, Samantha is forced to find a way to feed her brother. She turns to her musical abilities, while finding help from a mysterious source. William Paul falls ill and the clock begins ticking for Samantha to find food and medicine. Will she find it in time?

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users72%
Director: Michael MartinGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Set against the backdrop of a fictionalized conflict, 'Thunder Broke the Heavens' follows a group of soldiers grappling with the psychological toll of war. As they navigate treacherous terrain and face harrowing combat situations, their bonds are tested, and their perceptions of duty, morality, and survival are irrevocably altered. The film explores the profound and lasting impact of armed conflict on the human psyche.

Critical Reception

The film received a mixed to positive reception, with critics commending its gritty realism and strong performances, particularly from its lead actors. However, some found the narrative pacing to be uneven and the themes somewhat familiar within the war genre. Audiences generally appreciated its emotional depth and direct portrayal of the soldier's experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unflinching portrayal of the psychological effects of war.

  • Noted for strong performances that convey the emotional weight of the characters' experiences.

  • Criticized by some for a conventional narrative structure within the war drama genre.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's realistic depiction of soldiers' struggles and its emotional resonance. Many found the performances compelling and the story thought-provoking, though a segment of viewers felt the plot could have been more innovative.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Ensemble Cast at the Independent Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's intense training sequences for the actors involved real former military personnel to ensure authenticity in their portrayal of soldiering.

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