The Rifleman
Directed by
Dzintars Dreibergs
The Rifleman pays stark witness to the horrors and brutality of the First World War, as seen through the eyes of an innocent 17-year-old farm-boy turned soldier. Though he is underage, and his dad, a former marksman, is over age for the army, they are both conscripted into one of Latvia’s first national battalions. The thrill of training is soon followed by reality, as shells burst around them in the endless mud. He grows up on the battlefield, fighting at the side of his father and brother, their lives are constantly in jeopardy.
Cast
- Oto Brantevics
- Ieva Florence
- Raimonds Celms
DVD Features
Sound: 5.1 Surround & 2.0 Stereo
Discs: 1
- "...an honest yet frenzied interpretation of the veracity of warfare, with utterly breathtaking cinematography, reminiscent of the brilliance of Band of Brothers.... As the young, endearing lead, Brantevics is extraordinary...."
- "[O]ne of the best war films of the last few years."
- "...a lavishly mounted, lion-hearted first world war epic...."
- "With its muscular direction by former documentarian Dzintars Dreibergs, atmospheric cinematography and careful attention to period detail, this account of a troop of Latvian Riflemen fighting first for the Russian Imperial Army against invading German forces and then for an independent Latvia should appeal to WWI buffs and fans of Sam Mendes’ “1917.” The convincing tech package could stand its own against Hollywood productions, while the symphonic score by composer Lolita Ritmanis (an Emmy winner for “Batman Returns”) anchors cinematographer Valdis Celmins’ epic sweep. "
- "The crowning achievement of this film is its battle scenes. In gruesome detail, we see the horrors, anxieties, and consequences of war. The way the scenes are blocked are extremely visceral and immersive. Some sequences elicit genuine fear and heart racing tension. It is easily one of the most thoroughly invigorating presentations of WWI on film."
Awards & Recognition
Nominated
Best Cinematography
IMAGO Int'l. Award
Best Cinematography
IMAGO Int'l. Award
Nominated
Remi Award - Best Actor
WorldFest Houston
Remi Award - Best Actor
WorldFest Houston
Nominated
Remi Award - Best Supporting Actress
WorldFest Houston
Remi Award - Best Supporting Actress
WorldFest Houston
Nominated
Best Baltic Film
Tallinn Black Nights Festival
Best Baltic Film
Tallinn Black Nights Festival
Nominated
Audience Choice Award
Shanghai Int'l. Film Festival
Audience Choice Award
Shanghai Int'l. Film Festival