The film is based on an inspirational true story (Image: LIONSGATE)
Enthusiasts of war dramas are being encouraged to watch a star-studded film currently available to stream online without charge.
Set during the Second World War, the picture, which is just one of many free war films available, stars Colin Firth as Eric Lomax, a character based on the real-life British Army officer of the same name who was imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp.
The film, which is amongst numerous war dramas, also features Scarpetta actress Nicole Kidman, Jeremy Irvine and Stellan Skarsgård in principal roles, and the narrative follows Eric after he was compelled to labour on the Thai-Burma Railway following his capture in Singapore.
Actor Firth had the opportunity to meet his real-life counterpart and he said of the film: “I think what is not often addressed is the effect over time. We do sometimes see stories about what it’s like coming home from war, we very rarely see stories about what it’s like decades later.
“This is not just a portrait of suffering. It’s about relationships … how that damage interacts with intimate relationships, with love,” he told press.
Read more: Masterpiece war film is ‘criminally underrated’ – 100% Rotten Tomatoes score
Read more: ‘Unforgettable’ WW2 film hailed as ‘brutal masterpiece’ you can stream free
Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman were praised for their roles (Image: LIONSGATE)
The film in question is The Railway Man, which is available to watch for free on Plex.
Filming commenced in April 2012 in Edinburgh, Perth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, North Berwick in East Lothian and St Monans in Fife, before moving to Thailand and Australia.
Kidman, Firth, and Irvine all received critical acclaim for their performances and the film subsequently won several prestigious awards. Fans flocked to IMDb reviews to express their views on the film, with user zken stating: “Simply put, this is an instant classic. There has been many movies made about war, and this film now ranks among the greatest.”
Johnk-schwarz described it as “astonishing”, continuing: “I am grateful for the film and for its depiction of two of the most important things regarding this story; 1- that the spouses of these great surviving POW’s tolerated and handled these men making they too, true heroes.
“2- My Dad told us many times over that all he ever wanted was an APOLOGY. Bless this movie for its very existence and for its sensitivity to these two so important elements to the story’s perspective.”
Colin Firth stars in the emotional film (Image: LIONSGATE)
Llgcpr branded it a “must-see” whilst praising the cast, noting: “Colin Firth gives a standout performance depicting PTSD. Uplifting, wonderful film. Will watch again this weekend. Highly recommend.
“Nicole Kidman is a perfect foil against the performance of Firth. Her understated looks are a shocker as the film starts but only add to the supporting image she is depicting. Totally transfixed by the artistic quality of the film.”
VickiHopkins remarked: “Astounding performances, astounding movie,” elaborating further: “As far as performances, I was frankly astounded by Colin Firth’s portrayal as the older Lomax, and Jeremy Irvine as the younger Lomax.
“For me, it was a ten star movie. It will leave you in tears and perhaps give you a ray of hope that after the most trying of circumstances, there can still be peace and forgiveness between enemies.”
The Railway Man is available to watch for free on Plex
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