Burning at Both Ends

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 3, 2021

Genre
War, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Cary Elwes as Stanley
• Jason Patric as Daniel
• Judd Hirsch as Joseph
• Greer Grammer as Elaine
• Sebastian Roché as Klaus Jäger
• Isabelle Fuhrman as Juliet

Director
Matthew Hill, Landon Johnson

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Last Rescue (2015, Matthew Hill)
• A Father’s Legacy (2020, Matthew Hill)

Producer
Matthew Hill, Landon Johnson, Cary Elwes, Gary Grubbs

Writer
Matthew Hill, Landon Johnson

Budget
$3 million (estimated)

Production Company
Runway Productions, BondIt Media Capital, Tanglewood Films

Running Time
110 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• War violence
• Themes of survival and resistance
• Intense thematic elements

Movie Story
“Burning at Both Ends” is a gripping war drama set during the height of World War II in Nazi-occupied France. The film centers on a small group of resistance fighters who find themselves trapped behind enemy lines, forced to survive and continue their mission under the most perilous conditions.

The story follows Stanley (Cary Elwes) and Daniel (Jason Patric), two unlikely allies brought together by their shared goal of fighting the Nazi regime. Stanley, a British intelligence officer, and Daniel, an American radio operator, must work together to keep the resistance’s communication lines open while evading capture by the Gestapo. They take refuge in a secluded forest, using an old radio to broadcast messages of hope and resistance to the occupied territories.

As the Nazis tighten their grip on the region, the group is joined by Joseph (Judd Hirsch), an elderly Jewish man hiding from the persecution, and Elaine (Greer Grammer), a courageous young woman who risks everything to assist them. The tension mounts as they struggle with limited supplies, dwindling morale, and the ever-present threat of discovery by Klaus Jäger (Sebastian Roché), a relentless Nazi officer determined to crush the resistance.

The film explores the psychological toll of war, the bonds formed in the face of adversity, and the sacrifices made by those who choose to fight against tyranny. “Burning at Both Ends” is a tale of survival and resilience, highlighting the human spirit’s capacity to endure even in the darkest of times.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Burning at Both Ends” are understated, focusing on authenticity and the realistic portrayal of wartime conditions. The film uses practical effects to create the tension and danger of the resistance fighters’ situation, including the claustrophobic atmosphere of the forest hideouts and the stark brutality of the Nazi occupation. The production design effectively transports viewers to 1940s France, with attention to detail in costumes, props, and settings that enhance the film’s period authenticity.

Box Office Performance
“Burning at Both Ends” had a limited release, primarily reaching its audience through digital and on-demand platforms. While it did not make a significant impact at the box office, the film garnered attention for its strong performances and historical setting, appealing to fans of war dramas and stories of resistance.

Filming Locations

• Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
• Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “In times like these, even a whisper can be a weapon.” – Stanley
• “Hope is our greatest weapon against fear.” – Joseph

Behind-the-Scenes

• Cary Elwes, known for his iconic role in “The Princess Bride,” also served as a producer on the film, bringing his experience to both the creative and production aspects.
• The film’s directors, Matthew Hill and Landon Johnson, focused on creating a character-driven narrative that emphasizes the emotional and psychological challenges faced by those involved in the resistance.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Burning at Both Ends” is a tense and atmospheric war drama that offers a poignant look at the courage and determination of resistance fighters during World War II. While it may not have the large-scale battles of other war films, its focus on character and survival makes it a compelling watch. The strong performances, particularly from Cary Elwes and Judd Hirsch, anchor the film, providing depth to this story of hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

IMDb Rating
4.9/10