The Hun: World War I Short Film

[@MendelFilms]

Hi guys, and thank you for watching. In order to avoid repeating myself in the comments in answering questions, I'd like to explain several points that have drawn questions or criticism. And this is not to say that I don't welcome criticism, as I am always looking to improve. But anyway, most people need to remember two main points. 1. This is a student film and 2. Filmmaking is expensive. As a veteran (US Marine Corps) myself, as well as a huge history buff, I ALWAYS strive to represent veterans in the utmost respect and that includes doing my absolute best to attaining as much historical accuracy as possible. I did years worth of research for this project. Hundreds of hours of reading and learning all I could to get as much as I could right. But with that, I do not have the resources and seemingly unlimited budget that filmmakers and studios have in Hollywood productions. This project was done on a very small budget. I raised $23,800 for this myself on Kickstarter ($21,600 of it I was actually able to use after they took their fee out), and you have to understand in trying to make a quality film, production equipment is very expensive to rent. In between the film/lighting equipment, costumes, props, set design, logistics, etc. you have to balance a budget and make tough creative choices by making sure the money gets used where it is absolutely needed. In doing this, I had to take a few liberties, as well as some creative stands in order to tell a story (a fictional one at that.) Here are my answers in regards to some of your criticisms/questions: Gas masks: I did not put a specific date aside from the year to when this story takes place. I consider it early into 1918, while the AEF was still using the French M2 gas masks before they permanently started using the British SBR. Cigarettes: I knew from the get go that filters were not around during the war. My actors are not natural smokers. I tried to find the best available option that would look decent, while respecting their choice to not use tobacco, and went with cocoa cigarettes without tobacco or nicotine. During the purchase, I had hoped that since they are white filtered, it wouldn't stick out as much, but it is clearly difficult to hide to an observant eye with close ups on a 4K camera. It is ultimately a creative choice that I am okay with. Rifles: One of the most expensive items/props were firearms. Looking for authentic 1903A1 or 1917 Enfields is both difficult as well as extremely expensive. There was no plausible way with our budget to purchase a number of these, so my next best option was realistic looking 1903A3 airsoft models. There is 1 authentic 1903A1 in the film, carried by the lone reenactor we had on set. It was his own weapon. Not a lot of soldiers on screen: With our budget, we had 7 American uniforms to work with. My plan all along had been to cast 15-20 reenactors (all with their own uniforms and gear) to fill the scene, especially to make a longer and more intense battle scene, but only one guy showed up. My contact from the reenactment group did not come through in getting those guys to set, and with only 3 days of production (and equipment rental), we had to make do with what we had. Music: The song in the introduction is a popular recruitment song of the era, "Over There", that I had edited to sound distorted and dreamlike, and all other music in the film is original and made specifically for this film. The ending song is called Dear Dove, and is created by a friend of mine using the lyrics to a poem I wrote specifically for this project. The soundtrack is available for purchase here: mendelfilms.bandcamp.com/album/the-hun-film-soundtrack Again, thank you for watching and I still love to read your comments and questions!

[@Dan-n-Butters]

Don't beat yourself up to hard, I find that in these trench warfare movies. The most interesting take on it is interpersonal relationships and each mans own coping mechanisms that gets them through each day. It would be easy to fill up an hour and a half of a movie with hand to hand combat and the fog from the shells landing in no mans land. But to capture a private dealing with shellshock, or the acts of "cowardice" the leaders have to deal with while hiding their own hypocritical fantasies are the narratives in which id love to watch! That is where the true art lies, in the dialogue.

[@ManScoutsofAmerica]

None of this needed explaining. Great movie for a student film.

[@tylerthegrimm]

MendelFilms good stuff. I didn't figure the German to be actual death, I just thought he was some German spirit taking the main guy to the afterlife kinda like a we fought each other but now it's done so let's go together kind of thing.

[@thinman4648]

MendelFilms, I don’t want to sound like a jerk but I’m going to tell you my criticisms and and ideas for if you want to make another, the first criticism would be that it’s too clean, the second would be that it’s too quiet and the audio sounds a too clean, the third would be that the actors need to say their lines like they are theirs and not a script ie, it doesn’t sound natural, but enough with that also I have an idea for a video you can do, have some soldiers hiding in a muddy wet shell hole late in the evening after duck when it’s dark just talking and waiting for the next day. I hope this helps!

[@xxuncexx]

Ya did fine. I enjoyed it. Lots of hard work

[@johnnicholas1488]

My grandfather lost a lung from a gas attack. Came back home worked hard physical work until he was about 75. I saw him often . I never heard him speak one word about this war or any war.What I knew came from my mother. He was a huge guy with great shoulders and huge hands. The size and power of those huge hands is what impressed me most. As a teenager I worked with him mixing mortar in a wheel barrow and shoveling it up to him on a scaffold where he laid heavy cement block. " More mud" he'd yell wheezing spitting chewy tobacco in a very gruff tone, but i knew he was laughing to himself. "Mud" is slang for mortar. "Those fists" i'd see them thinking to myself that getting hit by one of those fists would be like getting kicked by a horse. He was one tough bastard . I understand that for years he was rough drinking brawler type. He could read a little having left school in the third grade. By the time I came along the drinking and brawling had passed . He was very jovial in a rough sort of way. I worked with him often in my father's little business doing heavy physical work. I still remember his hard wheezing when there was heavy tough work. He about 75 and I say about 18. He was stronger than me and had more one lung endurance. I grew up easy. He grew up hard. He died at the age of 99 years. Now I am about 75. He was the KINDEST man I have ever met. And now with a tear in myeyes, I wonder if suffering is the crucible in which kindness is forged.

[@baregrilles5445]

That's a definite truth. Eugene Sledge was a mortar man in the Marines in the Pacific. He lived through hell. After the war he devoted his life to nature and teaching.

[@badger_actual8249]

Sir you are a great writer and that k you for that!!

[@peggedyourdad9560]

@Luke Colwell You actually can live with only one lung as long as it's still functional. They may not typically be able to engage in as strenuous activities for as long as a normal person with both lungs, but a person can live a relatively normal life with only one lung.

[@fitchyyboi]

Incredible story :) did you serve at all yourself?

[@littlemicogamer1524]

@Luke Colwell STFU

[@awsomecfstc4845]

Considering the budget, this was pretty good.

[@pavelv8468]

what was the budget?

[@Junior-es7mu]

A couple of million dollars

[@MendelFilms]

It was 21,600. @@Junior-es7mu

[@_Claire_05]

@@samueltatar6377 I know right

[@Yourmomscrib23]

Junior J this nigga said a couple million wasn’t even an hr long you ain’t been seeing no types of money bruh

[@fly_speck_cafe]

My grandfather was shot and left for dead. A French woman found him, saved his life, and he rejoined his company. She's the reason I'm here.

[@Jamuakarrumput]

He married that french woman or ?

[@fly_speck_cafe]

@@Jamuakarrumput Non, Monsieur; he returned home, sired my father, who sired me.

[@Flo55721]

🥹🫡

[@Jamuakarrumput]

@@fly_speck_cafe i had a completely different experience. My great grandma's first husband get shot in the head during dutch aggression in indonesia, without that dutch sniper i probably wouldnt exist today

[@fly_speck_cafe]

@@Jamuakarrumput it's astounding, really, how things work.

[@TheWyoCoyote]

My Great Grandfather fought in WW1. He was in the Pennsylvania National Guard and they became part of the AEF. He was a Sgt in a Trench Mortar unit. He lost a lung during an artillery bombardment during the Final Offensive in the fall of 1918. I have his Purple Heart medal.

[@thetrojanwarrior1467]

Wow

[@randomsu25noises911]

I thank him for his service

[@Voucher765]

He was a brave and honorable man. May he rest in a better place

[@Bora-uu6im]

Wow that's incredible, Rest In Peace

[@snipinghe5985]

Nice but have a look in USA we thanks soldier for they service in France.... all of my grand grandfather have do the first world war and one die because of gaz but they don t thanks them today....they prefer speak about migrants

[@peterkolovos3079]

The ghost of the German soldier offering him his hand to escort him to the afterlife was very poignant.

[@mortalclown3812]

@SuperVHSchannel Curious about your own creative output.

[@Ballsackschrader911]

SuperVHSchannel fucking clown

[@Ballsackschrader911]

SuperVHSchannel Brain dead are you?

[@canadianbacon2693]

@SuperVHSchannel piss off, gamer boy.

[@canadianbacon2693]

@SuperVHSchannel I apologize for how I acted, I shall try to conduct myself better in the future.

[@ryanblue5627]

“There is no enemy. There is no victory. Only boys who lost their lives in the sand” (Cliffs of Gallipoli by Sabaton).

[@HybridPhage]

The moment I read the first sentence, I just knew it was sabaton.

[@arminius301]

The only enemy that exists is the banking elite who profits from the wars they orchestrate and the blood your sons and daughters will shed in the trenches!

[@williamtaylor7814]

I am an Australian, and one of the most beautiful things I’ve heard was what Kemal Atatürk said about the Australian lives lost in Gallipoli; “You the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.". It gives me comfort to know that my people rest in the sands of a friendly people with countless others from all regions of the world.

[@rickywatson111]

I'm a New Zealander, my great uncle fell at Paschendale. May those from both sides rest in eternal peace. Lest we forget.

[@coderr_]

🇬🇧🇺🇸🇦🇺🇨🇦🇯🇵🇷🇺🇫🇷🇳🇿🇮🇪 we shall never forget them also some other countrys i forgot to include Also my great grandmother uncle fought in ww1 as a doughboy and survived 6 battles im pretty sure and i have his medal at home

[@julianpalmer4886]

My Kiwi Whanau weren't spared either Mate. The poor Women/children/retired-invalid tradesmen-warriors, having to see through that

[@nicholasjames8272]

My Great Grandfather was a Medic in WW1, Australian like me so he was an ANZAC he fought in Gallipoli against the Ottoman empire. He lived thankfully. I have massive respect for all the soldiers in WW1. Regardless of the country

[@wRagebaitTV]

ITSYAGOLDFISHGEROLD My great grandfather fought in the Meuse-Argonne offensive in WW1 for the German side.

[@wRagebaitTV]

Clear Sky Yeah lol.I think he only fought in Europe though.

[@ZeitgeistGaming69]

That same battle is in BF1. They tricked the Ottomans by setting up rifles that would shoot automatically using a pully system. Then, the ANZACs were able to evacuate.

[@kylesweeney929]

straya

[@malstewart6718]

I lost 2 great uncles at Gallipoli, maybe they met each other one in the 10th and one in the 13th battalions

[@datboimavric1524]

time traveller from 21st century arrives Time traveller: “what year Is it?” Ww1 soldier: “1916” Time traveller: “oh you mean the middle of World War 1?” Ww1 soldier: “world war what now??? “

[@datboimavric1524]

@KEKANALOA KAILIHIWA HAHAH LMAO 😂

[@reepacheirpfirewalker8629]

Dr. Who plot sounds like

[@evanlarsen-chaney2301]

It’s almost as if I’ve heard this joke multiple times...

[@datboimavric1524]

@@evanlarsen-chaney2301 hmm 🤔

[@gwine9087]

1916? Nope.

[@stevepowsinger733]

Good job recreating the trenches. I was in Vietnam where we actually defended some fire bases with trenches. They weren’t as deep as the WWI variant. Usually they were muddy, especially in clay soils. In many ways WWI was the worst war ever for soldiers but Vietnam was no picnic.

[@williamw9120]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[@stevepowsinger733]

Sergeant by the end of my tour. My unit operated first near Danang, then Bong son, Kontum, Dak To, and finally the Ia Drang Valley.

[@themobsprinter]

Stephen Powzinger You were at Ia Drang? Can't imagine how unpleasant that'd be. Glad to see you made it through.

[@MelonMafia1]

No way. Vietnam was way worse then WW1 and WW2 (in my opinion atleast, i'd like to know a veteran's opinion if you don't mind)

[@loraxdonbison7475]

@@MelonMafia1 Every war is the worst

[@hiukas.]

It's been 100 year's since ww1 ended. Sadly, I'm not sure if i can say that we've learned much from the past.

[@raccoonmoustache]

Hiukas At least us Europeans have stopped fighting eachother every ten years

[@alexander-it6mx]

It soon is gonna be* The 11/11/1918

[@charlesshepperson7102]

we learnt to unight

[@dreysantillan]

Damn... Never realized it has been a century

[@detroitdave3505]

Hiukas two weeks left buddy

[@tyrannosauruszeppelin2205]

''Feels like, no matter what happens, no matter if I make it out of here or not, I'm always going to be in this trench, y''know?' That line perfectly captures the horrible things and the scars of war.

[@toddjohnston1927]

Yes, yes it does......wish the fuck I could climb out of it.

[@WarInHD]

Now imagine if this guy had a few million dollars, he would’ve made an even more badass film

[@MendelFilms]

If you or someone would offer me 1 million, I will blow you away

[@aidand.7911]

@@MendelFilms If you had the budget of saving private ryan, could we expect a world war 1 movie as iconic to ww1 as saving private ryan is to ww2? I really want a great ww1 movie that can blow saving private ryan out of the water

[@MendelFilms]

@@aidand.7911 If I get that kind of budget, absolutely.

[@reefjoubarani8535]

1917 anyone?

[@donsjovikfalt6506]

@@reefjoubarani8535 ye

[@kellymcgee8456]

Actually, you did remarkably well for such a small budget, excellent student film. The trench boarding was realistic, the grittiness of the trench scenes were realistic. The rifles were not a major issue in my opinion, you found a practical solution to avoid a costly purchase of Enfield's, a costly rifle these days. The use of blood spatter without the need to show the round impact was excellent. Keep working, I think you have talent for this.

[@swaviddenson5623]

Kelly McGee the US used the m1903 30 caliber Springfield rifle, which is accurately depicted in the film

[@shunpikerdude3934]

@@swaviddenson5623 Actually, they were issued both. But with the higher amount of US M1917s and lack of 1903 Springfields to outfit the AEF, more US military personnel actually were issued and used the US M1917 rifles.

[@robertsimon2881]

@@shunpikerdude3934 this is 1918. By then 1903s were being used.

[@shunpikerdude3934]

@@robertsimon2881 No, even in 1918 the amount of US M1917s was still greater, it wasn't until after the war that they decided they were not going to adopt them and stuck with the M1903 for their standard issue rifle. After that most of the M1917s got put in storage or were sold off as surplus to civilians and foreign militaries. They did still use M1903's at the same time as the M1917, but the odds are that if you were a US soldier during WW1 you were more than likely carrying a M1917.

[@neile2001]

People who get hung on equipment accuracy more often than not miss the whole point of the films they criticize.

[@MackMateCom]

The German soldier is representing the futility of war, all human / different uniforms

[@neriksen]

Separate yourself from the emotional side of it and look at it realistically. It’s cyclic, it’s what we do, it’s what we have always done, it’s how man unconsciously controls population. Whether you or I like it or not.

[@DutcherDog]

No futile to the winning side 🇺🇸 !

[@aratwhoisaprivate2109]

@@DutcherDog no one won the war we all lost

[@valkyrie941]

@@DutcherDog mate shut up they all died for nothing

[@spooksparanormalsociety4034]

I am a re-enactor, and also a Film Extra with a large Agency. What I see here is actually a damn good representation of a `slice` of trench life from WW1 done on a low budget, with limited actors. Its not the how many, but what one can do with the how few, and i have to hand it to you, you did a good job. You found ways to overcome barriers to deliver the film. Well done.

[@trench_raider8247]

Wow I actually plan to become a reenactor myself. For the civil war.

[@Ethan-mp7wr]

@@trench_raider8247 Do it. Sounds pretty cool tbh

[@buddhastaxi666]

“I am the enemy you killed, my friend. I knew you in this dark: for so you frowned Yesterday through me as you jabbed and killed. I parried; but my hands were loath and cold. Let us sleep now. . . .” Wilfred Owen.

[@dot__8216]

mate I live him so much

[@donna30044]

"The old lie, Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori."

[@johnnicholas1488]

" He dropped more sullenly than wearily, lay heavily like meat, and none of us could kick him to his feet...". Wilfred had the right stuff. Pity we lost him so early.

[@nicoc6387]

Exactly the words that were going through my mind at the end. Powerful stuff.

[@MrBerserkinTime]

I'm glad this was in my recommended

[@austin2787]

Same buddy, same

[@doctorpepper2957]

Rakvalen Sypher same

[@MA-kw3ov]

Im here 5 months later

[@unknownhiddenname6645]

Same

[@johnmn8]

That grabbed my soul and made me think

[@liltoaster7308]

Just saying, the German soldier who looked so weird at the end symbolized the grim reaper sort of.

[@MendelFilms]

That was actually intended. He is the grim reaper. The ending is MacDonald's entry into the afterlife.

[@AuntieTrichome]

That, or a black metal singer. 😄

[@15098D]

I thought it was a dead German but now they both had something in common, being dead

[@theDUKE25-yt]

@@15098D that is what I thought

[@silvesterwisnu1865]

@@15098D aggre with that

[@thegunbox81]

This was really good I thoroughly enjoyed it the ending was impressive in the manner in which it was done. These 15-20 minute short films that I'm seeing on KZbin are far better than the big Hollywood war movies

[@jannikheidrich2035]

Rather than talking about fictional character and fictional worlds these short films often present the tragic of real events and would be an awesome conversation starter🤔 Like in this film understanding which effects certain events/ideologies/problems in society can have, by learning from the past rather than dream a clean future without failure and suffering, without seeing the obvious shortcomings.

[@marcelopepinho]

Couldn't agree more

[@jerrygil1965]

Amen

[@locarnese5598]

What my dog drops on the sidewalk is far better than anything Hollywood produces of late.

[@daedae1522]

@@mjrv5719 How many war films do you need on the same war ?

[@jamesmortondirtbiking7721]

My great Granda fought in ww2 he got shot in the neck and it came out his shoulder he survived but I sadly never met him ,thank you Granda I hope I meet you in the future .

[@coderr_]

Same my great grandpa he was in ww2 and his brother did in a battle

[@casers623]

my great granada fought in wwii

[@etwa8206]

@@casers623 my great grandpa was an American pilot and got stabbed by a Japanese guy luckily he lived and met my great grandma as his nurse

[@casers623]

cool

[@lighterallytypically3507]

My great great great great grandpa dwayne johnson wrestles germans in ww2 instead of wwe

[@Rockarollas]

My grand-grand father was in the Italian Army during WW1. He was shoot twice at the legs near river Piave. He recovered well. He had great respect of any soldier regardless country.

[@jendavinci3521]

My grand-grand father was in WW1 too, but he was fighting for the Austria - Hungary Empire. I am from Czechia and we in the family still do not like all Germans. They started both wars and now the new one is rising by migration, but it is different story... He was very hungry, because the Czechs was always underated by Austrians, so they did not give him and his friends any foods. So he grabbed his unit and went to the Italian farmers to beg for food. Italian farmers were scared and wanted to help their troops, so they gave the bread from ergot. He and his friends never grew old, they are still sleeping near river Piave.

[@Flammen12]

@@jendavinci3521 how do you say Germany starts the world war 1? The Serbs did. I know Germany starts world war 2, but 1? Nah.

[@offensivediscourse8514]

@@Flammen12 Germany supported Austria-Hunary's completely unreasonable ultimatum to Serbia, most points of which they had actually accepted! Without this support, there woild have been nonultimarum and no war. Serbia isn't responsible for a terrorist act in its country and certainly not deserving of a war.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

@@Flammen12Burgund You are right. It is incredible how many idiots keep repeating the lies invented by the Allies in 1918

[@pgroove163]

my grandfather immigrated from northern italy to America as a young teen..he fought for the US army .wounded on the front lines at 18yrs old..agree..respect regardless of country and amen

[@Felix.s.t.the-bridge]

My great great grandfather fought in the Somme on the first day but did not survive but made a french friend who was called Sinclair . Every one of my family who has been born has been called Sinclair including me. But this film is amazing

[@timthegunguy47]

Cool story. Too bad he didn't make it back home. Respect.

[@dot__8216]

my great grandad was in paschendale and his french brother was also in verdun. the french brother went over to find him but all he found was his body. he wrote home to my grandad who showd me the letters and it was really moving

[@ludmilamanni8980]

​@@dot__8216 sad stories from both of you, must been hard, sorry they didnt make it.

[@dot__8216]

@@ludmilamanni8980 thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@coderr_]

@@dot__8216 My Great Great Uncle was in ww1 as a american soilder and has medals

[@SLYGARR]

Quite excellent. People who have never made a film do not know how much blood sweat and tears goes into the process. People who focus on cigarette filters and correct gas masks are missing the point. Pointing out n it picky details is not criticism. Great effort and hope you keep it up.

[@KFace-qm7kx]

I appreciate the fill and the detail criticism

[@michaelphilipp5192]

I suppose you mean me. Well, to be honest, I have done 5 short films - most of them with a historical background - and one feature, so I do know what sweat, blood and tears go into the whole thing. If you didn't mean me, I take it back. And I agree, its a great effort. It is.

[@muhummadalsaddique8293]

The end shows how no matter what uniform your wearing were still the human species staring at the mist waiting for all of it to be over

[@t0n3mapls43]

Missed

[@iamtheguy4925]

Muhummad, that wasn't a german, that was death.

[@Guy-mr8tl]

You're*

[@thoughtfulinsanity3050]

Hey Muhammad, your comment was insightful, nevermind some of the assholes replying to you.

[@therudepotatochip8633]

@Polish Hero Witold Pilecki No?

[@johnthefinn]

If this was a student work, I expect to see great things from the students in years to come. Thank you for giving me a moment with the grandfather I never knew, who was wounded twice in what was then called the Great War.

[@kaiservilhelm8371]

O MY GOSH, THIS WAS AMAZING. I NEED MORE OF THIS; CORRECTION, EVERYONE NEEDS MORE OF THIS.

[@hammercanttouchthis]

'Either way if I do or don't make it out, I'll still be stuck in this trench'. I'm sure every person that did make it out still had a part of them stuck there. It was God awful. Respect to all of those who bravely served in what was perhaps the world's worst conflict. Salutations🌤️

[@yuurichito1439]

Yeah

[@yuurichito1439]

Imagine your trench got raided and before you get injured (but survives) you see a german like (the here presented death) but in normal and after the war you have nightmares about a face like 10:20

[@candydonnelly7543]

My grandfather was an American Doctor, who was assigned to open all the French Field Hospitals in WW I. I have his discharge papers. He fell in love with a French field nurse, her parents refused their marriage, she died in his arms from typhoid. He never talked about his life experiences, never showed any emotion to his grandchildren. He was a true hero, but emotionally died in France. Peace and Light to your spirit Dr. Norman James Quinn, Sr. You are finally reunited with Marianne❤️🇫🇷❤️

[@Uromastyxfanatics]

Damnnn, that was great. I really liked how in the Roman soldier story, some of the soldiers would walk away to meet death "formally", and then at the end the American soldier shook death's hand. Blew my mind

[@theabstractchicken3998]

This film is EXTREMELY underrated. Although I do have my critques, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Keep up the good work!

[@MendelFilms]

Thank you! I'd be more than happy to listen to your critiques! Thanks for the kind words!

[@sevensixtwomm]

Excellent! Great to see small independent films of this quality. Well done!

[@williamjohnson2878]

Incredible film, really hits hard

[@moshemoreno4009]

This comment has 69 likes

[@canadianbacon2693]

@@moshemoreno4009 that's so great I'm so glad you shared that with us

[@ericlynch9560]

@MendelFilms, as a veteran (not WW1), I think this is an outstanding film you've made given the financial constraints. Heck, it's an outstanding film, period. When the young soldier walked through the trench and saw his dead buddies he shared a smoke with just a few minutes earlier, I was feeling it. As a veteran, this film moved me. Bravo. Can't wait to see more of your work.

[@jimhill4510]

The acting and special effects are believable. Trench warfare was such a waste. Both sides eventually invented ways to defeat the protection that the trench afforded. The mass charges against machine guns were futility at its most gruesome.

[@DreamandaBackpack]

the acting not really.

[@nigeh5326]

War since the Crimean War of the 1850s on is about technology. In WW1 the technology used by defenders was ahead. But towards the end offensive technology was coming to the fore eg tanks and aircraft this led to the possibilities exploited in WW2 blitzkrieg destroying the enemies cities from the air etc. The side with the most advanced technology and the means to mass produce that technology wins.

[@TheStross]

Wrong type of helmet on the German side. Stalhhelms weren't invented until 1933.

[@sumguy1726]

@@TheStross 1916 I think you will find

[@stupidgamer7271]

better than the Hollywood shit

[@houndpaws2311]

YEP, no shit. That's because Hollywood makes bad movies with tired plot, unnecessary themes, and money grabbing writing.

[@stupidgamer7271]

Hound Paws yep 👍

[@LeCretin]

Hollywood is a disgrace

[@houndpaws2311]

@@LeCretin Damn right they are.

[@manofbeard]

This is the history that should now and always be taught in schools in the uk. These young men and the sacrifices they made are far to easily overlooked by today’s millennial generation. Lest we forget, who will be left to honour the memories of the young and the brave. May they all rest in eternal peace.

[@mantirig4139]

We dont learn from history so it repeats itself over and over, just maybe one day we will learn but not holding my breath!

[@john.thomas21]

Good film, I like the minimalist style and the direction you went with the Hun. The song at the end was absolutely fantastic as well.

[@streetgato9697]

Excellent work overall. Don't mind the rivet-counters and nitpickers- they come with the territory. You worked with the budget and resources available and produced a decent work. Congratulations!

[@MendelFilms]

Hello all! My new film, In Between the White Space, which is about veteran suicide is out now! Please check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYacq4qKeKh3f80

[@rickysdumbthings5911]

MendelFilms I sure will after seeing this video great video btw!

[@platcdarmslavyansk1975]

MendelFilms kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYXbeahooLJsf8U

[@horrendousharvey]

Where was the hun filmed?

[@MendelFilms]

@@horrendousharvey Pleasant Valley, New York

[@jhudrums155]

nice video!👍

[@samuelstoner5651]

This is a beautiful film, and so sad. I wouldn't recognize historical accuracy if I saw it, and for me the props were beside the point. The story you told is spellbinding.

[@Gotobar]

Samuel Stoner As a Historian, I really didn’t see too much wrong with it, it was a spectacular short film.

[@fiachraswaz]

Grim reaper really rocking that 1980s new romantic/cure look

[@nicholascarson9924]

This 75 year old had both his Grandfathers in this war. One on the English side while the other fought for his country Germany. From tales they told and my own reading this was an excellent portrayal of trench warfare. Well done.

[@MendelFilms]

Thank you!!

[@filmsbydiek7316]

Great job! Read your pinned comment, as an indiefilmmaker I'm with you all the way on the budget and details. The average viewer has no clue how challenging biting off a "real" movie is, much less a period piece, and war film too! Great work. Of course there's always more to learn and things to look back on. Bravo!

[@randomsu25noises911]

The German soldier at the end is death

[@MendelFilms]

correct!

[@WelfareDude]

@ That's the silliest thing I've ever read.

[@toddrudy1930]

OK, so explain why DEATH has one uniform over another.

[@WelfareDude]

jesse wyrick gamer Because he is. No country was nice and innocent. Theres nothing nice about it.

[@comeoncarl5616]

Todd Rudy Because the Germans were the perceived enemy to MacDonald, same with the Roman Legionaries and the Huns, I’m sure if the sides were swapped a German soldier would meet death in the form of his enemy on no mans land

[@jonathan45278]

You should be very proud of your film. I got lost in it while watching it and also emotionally involved. That is quite an achievement for a short film. Thank you for making such a beautiful film.

[@MendelFilms]

Thank you so much.

[@markelmer9822]

Watching the film again ; I found the ending just got better with each viewing (I kept rewinding many times) without wishing to state the obvious, its Gothic horror aesthetic was very captivating - the almost giant German reaper taking the dead soldier’s hand with a sensitivity and compassion; an excellent scene and a conclusion to a film that I will always remember 👍

[@TheArchitectism]

"Friend and foe will meet again Those who died at Paschendale" Paschendale by Iron Maiden

[@Eirerebthewolf]

Up the Irons!

[@nigden1]

Brilliant film mate, I’m from England, and must have seen every WW1 film made, this is poignant and compelling.

[@MendelFilms]

Cheers mate!

[@coderr_]

Hey mate my great grandmother uncle fought in ww1

[@ArmageddonBot]

The ending song is soooo epic.... the music, the lyrics, the voice of the singer!! GOOD JOB

[@MendelFilms]

Thank you! It is based on a poem I wrote and composed by my friend Pat Swanson, he is quite brilliant! It is available for purchase if you are interested in owning it (see the pinned post for more details.)

[@ArmageddonBot]

@@MendelFilms I know my friend I read the comment you left in which you explained everything about this project. I clicked on the link just to listen to the song one more time. So sad that's not free.I am stuck on it maybe in the future I will purchase it. Thank you KZbin for your recommendation.😂

[@daniellee6451]

Props to you, this was absolutely amazing!

[@SRN1850AN]

Thank you for your film. Well done, and please keep at it. I hope I live long enough to see one of your films open on the big screen.

[@MendelFilms]

Thank you so much!

[@mm.7053]

The German soldier representing death at the end just remind me of Alan Seeger’s poem, “ I have a rendevouz with death”, specifically the verses : “and maybe he shaw take my hand and lead me into his dark land...”. By the way, great job bro! Keep the grind 💪🏼, independent cinema, that’s a hard art to play, that’s why it’s GOOD!

[@azoutdoors2344]

Very good film and I enjoyed it. Thank you for posting.

[@guile98s]

the dead German at the end: "come! we are peace here"

[@SchwarzeWitwe2]

This was incredible. Your lead actor has amazing facial expressions.

[@somewhitedude01]

This is a real tear jerker. And then you read some of the comments..... This was a great short film!

[@karenmendelson2503]

I think I watched about 10 times already..Very powerful and very well made Tyler. So realistic! great job! I am just so proud of you. I love you.

[@rentabullet4048]

Grandfather of my grandfather fought for ottoman empire in ww1 he captured by russians in the sarikamish offensive he came back after bolshevik revulation

[@caractaco]

Good for him and for you, brother.

[@haikat4]

genocidal baby killer he was

[@bandlandmusic8543]

this was absolutely amazing, well done and a great tribute to our heros.

[@petergehlen4190]

Off course, OUR heroes.Tata tata.

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Thank you for this short film. I knew a World War One veteran, who was in combat. Thank You R. W. Clay from South Charleston, West Virginia, a true American Hero.

[@Richard44077]

Well done. Period films are tough, you did a great job in telling your story.

[@DeadCosmonaut-u2]

This was a great short film, but I didn't see any Eurasian steppe nomads pillaging villages.

[@MendelFilms]

The Hun was a nickname of the Germans in World War I!

[@DeadCosmonaut-u2]

I knew that. I was just being silly (:

[@MendelFilms]

You never know in the comments section on youtube haha :)

[@buddhastaxi666]

Eastern Front...Turks and Hungarians... Magyars. The reference to Hun started early in British propaganda. There were genuine war crimes in Belgium, by German troops, which the British documented officially and factually.

[@lesterpaul9657]

@@buddhastaxi666 Its not quite right. German emperor Wilhelm II was to blame for that hate name. In his speech against the Boxer uprising in china he said something like "we will come over you just like hun and we will never give no quarter." This was the famous hun speech another prove that Wilhelm was a bad dumbass. Of course the british used it later on for propaganda matters and the US gov't as well. Btw. I' m german.

[@kevmac1230]

Very good.I've always been captivated about the immense human drama that is W.W.1.Ever since I met Mr.Smith a Welsh Army vet that told me stories of his 4 yrs in the trenches on the Western Front,I have studied all I could find on the subject.I was a very young boy and we somehow formed a bond and he said he'd never spoke of these things to anyone and I've always felt honored by this.Though gone for almost 50 years now I think of him to this day.

[@adamsolymosi1276]

I am Hungarian and when the guy was talking about how the romans were so scared of them I felt bad but also felt really good to be Hungarian.

[@N.Z67]

Reminds me of the ending of the first mission in Battlefield 1. They push, we push.

[@lucastop5660]

And all togethr we pissed!.

[@jacknagel9387]

Can we take a moment to say how amazing the music is here? Like anyone can make music sure, but every song especially "Dear Dove" was amazing. This movie really pushed the boundaries with everything.

[@MendelFilms]

Thank you!!

[@thomasrodella]

I love it. Its really great in my opinion. Great job!

[@BeatBodega]

The sound in this shortfilm is almost perfect

[@redthepost]

Gutsy work. Your work made me feel the loss, the inner panic, the numbness of it all. You are an artist.

[@MendelFilms]

Thanks so much!

[@SURENDERSINGH-rg6jy]

Great Stuff Brother. Respect from another Brother-in-Arms. I am a film-maker and musician and I understand what it means. Being a soldier myself I can feel what you have portrayed within those limited constraints. Huge Respect. You have added to my research. I am making a kind of short film based on war. Thanks.

[@mikeyb2878]

This was awesome. It seemed a bit amateur but I'm sure you guys did the best with what you had.

[@MendelFilms]

Thanks! We only had a budget of 21,000 so its extremely difficult to make a credible war film for that much but we did what we could!

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

Do you know what "amateur" means? Probably not. A work of love. Not 'unprofessional' as most would believe. So many don't even know their own language. Government schools.

[@mikeyb2878]

I'm sorry if what I said offended you or the creators in any way, but my vocabulary has its limits, just like anyone else.

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

@@mikeyb2878 Consider your words and learn. To add; have you ever made a film? Put it on the line and through a lense.

[@mikeyb2878]

Ok buddy, it was just a simple reflective comment. You can relax now.

[@markaz08]

really enjoyed that, when that shell hit i was like WTF, i was left shocked. thinking that was the end but no we have a ghostly finish. 12 minutes just flew by so that shows you had me transfixed as a viewer. BRILLIANT.

[@MendelFilms]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it!

[@truthspeaks1265]

Near hollywood quality, well done!

[@sr633]

An OK video with what there was to work with. A thumbs up .

[@docmartin56]

I thought it was great! Good story. Good effects. Good camera work. Good music. Flush the haters. Thanks for your service (proud Army dad!)

[@eugeneflynn7435]

I’ve been binging WWI films, and this popped up. I thought it was excellent, then read your comment that it’s a “student film” with a limited budget and a bad case of no-shows from your re-enactors. That all blew my mind. I instantly subscribed and look forward to viewing more of your work. Top notch! (Also, the relatively few negative comments I’ve seen are baseless, petty, and should be disregarded. These people really do live under bridges and in basements.)

[@MendelFilms]

Thank you so much!

[@kevvdogg1331]

I had tears running down my face towards the end. Especially when The German held hands with the American Soldier

[@BirTek-93]

American? Are you sure bro?

[@rooseveltingudam6354]

@@BirTek-93 Read the desc.

[@marcnedboy3163]

My Grandfather Cpl.David Posner 42nd Infantry Div. was gassed in the Argonne Forest.Died Fathers Day 1964 in the BROOKLYN VETERANS HOSPITAL.I was 6.Hope to see him in the next…

[@AZrakoon]

Great film.....one thing that is not mentioned in any ww1 films, that really did happen is the moral dilema soldiers had when killing german soldiers.....there was a lot of struggle for the militaries of the allied side, i believe German as well, at the time......i wish more war pictures are lile yours, where war is shown for its ugly truth...not some romantized version, Hollywood tends to make to appease the masses

[@hauuagdbhshg3604]

1933 "All quiet on the Western Front", enjoy yourself. Btw, this short movie looks like really short retelling of the book, which that 1933 film is based on. I mean, reeeeally short.

[@collinlaper3738]

Quite well done. If you look past the very small inconsistencies, it is a poignant reminder of the tragedy and futility of war. Humans killing other humans, orchestrated by those that will never see the battlefield

[@buddhastaxi666]

I had at least 2 relatives in WW1.... One at Gallipolli and the other at Vimy Ridge. Two brothers one with 7th batt Royal Welsh Fusiliers and the other with Canadian Army. Before the war they had left Wales near the Shropshire border to farm in Alberta Canada. They joined up. Both survived , with my direct great grandfather in the Terriotorials until he died , relatively young at 52. He was a CSM. He believed the conflict had a meaning. We know in retrospect that if it had lasted only until the first Christmas, just after the Germans lost the First battle of the Marne, it would have served a purpose. Considering it perversly degenerated into a war of attrition then the war was without a positive outcome. The war instead has left a nightmare in our collective memory, some of us still feel the destruction as if we had been there in another life, so vivid were the memories of the veterans and civilians, my living relatives when I was a child, so obvious the physical loss and impact on society.

[@MendelFilms]

Hi guys! I'm starting to see a larger influx of viewers and I'd love to know where you're all coming from/finding the film! And I also love to read the comments and feedback from you all!

[@johnmead2781]

MendelFilms Missouri, USA

[@maximlewk628]

Niedersachsen, Germany

[@haydenhancock4739]

Missouri, United States.

[@Joker201278]

I'm from Germany and I got here by suggestion from KZbin. But what I really want so say is...WOW! This is an amazing work and really great looking movie! Excellent! I would really like to get more information about the production, you and your team and so on. This looks & feels professionel... 😊

[@MendelFilms]

Danke! If you'd like, I posted a lot of bonus features on my vimeo account such as bloopers, the making of, commentary, etc! www.vimeo.com/tylermendelson

[@DebowNation]

I don’t see why budget is even a conversation in here. Should be focused more on the effort he put forward to a historical project for entertainment purposes. Loved the story. Loved the detail, all the way down to spent shell casings on the worn and tattered sand bags while he climbs out of the trench. Could do a lot of things with your time instead you use it to create things like this. It’s amazing, keep up your hard work man.

[@marcliebich9166]

Brilliant gentlemen. It's nice to see a young generation reflect on another young generation that lived (and died) through an absolute hell on earth.

[@pmuellerable]

It is always good to see a Movie where Germans/Austrians not represent the bad & evil soldier. They were family Fathers, students, Sales man as all the others. Good Job. Mögen wir daraus lernen und respektvoll mit uns und unseren Mitmenschen umgehen.

[@zamalkawy4618]

But Germany is an evil Land .

[@gavinhaase3364]

Mohamed Zidane stand in their shoes for a minute imagine you were in a Great Depression and you had to look up to someone to help restore Germany look at it from the other side for a change

[@michaelphilipp5192]

@@zamalkawy4618 ????????

[@pmuellerable]

Seriously man? Or are you kidding? In order to understand German/Austrian history & WW2 start reading from 1860 on...

[@ShermanT.Potter]

Not bad at all for a student film! You guys did great, you truly captured the emotional aspect. It's funny, people talk about filter cigarettes being wrong, but they don't notice the cloth wraps on your legs (which is correct).

[@einaroneeye]

A fine short film. Very nice work. As a history instructor and military history buff, the “feel” is spot on. I commend your efforts and your ability to work on a shoestring budget to produce this work. Cheers.

[@MendelFilms]

einaroneeye Thank you very much!

[@civ6165]

Just wanted to add my support for a job well done.

[@arianmartic7965]

"War that will end all war", sadly it wasnt. 😞

[@Mike-im5bo]

The "winners" were too concerned with winning the war, but not the peace

[@yoyoyeah9083]

Arian Martic yea ikr it wouldn't be fun without wars

[@itsyaboijack229]

You can’t end human nature

[@arianmartic7965]

@@yoyoyeah9083 😂

[@arianmartic7965]

@@itsyaboijack229 true

[@mikemasiello9625]

My Grandfather was in the Italian Army during WWI. He fought against the Austrians in the Alps during the war. He was a very kind and happy man. He never talked about the war but I remember he showed us where he got shot, in the pinkie and the calf. I wonder now if he was so happy because he survived the war. I also think I am fortunate to be here today. A little better aim or a little less luck on that battle field so long ago and I would not be typing this right now. Your short film was great I enjoyed it very much. More of a story in less than 15 minutes than most full length pictures. Thank You.

[@arminius301]

Not sure how your italian grandfather was fighting Austrians. Austria, Germany and Italy were allies in WW1.

[@tempestsonata1102]

@@arminius301 I'm afraid you have mistaken WW1 for WW2.

[@arminius301]

@@tempestsonata1102 Heiliger Strohsack, you're absolutely correct. I just checked into it. They were allied with Germany/Austria as a neutral country sort of, and then switched sides to join the allies, traitors.

[@CTXVII]

I love that the one guy telling the other soldiers about the Romans and Attila, it’s cool that he’s comparing their current situation to their forefathers situation that was not much different if you think about it

[@petergehlen4190]

What a nonsense

[@dog_on_chair]

I'd pay to see a pt2. This is better than half of the recent movies on Netflix and from Hollywood. You should be proud.

[@MendelFilms]

Thank you! I’d gladly do one, it all comes down to raising the budget.

[@dog_on_chair]

@@MendelFilms You're welcome!

[@scottadcock550]

I'd pay also.

[@richersonkate]

Remembering 2nd Lieutenant Edward Archibald Beauchamp of the Coldstream Guards, died at Givenchy on December 21st, 1914. Never Forgotten.

[@isambyrd4435]

Dude I love this

[@graysonluck5359]

Damn that was good great job guys

[@vcmann91]

Amazing production!!!!! Marcelo made that review and it was very easy for understand great work! Keep this project up all the awards just show how good are this film

[@MendelFilms]

Thank you!

[@thudor1]

I'm from New Jersey and I can't believe this happened 100 years ago!

[@eddiecaplan1908]

It was started by the irish😀, all that nonsense about a so called^potato famine^??, all lies, they just forgot where they buried them😀

[@Voucher765]

Me too there are a lot of WW1 memorials in my area

[@untoldhistory7546]

This brought a tear to my eye so meaningful