Passchendaele

In the spring of 1917, Sergeant Michael Dunne survives the Battle of Vimy Ridge despite heavy combat and neurasthenia. He is viewed as a hero for taking out a German machine gun position, which earns him recognition and marks him as a resilient soldier. While recovering in hospital in Calgary, Dunne meets nurse Sarah Mann, setting the stage for their relationship.

David Mann, Sarah's younger brother who suffers from asthma, is determined to enlist despite being ineligible for service. His father died fighting for the German Army at Vimy Ridge, causing ostracism for the family. With the help of David's girlfriend's father, David manages to enlist, driven by his desire to serve and prove himself.

Dunne, feeling responsible for David’s safety, reenlists as a private using his mother’s maiden name, McCrae. He promises Sarah he will protect her brother, staying in the war despite his previous injuries. Dunne’s decision shows his sense of duty and mounting personal commitment.

Dunne, David, and Sarah arrive in Belgium in time for the Battle of Passchendaele. Dunne brings a wounded soldier to an aid station near the front lines, reuniting with Sarah. The harsh conditions of war are vividly depicted as the soldiers prepare for intense combat.

Dunne’s valor in combat is recognized, and he is promoted to platoon leader by Lieutenant Colonel Ormond. His actions during earlier battles are noted as deserving of a Victoria Cross, and his leadership becomes crucial as casualties mount. Dunne takes on greater responsibility amidst the chaos of war.

Dunne’s company is tasked with supporting the exhausted 8th Battalion, known as the 'Little Black Devils', during a counter-attack. The battalion begins to withdraw, mistakenly believing they are relieved, leaving Dunne’s group to hold the ground. The scene highlights the brutal and confusing nature of trench warfare.

As the night falls, David experiences shelling and begins having an asthmatic panic attack. Dunne calms him, showing his protective nature. The night in trenches reveals the physical and emotional toll of war on soldiers, especially on inexperienced young men like David.

The next morning, Germans launch a counter-attack, pushing close to the Canadian lines. David, overwhelmed, runs after the retreating enemy to surrender, entering a trench and begging in German. He is almost shot but is saved when an explosion throws him onto a cross-like structure, mirroring a legendary story Dunne told.

Dunne, risking his own safety, runs towards David after the explosion, throwing down his helmet and gun as he desperately attempts to save him. He crawls on his knees, clutching David, and manages to carry him back to his own lines despite being shot in the process. His sacrifice underscores his heroism.

After rescuing David, Dunne is wounded and taken to the hospital, where he dies following his last conversation with Sarah. His death coincides with the Canadian victory in capturing Passchendaele Ridge. His sacrifice emphasizes the brutality and human cost of the war.

In the concluding scene, David, in a wheelchair with only one leg, along with Sarah, David’s girlfriend Cassie, and Dunne’s friend Royster, pay tribute at Dunne’s grave on his family farm. The grave marker shows the year changed from 1915 to 1917, signifying the war’s impact on his life and legacy.

The scene pans out to reveal a vast field of Canadian war graves, with a riderless horse on the horizon, symbolizing the profound loss and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought. The imagery emphasizes the heavy toll and the memory of those lost in the war.