Memorable, crazy movie

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

As a son of a military combat veteran I loved this movie. It is hard to get someone to talk about their experiences. I know my dad only talked one night about his...but it made me know him more than just about any other discussion we ever had.Not sure why this site needs 10 lines of text for each review. The movie involves a chest of souvenirs from WWII each with a story. Much like many people have in their attics. But they only mean someone when their story is told. The grandson goes on to his own military experiences and souvenirs. A must see every Memorial Day. Put it on your plans or Netflix list.

Wow! What a surprise. Went in not expecting much and was hooked! The trunk that young Vogel found was identical to my grandfathers! I used the trunk in college. Never asked my grandfather about the war, all I knew he was a postman. He also won a bronze star. Because of this I really connected to the movie. While watching the movie all I could think of was the questions I did not ask. It did bring a tear to my eye!Switching back and forth between now and WWII worked well. The parallels between characters was very believable. As another reviewer said: "have Kleenex available!"

Well directed, excellently photographed, superbly acted this well scripted movie is a mover - and that's what I watch films for, to be moved, to be taken to another place in my imagination or experiencing that can release feelings and emotions within me that touch upon the core of my 'humanness'. This film performs this task, and more, beautifully. I watched it 4 nights ago and have since watched 3 more movies, yet I find myself consistently and continually being drawn back into Memorial Day. My memory keeps thrusting this back into my consciousness. There are some wonderfully subtle family moments, ebbs and flows, currents and undercurrents, that are so honestly representative of most families. The family setting is very recognizable for most people. I am 68 and I can recognize many characters I have known in this film.They are clearly identifiable. It is,thankfully,not a 'shock and awe' film, but rather a very believable journey through the experiencing of 3 generations and the determined power of children to seek answers.Memorial Day is truly memorable.

I was lucky enough to see a screening of this film, and was blown away. To echo the reviews below, it's more than a war movie, it's a family movie. The movie crosses multiple generations, and encompasses stories from two wars. For those from the WWII generation this will bring back their own memories from a time with the war was very much part of their daily life. For those with loved ones serving now it gives a real face to what is happening. For everyone else it's a solid reminder that memories are stories that need to be shared, that burdens can't be carried alone and that all generations have something to give to one another. Additionally, it teaches us that Memorial Day is more than a time for picnics and BBQ, more than just a free day off and a parade but that it's a day when we honor and remember.I strongly recommend this for anyone, not just those with military ties.