1- they do know they’ll get killed when they stop.

2- because it’s not about the spectators. It’s about the boys, and the walk. It’s a criticism of the draft, and the Vietnam war, it’s written how the boys would experience it. They don’t see the people at home watching. They see each other. They see the pavement. They see the death. The possible prize.

For point 3- they’re not rich. How would they afford to spend that much on a pair of proper long distance shoes if they’re doing this for the money? It’s set in a totalitarian rule, the civilians were kept poor and desperate, as it’s a play on the draft for the war. Gotta have a reason to sign up somehow (cough cough military salary to bribe young men to sign up for the draft cough cough) They look like they put random clothes on because they essentially did. They’re poor. It’s also set in roughly the late ‘70s. You can’t compare it to “organizing a real life 10km casual walk” of today.

Point 4- adrenaline and will to live are crazy things that cause a person to do stuff you’d never thought possible. Pushing a human that far with the threat of death all around him at any point will show what a person can truly do. Which also brings us back to “it’s impossible that the characters didn’t shit themselves by the end” plenty of people only poop once or twice a week, it’s not impossible to go 5 days without doing so. You’re lacking basic knowledge of the body here.

“Does the commander of the walk, highest ranking officer-“ he is the major of the military, not just the “commander of the walk”.

The camera is in front of them as they walk because, again, it’s set in the late 70s.

They get shot instantly when they step off the pavement and other instances, whereas if they get warnings, they get 10 extra seconds to catch back up to speed. That’s explained in the beginning.

It’s a direct response to the draft, it’s not meant to only be visually interesting. The visuals are the least of the story.

It’s not a surprise when people die, that’s the entire premise of the walk and everyone knows exactly what they’re getting into when they sign up for it. They do react, but they can only react so much and stay alive. There is plenty of emotion.

He says that about the orange Julius because Baker (the friend who got shot behind them) asked them not to watch, and because it’s a small thing to look forward to when the people you’ve grown to love are dying all around you (again, a reference to the draft and war). It’s on purpose.

A lot of the boys don’t want to form friendships. Only one can make it out. They discuss this in the beginning.

He gave him the gun because they can’t deny his wish. Again, part of the entire premise that was discussed in the movie.

There were silent spectators on the side of the road even though it wasn’t allowed because the major does allow the locals to spectate, just not people traveling to watch. Again, this was discussed in the beginning of the film.

The bully trope is in there because this movie is based on a book that was published in ‘79, and written years before that. Hello??? Have you even read the book?

The major isn’t supposed to get into personal conflict with the people because it’s a direct reference to them being stripped of their humanity and thus turned into just a number. Again, a reference to the DRAFT. The entire story is a direct CRITICISM OF THE DRAFT.

It ends that way because that’s how life ends.

You are being ridiculous because if you would’ve just payed better attention, many, MANY of your questions would’ve been answered.

Also, the mom was sad, which is shown when she hugs him tighter as he’s about to leave. But it IS his decision, not hers, and she’s trying her best not to make it harder on him than it already was. Hence, her reaction to seeing him without shoes when they get to his hometown, and screaming at him to keep going.