The Great Escape
The Great Escape
Directed by:
John SturgesCinematography:
Daniel L. FappComposer:
Elmer BernsteinCast:
Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, James Donald, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence, James Coburn, Hannes Messemer, David McCallum (more)VOD (3)
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One of the most exciting adventure tales ever told, this action epic recounts the planning, execution, and aftermath of a daring true-life escape from a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, in which 250 men attempted to tunnel their way to freedom. In the role that cemented his superstar status, Steve McQueen plays the motorcycle-racing daredevil who sets out to foil the Nazis, alongside an all-star cast that also includes Charles Bronson, James Coburn, James Garner, and Donald Pleasence. The expert direction of John Sturges, eminently hummable Elmer Bernstein score, and rip-roaring stunts come together in what may just be the most spectacularly entertaining prison-break movie of all time, a rousing ode to the determination, camaraderie, and courage of everyday heroes. (Criterion)
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A blockbuster that has it all. A grand story with a huge number of characters that can really get under your skin. Drama and humor, tragedy and relief. In the end, the truth sounds quite dark. And yet, everything takes place in a relatively small space. There is little to criticize about this film. It is definitely worth watching.
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Perfect direction and performances (Richard Attenborough!) but the script felt very naive, especially considering it’s based on real events – I don’t think it would have hurt the film if the story was more realistic. If the entire first half was as uncompromising as the climax, I wouldn’t hesitate to give it the highest rating, but the impression that, instead of a German prison camp, they were fleeing from an easygoing boy scout camp bothered me quite a lot. Otherwise, I’m satisfied.
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Photo © 1963 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
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