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ID #107794 |
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Summary of this DVD... | ||
It is the duty of every officer imprisoned during war to escape whenever chance allows. During the first twenty minutes at a new prison camp, a group of soldiers/escape artists come up with a handful of schemes to escape. Thus, the groundwork is laid for The Great Escape. The story focuses on Hilts "The Cooler King" (Steve McQueen), Hendley "The Scrounger" (James Garner), Bartlett "Big X" (Richard Attenborough) and Ramsey "The SBO" (James Donald). Hilts is a man without fear, but he only has concerns about getting himself and Ives "The Mole" (Angus Lennie). Bartlett and Ramsey, on the other hand, has a more selfless goal in mind. Using three seperate tunnels, he plans to break 250 men out of the prison camp. The film is light-hearted at times, featuring some genuinely funny moments, yet the tale as a whole is quite heart-wrenching. The level of spirit that guides these men to do the near impossible is inspiring. The end results, however, are saddening. This is ultimately a brilliant, multi-faceted film featuring some fantastic performances by classic actors. | ||
This type of DVD is good for... | ||
Just about anyone old enough to fully understand the material. Let's say ages 13 and up. | ||
I especially liked... | ||
Donald Pleasance turns in a brilliant performance as the sweet soft spoken Blithe "The Forger". He is not a typical soldier like most of the others and doesn't seem to fit in really. The unlikely bond that forms between him and Hendley is quite bittersweet. | ||
I didn't like... | ||
Okay, well, this is a bit light-hearted, as I said. It's not dark and brooding like modern war films. I'm not really sure if that's a bad thing, but if you're looking for stark realism, you're looking in the wrong place. | ||
When I finished viewing this DVD I wanted to... | ||
Build up my Steve McQueen video collection. | ||
This DVD made me feel... | ||
I watch the first half with a smile, the second half nearly brings tears to my eyes. | ||
The cast of this DVD... | ||
Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, Angus Lennie, Donald Pleasance, James Coburn, David McCallum, Hannes Messemer, Gordon Jackson, John Leyton, Nigel Stock all give wonderful performances that made the movie an instant classic. | ||
I recommend this DVD because... | ||
It's classic material and it stars Steve McQueen. McQueen! Need I say more? | ||
Further Comments... | ||
Steve McQueen puts in the best performance of his career in this film. He carries a heavy burden as the lead, but he shares that burden graciously with the other cast members. Seeing him in his prime, watching the brilliance of his work, saddens me in a way. Simply because there will never be another like him. For me, he is the end all be all of Hollywood actors. You can keep your Harrison Fords, your Russel Crowes, your Tom Cruises. All of these guys will forever live in the shadow of Steve McQueen. 'Nuff said. | ||
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Created Aug 29, 2004 at 4:13am •
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