THE GREAT ESCAPE
 Dec 24th, 2008
Advantages:
Sinply Brilliant
Disadvantages:
None
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
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Characters / Performances
Special Effects
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  Maximus-Qualitus
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Review rated by 38 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
THE GREAT ESCAPE.
*************************** ~Introduction~
****************
T his movie is based on a book by Paul Brickhill, who was actually in the camp in March 1944
Shown every Christmas and some would argue it wouldn't be Christmas without it being on telly.
It is the story of British and American POWs escaping from their prison camp.
The Movie.
*************
Set during the Second World War, the Germans decide to build Stalag Luft III. To quote a line from the movie 'to put all their rotten eggs in one basket'. Sick of chasing the best escape artistes, the German high command decide to put them all together where they can ALL be watched. The camp is said to be escape proof.
We follow the ups and downs of the prisoners as they plot to escape the 'Perfect' prison.
You see the ingenuity of making tools, provisions and even uniforms almost literally from nothing. We see the tactics used, such as blackmailing guards to get what they want. Played in this case by James Garner, 'The Scrounger'.
The American contingent brew up some 'Hooch' just in time for the 4th of July and they parade around the camp to the tune of "The Spirit of '76", (somewhat doubtful). You follow the light hearted moments alongside the sad moments when some prisoners get homesick and 'Wire happy' as in the case of Ives.
The overall plan is to get at least 250 men out and have the Germans wasting time, effort and resources that they could be using up at the front.
~Starring~
*************
Steve McQueen
James Garner
Richard Attenborough
James Coburn
Charles Bronson
Donald Pleasence
David McCallum
Gordon Jackson
Written by James Clavell, Paul Brickhill and W.R. Burnett.
Directed and Produced by John Sturges
John Stuges was also responsible for Gunfight at OK Corral and The Magnificent Seven
~Opinions~
**************
Considering it was first shown in 1963, it is still a very fresh and appealing film to watch.
Absolutely superb performances from all of the stars, with of course Steve McQueen stealing the show, as was he want. The movie runs along at a great pace and the acting is sublime.
A film that I always try to watch and never tire of.
~The Facts~
***************
Though based on true events there are of course some inaccuracies in the movie, actually one major one being that No Americans actually escaped!
By the time the tunnel was ready all of the American POWs had been transferred to another camp! The Iconic motorcycle scene was not based on fact but rather added in at Steve McQueen's request.
A large portion of the recaptured escapees are machine gunned in a field, in fact they where heartlessly killed in ones and twos, secretly and slyly.
~DVD Features~
*******************
Language: English, French, Spanish
Subtitles: English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Polish, Dutch
Hearing Impaired: English, German
Region: Region 2
Number of discs: 1
Classification: PG
ASIN: B00004CYXR
Run Time: 172 minutes
~Extras~
************
Return to the Great Escape Making Of Documentary
Original US Theatrical Trailer
Booklet
Interactive Menu
Chapter Search
This review does not do just to a fantastic film but then could any review?
Greg.
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26.12.2008 13:51
great review aggy
24.12.2008 22:22
nicely summed up
24.12.2008 17:46
Great review, enjoyable read