Seen: May 25th, 2007
Format: Blu-Ray
Rating: 6
Some films don't age so well. This is one of them.
There's a lot of things right with this film. The battle scenes are well done. The sheer number of tanks present in the film is very impressive and something that probably couldn't be done today. The massive set of the town of Ambleve is an extrodinary feat and lends great authenticity.
Robert Shaw's performance is excellent. It took me a while to recognize him as I've never seen one of his films frm this era and transforms himself into Hessler exceptionally well. His is by far the best performance of the film.
The film itself is often sweeping and expansive. I'm glad I saw this on on Blu-Ray as it really allows the cinematography to shine. There are some impressive camera moves given the period of the film
The big problem with this film is that Hollywood made it. It's not an accurate representation of the Battle. Characters are mostly fictionalized, some due to political pressures. The battle itself is historically inaccurate. The vehicles used aren't accurate or from the appropriate period. The list goes on.
The story has obviously been written to cater to its stars. Fonda's character, Kiley plays far too pivotal a role in the entire film. Bronson's Wolenski is a Major, but constantly in the thick of battle. Guffy is a caricature at best. His "love story" is so contrived it's painful. These were big stars in the '60s, and these roles were probably more expected. Without that context, the characters and their focues don't really make much sense.
The entire scenario from the Allies' side is a cliche: Non-regular soldier sees exactly what's going on, but his superiors won't listen. Basically this is a Hollywood "Big War Movie". It's big and flashy. There's drama and heroism. And while it's ultimately grand in scale, it compromises one of the most dramatic turning points of the WWII for drama of a more contrived type.
The Good: Lots of tanks
The Bad: Aryan supremacy
The Ugly: Fictionalization
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