The Great Escape [PG]

In 1943 the Germans opened Stalag Luft North, a maximum-security prisoner-of-war camp that was crafted to retain even the craftiest escape artists. In this camp, a large collection of British and American fighters from both the army and air force alike grouped together and planned the greatest escape in military history. 

Usually war films aren’t my style, but The Great Escape is one of the all-time war classics that you just have to see. A perfect balance of action, drama, comedy, and tragedy, it’s earned its place in The Book and is another film that has no expiration date. 

In 1943 the Germans opened Stalag Luft North, a maximum-security prisoner-of-war camp that was designed to retain even the craftiest and most experienced escape artists. In this camp, a large group of British and American fighters from both the army and air force alike grouped together and planned the greatest escape in military history. 

The Great Escape is probably best remembered for its incredibly catchy and motivating opening theme, one that you can hear whistled anywhere. Once you get that tune in your head, it will never leave. So, right from the start, the music and soundtrack set the tone and make an impression. 

I think what I loved most about the movie was the fact that it was based on true events and it shows human resourcefulness at its very apex. I found it incredible what these brave men managed to accomplish and create with just a fraction of the supplies they needed and having to work under such harsh and dictating circumstances. The sheer cleverness and ingenuity that the film emphasises almost makes me forego my general beef with humanity. We might not be so bad after all. 

The combination of wide areal and scenic shots and the moving camera following the men underground gave the film a sense of realism and tension without over-emphasising it like some filmmakers are prone to do. 

Starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, James Donald, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence, James Coburn, Hannes Messemer, David McCallum, Gordon Jackson, John Leyton, Angus Lennie, Nigel Stock, Robert Graf, and Jud Taylor, The Great Escape was a brilliant war film filled with action, suspense, ingenuity, resourcefulness, tragedy, and comedy. It really was a brilliant film!