The Great Escape

The Great Escape

Director: John Sturges

Year: 1963

Starring: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Donald Pleasence and Charles Bronson

     The Great Escape is a different kind of war movie. It's about a subject that is often forgotten about, or at least glossed over, and that is POWs, or Prisoners Of War. As the title suggests, it's about a group of POWs that escape from their concentration camp. That might not sound that interesting, but it is actually based on a true story, with many of the characters being based on real-life counterparts. 

     Steve McQueen plays Lt. Hilts, the so called "Cooler King" as he spends much of his time in the camp inside the isolation "cooler". James Garner plays a character based on a real-life Canadian POW that assisted with the escape. Richard Attenborough, who would achieve later fame as the director of A Bridge Too Far, Gandhi and Chaplin, plays the mastermind of the entire escape (nicknamed "Big X"). Donald Pleasence offers some comedy as a Lieutenant who is losing his sight, and refuses to accept that fact. Rounding out this big cast is Charles Bronson as a polish character with claustrophobia (a real fear of his). 

     The film documents the arrival of the POWs, their plan, the execution, and finally the gripping final act where the character escape from the camp. It really pays off, as the film takes it's time to develop all the main characters in the story, and the bonds they forged while attempting this mission. You get a real sense of camaraderie as every POW is involved to some extent, and there is literally no room for error. Everybody watches out for each other, and it's a general sense of  teamwork. 

     Every character has their moment, and get's a chance to really become something else. You really feel for these characters by the end, and you really do hope for the best as they execute a very dangerous assignment. It's what makes the film stand out. The only downside to that, is the film takes it time literally, as the running time is almost three hours. It pays off though, with the character dividing up into different groups, and watching their outcome after the initial break out. 

     Steve McQueen's motorcycle chase (which didn't actually happen in real life) is the real standout at the end, as McQueen's character outruns a German Motorcyclist (also played by McQueen) and jumps a fence in his escape. The film has a rather depressing ending, as most of the characters are either caught, or killed, with only a handful actually making it out alive. Depressing, yes, but it's not improbable given the circumstances. The film is worth seeing, even if it's just to see the war from a different perspective. Great set pieces, excellent writing, and above average direction from John Sturges makes this a film for any war fan.