‘Must-see’ classic war film is ‘greatest ever made’ and on BBC tonight | Films | Entertainment
This New Year’s Day, BBC is set to air a World War II masterpiece brimming with Hollywood legends.
The Great Escape, often hailed as the finest war film ever produced, boasts an illustrious cast featuring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough and Charles Bronson.
Directed by John Sturges and released in 1963, the film was one of the highest earners of its time and continues to command a devoted fan base.
The gripping narrative follows Allied soldiers imprisoned in Germany during World War II. Intent on freedom, they devise a daring escape plan that not only aims to liberate them but also distract their Nazi captors from a crucial battlefront.
Key figures in this audacious plot are US Captain Virgil Hilts, portrayed by McQueen, and British Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett, played by Attenborough.
Their ingenious scheme involves tunnelling out of the prison grounds, but the unfolding events prove more perilous than anticipated.
Despite its initial lukewarm reception, The Great Escape has solidified its status as a timeless cinematic gem over the years.
However, it received only a single Academy Award nomination for Best Editing and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture, despite now being recognised as one of the most critically acclaimed films in history, reports the Mirror.
One critic at the time griped about the decision to shoot in colour, whilst another contemporary review said: “But for much longer than is artful or essential, The Great Escape grinds out its tormenting story without a peek beneath the surface of any man, without a real sense of human involvement. It’s a strictly mechanical adventure with make-believe men.”
Fast forward to today, and the picture boasts a stellar 94 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film review aggregator. One modern critic said: “McQueen’s thrilling motorcycle ride has long been the stuff of cinematic legend, but the movie is packed with countless memorable episodes of this caliber.”
Another added: “This is one of the all-time great war movies, a PoW adventure from director John Sturges that celebrates the indomitable spirit of the Allied forces even when their backs were to the wall.”
A third reviewer wrote: “Boasting an all-star cast, headed by a terrific Steve McQueen, Great Escape is one of the greatest, most enjoyable WWII adventures Hollywood has made.”
A fourth critic simply said: “One of the truly great epic war films.”
Decades on, audiences remain captivated by the classic. One devoted fan recalled: “I watched this movie at our local Picture Theatre when I was only 8 years old with my late mum,dad and brother ‘ it was one of the most wonderful and best action packed movies I’ve ever seen in my life! Now being in my 60’s I still like to watch it from time to time and it never gets less enjoyable.”
Another viewer said: “Classic and epic movie. Stellar cast all excels in character. Amazing that it all happened and that the movie runs parallel with the original book by Paul Brickhill. Very good cinematography. Lots of action, suspense, drama and anticipation. This is a must see”.
A third wrote: “Superb war film that ranks as one of the very best of all time, thanks to a brilliant cast and excellent direction by John Sturges. The actors are excellent across the board, with many being military and war veterans themselves, thus bringing authenticity to their roles.”
The Great Escape is on BBC4 at 9pm on December 31.
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