Thoroughly entertaining and interest raiser

Rating: Null/10 (22 September 1999)

I have seen this movie many times. It is of course very entertaining. It also inspires one to further knowledge. That is partly due to Cornelius Ryan's story, but is also attributed to the fine pictorial detail in which it was crafted. The atmosphere in which the viewer is plunged is one of absolute realism. Watching the movie raised my interest in the history of that event, and I have since spent quite a bit of time reading all sorts of material on the subject, wanting to learn evermore. This effect from a movie is an undeniable sign of quality.
The casting is an extreme overkill. I believe that military engagement movies don't require all that talented actors. It is specially true in this film, it spanning such a large scale. Every actor here gives an average performance, as the scripts/direction yields an under-utilization of almost all caracters. What a waste!
I do have these specific comments though: Anthony Hopkins as Col. Frost is very credible and entertaining. Ryan O'Neal to me is simply a bad casting and I wish there would have been another actor in Gen. Gavin's role. Edward Fox's rendition of Gen. Horrocks is also quite enjoyable.
If the subject of war doesn't literally appall you, you're going to benefit from watching this movie. I also recommend multiple viewings, to anyone driven by details.