Flawed but still very watchable

Rating: Null/10 (21 December 2001)

This film is a WWII buff's dream. As far as I know it is THE most realistic depiction of World War II in existence. The Sherman tanks really look good; the uniforms, the hairstyles, the language - everything combines to create a "real" depiction of 1944.
The events depicted are all true. For example, the words used by Horrocks (Edward Fox) during the pre battle briefing are based on reality. Even the leather jerkin and woolly jersey he wears are exactly as in reality. His accent is spot on, too - see "World at War" to see the real Horrocks being interviewed.
There is the perennial problem of the German tanks. No modern war film has depicted German tanks accurately (except Saving Private Ryan). This is simply because they are all in museums. Sherman tanks are relatively cheap to hire.
There is the indefineable feeling that one really is watching the original operation. In one scene, a US paratrooper drives a jeep across a field. As he drives, we see the remains of a battle that wasn't even filmed. All the camera shows us is the *remains* of the battle. And it really works.
The acting is very good. I mentioned Horrocks before, played by Fox. Other performances of note include Anthony Hopkins as a believeable John Frost; James Caan also plays in one memorable scene.
But nonetheless, the truthful moviewatcher cannot help but admit that this film has flaws. Firstly, the film was based on the nonfiction book by Cornelius Ryan. This means that the film has to make its own drama, its own structure. This doesn't quite work. Some bits, esp. towards the end, stick out. Like the fate of the polish brigade, which is almost depicted off-hand. As a whole, from the literary perspective, the film is not exactly brilliant. In fact, someone who knows nothing about the war might get a trifle bored towards the end. No clear resolution, no great victory.
But that is not to dissuade the potential viewer. If you like war films with lots of realism, explosions, and some very fine acting, see this film.