The Most Realistic Depiction of the Eastern Front Ever!

Rating: 10/10 (22 November 2002)

You don't need many words to describe this film. Terrific cast, terrific cinematography and a lasting image of the horrors of the Eastern Front during World War 2.
This film is Sam Peckinpah's greatest film! Why? Well, the horrors of the Eastern Front really happened whereas film's like the 'Wild Bunch' were fiction. When you watch the film you get an idea of what it must have been like to endure the privations of war. More importantly this film refuses to let us forget the sacrifices made by all sides during the war.
These things apart, James Coburn has played in this film the most memorable,deepest and important role of his career. Coburn's performance allows us to understand the mental torment of someone who is forced to kill for a campaign he doesn't believe in. He isn't a Nazi but forced to endure for the advancement of their cause. This is important because many war films mistakenly depict the German soldier as a committed Nazi, evil and inhuman.
Maximillian Schell is a fantastic foil as the cowardly superior officer only thinking of his own advancement while all around him struggle to survive. James Mason also provides a heavyweight supporting role as the commanding officer who is straight and honest.
Cross of Iron allows us to somehow visualise what must be the most mysterious and darkest aspect of the war. Conventional war is bad enough but the Eastern Front went beyond the convention.The hatred shared by both sides for each other fueled the conflict to heights of unparalleled savagery. Not even Cross of Iron will allows us to see what it was really like, but then, do we really want to?