Peckinpah on the Eastern Front

Rating: 10/10 (21 March 2011)

The vast majority or films set during the Second World War unsurprisingly follow the exploits of heroic Allied forces as they battle for our freedom; this however is different, it follows the exploits of a group of German soldiers who are no less heroic in their battle to survive as the retreat from the Red Army. Chief protagonist is Corporal, later Sergeant Steiner; he is no Nazi, like the rest of his men he is just fighting to survive. His world is complicated when a new officer is transferred to command him; Captain Stransky isn't a Nazi either but he is desperate to win an iron cross which makes him very dangerous. After their base is attacked Steiner ends up in hospital and upon his returned learns that Stransky is claiming to have led the counter attack and has named him as a witness. Steiner informs the colonel that Stransky was nowhere to be seen at the time and a lieutenant who died in the attack actually led the counterattack! Stransky is now likely to be court-martialled rather than get his iron cross unless he can get rid of Steiner; in the confusion of retreat that might not be too difficult and Stransky doesn't mind if Steiner's men are lost with him.
This film was really gripping and it was refreshing to see the German's depicted as something other than a bunch of evil Nazis; most are depicted as honourable men. Coming from 'Bloody' Sam Peckinpah it will surprise nobody to learn that there is quite a lot of blood spilt here; often in gory slow motion spurts. The cast did a fine job, notably James Coburn as Steiner, Maximilian Schell as Stransky and James Mason as the honourable Colonel Brandt. Amongst all the brutality there are some touching scenes; notable those between Steiner and a young Russian prisoner. If you are a fan of war films I'd certainly recommend this; it is excellent and very different from most films of its genre.