Has Some Compelling Sequences, Though Somewhat Uneven Overall

Rating: Null/10 (8 October 2004)

Though a little uneven overall, "From Here To Eternity" has some compelling moments and sequences, and it also has an assortment of interesting, if not entirely sympathetic, characters. It succeeds fairly well in at least two basic ways. First, it gives an interesting and credible portrayal of the nature of the servicemen in Hawaii, showing both their good and bad sides. Then, it also is effective in contrasting everyone's peacetime concerns with the sudden new concerns brought on by the outbreak of the war.
Most of the characters and their situations are quite interesting, and much of it is presented in a surprisingly unflattering and uncompromising light. The way that it portrays military life is probably the most interesting aspect of the movie. Nothing is glorified, yet it doesn't take a lot of cheap shots at easy targets, either.
The cast does a lot to keep the material on track. Burt Lancaster probably has the most interesting character, and he does a good job in the role. Frank Sinatra does well in making his rather pitiable character into an interesting presence. Montgomery Clift's role gives him plenty of opportunities for brooding and looking melancholy, so he is right at home. Some of the minor characters are also portrayed well. Donna Reed and Deborah Kerr do well enough in roles that don't really give them a lot to work with - they mostly have to react to the male characters.
A lot of the material is pretty weighty, and as a result there are a few times when it might would have been better to lighten things just a little. But overall there are enough good, tense scenes, and more than enough depth to the characters, to make it worth seeing.