Gritty POW film!

Rating: Null/10 (14 January 2004)

This movie came and went relatively quickly at the theaters. I was skeptical to watch it. I finally rented this film and what a treat. I am a big fan of WWII films. As far as POW films go this was on par with STALAG 17 and THE GREAT ESCAPE. The camp seemed have the same layout as the two movies I mentioned above but the buildings seemed to be worn down and more in line with what a prison camp would be like. I've spent time in Norway. It seems that you are always in the shadow of some mountain and it creates a dark depressing atmosphere. I thought the way the director captured the dark winter was just right.
I'm not a big fan of Colin Farrell but thought he did a fine job as did all the actors. Bruce Willis has worked hard to shed his action image and it has paid off. For a movie just over 2 hours I think it does quite well to include a murder mystery, racial confrontations, prison escape and a courtroom drama. This film is well worth a view! I may try and get the book the film is based on and read it.