Superb exploration of morality

Rating: 10/10 (9 June 1999)

As my late father was a WWII vet, I've tried to read and see as many films about the war as possible, to get some idea of his experience. This was the second (to "The Best Years of Our Lives") that seemed to me to capture realistically the time and emotions of the war era. In this movie, the issue is the leadership of the country and its accountability for the war, and how that accountability will be handled. No one escapes criticism as the protagonists try to assign blame. Stunning performances all around (even from William Shatner!) and cinematography that proves why b/w films were art. In the end, though, it all comes down to the moral decisions we each make as individuals and our willingness to live with our choices. Brilliant and intelligent, without the contrivances and sentimentality of "Saving Private Ryan."