If only Lincoln had Patton in 1861 to command the Union Armies

Rating: 10/10 (12 June 2015)

Patton really was a general of a different age placed into the WWII era, and a brilliant one that helped spearhead the American forces effectiveness in the European campaign. For the year in which this movie was filmed, its pacing and monologues/dialogues accentuate the best and worst parts of George S. Patton's character perfectly: how he embraced his somewhat quirky personality unapologetically, how his unfiltered speech alienated him from other generals and officers, and how he ultimately was right most of the time. Sure, he was a man driven by personal glory, believed in reincarnation, and reveled in historical significance, but his belief and drive made the Third Army one of the most influential and feared on the Western front.
He understood his enemies, how the majority of German forces were concentrated on the Eastern front to stop the Soviets, and the necessity to exploit their weakness at a dizzying pace--tentative actions only give the enemy time to regroup. Patton, like the coach who knew the limits to which he could push his group of young hockey players in the movie "Miracle," pulled out the best of what his troops could offer...and WIN. A truly remarkable movie.