one of the best films ever made

Rating: Null/10 (17 April 2000)

This is one of those films that allows the genre to claim to be art, not just entertainment. The other reviews go into great detail about all of the wonderful poignant moments, the depth and the importance of the issues. This is the film the Deer Hunter and Coming Home tried to be and failed.
Perhaps the only flaw in an otherwise flawless script is the very last scene--Dana Andrews amidst hundreds of junked planes, no longer needed, much like his character is compelling; but the very last line is a strangely upbeat ending to the power and poignance of the scene. I won't go farther in describing it, for fear of ruining the otherwise incredible moment.
This movie will teach one more about America and WWII than any history course.