A powerful war film

Rating: Null/10 (16 February 2007)

This has to be one of the most entertaining films ever made. It has a mixture of American and European actors who all find their niche in this very powerful and inspiring story. Not only do the actors star in this film -- the score by Elmer Bernstein is also part of the package instilling a great deal of energy and excitement. The story speaks for itself ,it really manages to convey the ingenuity and courage of these men -- a selflessness that makes you proud to be human! The film expertly directed by John Sturges never sags and tells each story of the escapees with sensitivity.Note how Richard Attenborough enters into the film with the feeling that he has seen and felt the horrors of gestapo interrogation in the most understated way.All the characters and the way they relate to each other is fascinating. James Garner,Donald Pleasance, David McCallum , Gordon Jackson, Charles Bronson, John Leyton ,Nigel Stock ,Angus Lennie, Hans Messemer,James Donald and lastly my favourite film actor Steve McQueen.He is mesmerising and seems to single handedly take over the film -- his mastery of the motorcycle also gives the film its iconic moment.For all that the film manages to convey the horror and terror of war.