The classic war film which still looks and feels amazing nearly fifty years after it was made

Rating: 10/10 (2 January 2010)

Like a lot of other reviewers I always like watching this film and look forward to seeing it because for me its like watching it for the first time. The whole look and feel of the film is unique not just because most of what takes place in the film actually happened but its that indefinable something which sets it apart from most other war films. Yes there is a cast list to grace any film creation and it is clear that a lot of attention was given to make it as 'authentic' as possible but there is something there which I can only describe as magical. It seems that in order for the American viewing public to pay and watch this film the nationality of some of the cast was changed but in my opinion the changes only add to the films atmosphere. What I find stunning is that it also seems that in the real life escape preparations 600 men were involved for well over a year. How secrecy was maintained by so many for so long leaves me in awe of the discipline and the planning which must have taken place inside a prison in a the middle of a war. Yes all in all this three hour film is impressive in every way and for the first time viewer please let me reiterate most of what takes place in this film actually happened. Once seen never forgotten is how I would describe this film.