The Shakespeare of P.O.W. escape movies!

Rating: 10/10 (22 September 2003)

*May contain spoilers.* Contrary to popular disbelief, this is just as much a WWII movie as "Saving Private Ryan." It's simply that much of its action takes place AWAY from the front lines, the same as "Schindler's List." And, I don't hear anyone calling THAT a non-WWII movie!
Plus, a lot of the cast were portraying composite characters (semi-fictionalized amalgams of some of the actual escapees). Fans of the original "Jurassic Park" will learn that Richard Attenborough could (and still can) portray more than just lovably eccentric-but-misguided millionaire grandfathers. And, Charles Bronson and James Coburn (both sadly gone, now) practically steal all the scenes that Steve McQueen isn't in! So, my final analysis is now, and forever more,...TEN STARS!