Deserves it's popularity

Rating: 9/10 (27 June 2001)

I wouldn't have given a review if I hadn't read a certain review from one of the previous reviewers. It's funny that the certain reviewer described "The Great Escape" as an example of Hollywood fluff and then recommends "Saving Private Ryan". I don't want to say anything bad about 'Saving Private Ryan' because I consider it a masterful, realistic piece of modern cinema but it does suffer from perhaps the cheesiest dialogue ever for a modern film. Unnecessary Speeches and unintentionally comical moments (such as several 'helmet' scenes in the middle of the 'Invasion' sequence) prevents 'Saving Private Ryan' from becoming a timeless classic.
"The Great Escape", which was released in 1963 may seem dated by today's and future standards but is nevertheless a joy to watch and definitely has a proper sense of dread for a war film. We must realize that a movie, whether based on real life or fiction, should be entertaining. If some uninvolving facts have to be altered for entertainment, then it has be done just as long as what is important is put to use (In this movie's case, the hope that one day they will escape). If a movie doesn't entertain, does it have much of an impact?
The characters' involvement with each other is remarkable considering how many of them are there. From the ways prisoners deal with each other, to the German Military and the Gestapo, it was an amazing feat for the cast and crew. This a "Great" movie and a remarkable achievement in editing, screenwriting and directing.
On that note, I have to say that I enjoyed this movie thoroughly, for it showed me a positive way to look at life and entertained me the way that no other war film ever has.