A Stirring Film Grounded In Reality

Rating: 8/10 (21 October 2018)

Filmed in a style reminiscent of war films from the 40s and 50s, "The Great Raid" is a moving tale that reminds us of the terrible costs of war. Based on a true story, it depicts the mission to save 511 men in a Japanese POW camp.
Though no one actor rises very far above the overall cast, which is substantial, the acting is convincing. The pace of the film varies, depending upon the part of the story--just as it would in real life. From the prisoners' points of view, the length of their ordeal was interminable. From the point of view of their rescuers, there was a countdown to tragic failure always pushing the action.
The addition of a romantic story is a poignant reminder that each and every soul at risk was connected to others. This adds emotional depth. The montage of historical footage during the end credits is a wonderful aspect of this film, stirring feelings of both triumph and sadness.
The scope of the tragedy of war lies in the fact that the losses depicted in this film were actually multiplied a thousand fold, on battlefields around the world and in prison camps across the Pacific and in Europe. And also in the hearts of millions of survivors spanning the globe.