Better Than Average War Film - The Great Raid

Rating: 8/10 (8 January 2019)

Ben Bratt is a television actor who had a few minor roles in major films. He is not strong enough to carry a lead role on the big screen. The supporting cast, however, is very strong, as is the writing and direction of the film. The archival material is first-rate. The production values and subplots for the rescue of these men is also impeccable. So this is a much better film about WW 2 than most other films made after 1950. The problem with most WW 2 films is authenticity and the air of uncertainty or gloom. We get some of that in this film, but hardly any in the vast majority of other WW 2 films made after 1950. Saving Private Ryan has that gloom, as does Bridge Over the River Kwai and Stalag 17. This film is in that tradition. Highly recommended for a much better insight to the war in the Pacific.