Gary Oldham ain't no Alec Guiness!

Rating: 5/10 (16 January 2012)

Numerous things bothered me about this terrible remake. Many of the male characters broke down and cried without much provocation-what was with that? Gary Oldham imitated Guiness's facial expressions and quietness but without the richness and depth of emotion and humanity that Guiness portrayed. Didn't like--the anti American slap implying that Americans torture by pulling out fingernails- I thought that was the Japanese or Chinese in WWII or the Viet Cong? Turning two of the characters into politically correct gays. Must that agenda be continually forwarded to the public? There was not much depth of character development or plot development. The film had a confusing story line which not surprisingly many people couldn't follow, and added gratuitous sex and violence, such as killing the nursing mother. This movie just didn't live up to the promise with so many stars nor the hype of the movie world. Was quite disappointed with most of the actors including Colin Firth. Do yourself a favor and get the 1979 series.