Suburb film based on actual incident

Rating: 10/10 (6 July 2003)

An A-1 winner,, I enjoy it immensely every time I see it, and I've watched it many times. I can't be real critical of the historical inaccuracies, because it is, after all, an action/adventure tale based in an actual incident, NOT a documentary. Acting, music, film work, and character development are outstanding. Work of Nigel Green as Colour Sergeant Bourne, adds much to the tale. His firm unemotional remarks: When the frightened young soldier asks "Why us?" He answers. logically, "Because we're here, lad, because we're here"; and Bournes calm statement to the raving Reverend Witt, "Quiet now, like a good gentleman, you'll upset the lads." Then his quiet disciplinary reminder to the troops during roll call in a battle lull, "Answer with Sir, -- Officer on Parade." Stanley Baker's character of Chard, taking command only because of seniority, first setting about confidently preparing defenses, and then temporarily revealing his uncertainy about his situation when he pleads unashamedly to the passing group of Afrikaaner Calvary to stay and fight with them. Michael Caine's rendition of the aristocratic Lieutenant was very believable, no matter what his accent, he did a fine job with the role.
The battle scenes flow is excellent, the fighting in the hospital, suspensful and breathtaking. Hookie's character is not at all accurate to the actual person according to historical fact, but it's a very plausable that there were a few like him in every British regiment. Stanley Baker and Wellman have created a super adventure yarn, no matter how you look at it. I'll give it a "10" any day.