Search - The Great Escape on DVD

Amanda D. (sophiesperspective)
Reviewed on 2/13/2013...

First, do not see this movie if you expect a Hollywood ending. This is a realistic movie accurately based off actual events. Even though the movie stars Steve McQueen it is not a movie revolving around him. The story is about a camp, and what that camp did to mess with the Germans as they attempted a brazen escape. Expect to cry and to cheer. And don't watch this movie right before you go to bed, least not if you want to sleep. While there is surprisingly little violence that story and the effort and all of the movie stays with you and turns in your head long after the credits roll. I do recommend the movie, though. It deserves to be a classic, as it is.

(Review originally published on http://sophiesmindset.blogspot.com/2008/09/great-escape.html)

Steve P. (StampJockey) from LORIS, SC
Reviewed on 6/17/2011...

A riveting portrayal of Prisoners of War continuing to carry on the good fight despite being held captive in a POW Camp. Steve McQueen leads an all star cast of characters who are in the midst of organizing an escape via tunnel while carrying out sabotaging missions against a German munitions camp.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Frank R.
Reviewed on 5/8/2010...

Based on the True story of a mass escape of POWs from a German camp during World War II. Great acting by all. Worth watching.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Billie W. from JUNEAU, AK
Reviewed on 10/23/2009...

One of the very best films I've ever seen. I've watched it many, many times and it never fails to deliver. The all-star cast enhances a story based on fact that is more amazing than the finest fiction. Outstanding performances by all involved enable every viewer to realize that there is some deeper courage within each of us that can be tapped, no matter what the circumstances. A million gold stars and a zillion thumbs up!!

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Thrilling, Epic WWII Drama!

Scotman | Mt. Shasta, CA | 07/20/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Based on a true story of escape from an officer POW camp, touted by the Nazis as being inescapable, an all star cast do their best to do just that!

Imagine being locked up in a high security camp, run by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) where American and British airmen are sent, and trying to escape without being spotted. Tough call.

Charles Bronson plays a guy who is scared of tight spaces and this creates problems when he attempts an underground tunnel launching. Actually three tunnels are launched, named Tom, Dick and Harry.

The whole idea is to demoralize and create diversions for the Nazi's. And escape of 200 or more men should do the trick.

The first part of the film runs a bit slow, with the men working out the logistics and problems of digging tunnels, keeping them hidden and being one step ahead of their Nazi masters. With the buildings on brick foundations and open to the air, this is not an easy task.

The second half of the film is the escape itself, the various situations the 76 escapees take to escape. Most get recaptured, and many are killed in the process. But the demoralization is successful, though the men themselves wonder at the cost in human life!

All star cast, well played. Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Steve McQueen, (great motorcycle scenes) James Garner, Richard Attenborough, and more!

It's a must-see classic. Reminded me in some ways of Stalag 13 and its TV comedy spin-off Hogan's Heroes, and though The Great Escape has its sense of humor, it's played serious, not slapstick.

Other Movies by Director Sturges:

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
The Magnificent Seven (Special Edition)
Ice Station Zebra


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