Review of Cross of Iron (1977) by Randy T — 25 Aug 2009
Have you ever noticed how often war films (including anti-war films) center around incompetent officers? Paths of Glory, 'Breaker' Morant, Gallipoli, etc., etc., etc... Even films that don't revolve around impotent leadership generally feature it in one or more supporting characters.
After viewing at least 200 genre pictures and serving eight years in the military myself I have subscribed to the hypothesis that most commissioned officers, and some enlisted men, are continuously promoted until they reach the point where the responsibilities exceed their capabilities.
Cross of Iron is Peckinpah's interesting version of said circumstance, enhanced by James Coburn's inspired performance. Four stars.
This review of Cross of Iron (1977) was written by Randy T on 25 Aug 2009.
Cross of Iron has generally received positive reviews.
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