Review of The Great Escape (1963) by Kevin R — 15 Jan 2012

"It's so stupid that it's absolutely brilliant.".

A group of POWs in a World War II German camp have consistently failed their individual attempts to escape. The leadership of the camp plans an elaborate escape to save all 250 POWs; however, the Germans aren't as stupid as they hope and this effort will require a lot of things to break right to be executed appropriately.

"You're an American.".

"Yes. And you're a jerk.".

John Sturges, director of McQ, The Eagle has Landed, Chino, Joe Kidd, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and Escape from Fort Bravo, delivers The Great Escape. The storyline for this picture is fairly intricate and contains robust and extremely fascinating characters. The characters are brilliantly written and each unique and worth following. The cast is unbelievable and includes Charles Bronson, Steve McQueen, James Garner, James Coburn, Richard Attenborough, and Donald Pleasence.

"I didn't think they'd catch him so soon.".

"He wasn't caught.".

We have been watching Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson pictures and I was shocked to discover this film and that I had never seen it. This movie was fantastic and unfolded brilliantly. The characters were mesmerizing and the conclusion ended the picture perfectly. This is the best movie I have seen in some time and I strongly recommend this gem.

"I'm watching him. I'm a lifeguard.".

Grade: A+.