Review of The Last Valley (1971) by Denise H — 15 Jan 2010
From acclaimed writer James Clavell (SHOGUN) comes this stirring war epic starring Oscar winner Michael Caine as a soldier who knows nothing but battle. He and his soldiers stumble upon a tranquil alpine village untouched by the Thirty Years War (17th century Germany).
Known as the "Captain", he has laid waste to any village his troops have encountered. But when he gets to this village he is convinced by Vogel (Omar Sharif) to leave the village intact and spend the winter warm and well-fed.
Beautiful scenery but somewhat lackluster fight scenes. Caine is calculating and a true military man but finds love (in his own way). Sharif has lost all of his family and is shell-shocked in the beginning but finds his humanity at last.
Nigel Davenport plays the village mayor (Gruber) but this wasn't a good choice for that role. The female actors are bland and lifeless. Best part of the whole movie was Caine's ruthlessness and his accent.
Some good philosophical points are made about religion and politics.
This review of The Last Valley (1971) was written by Denise H on 15 Jan 2010.
The Last Valley has generally received positive reviews.
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