Review of To End All Wars (2001) by Jos . — 23 Oct 2007
Ernest Gordan's biographical account of his experiences in a Japanese POW camp, in the book, Miracle On The River Kwai is actually a story of hope, not despair. Indeed, while he mentions the difficulties undergone in the camp, he does not dwell on them. As his story unfolds, he comes to this conclusion: Who is mine enemy? Isn't it my neighbour. God makes neighbours; we makes enemies... that is where we excel. It is central to the theme of the book, which is ostensibly the story of his coming to faith in Christ, along with many other camp inmates.
And that is where the problems start with the film. While this story hung around in Hollywood for 40 years before being finally made, there is no way anyone is going to take the central theme of the book and make it into a film. Nope. Fear of offence? Maybe? Fear of excluding potential audiences? Definitely. But if you do that, there is little left in the book.
So, what we have is a same-old, same-old retread of the horrors of Japanese POW camps, with an added theme about the benefits of having a faith. Then, of course, someone needs to add an American hero to the movie, in the form of Kiefer Sutherland. Nothing is left of the material.
On top of that it is limply directed, and lacking in the budget necessary to drag this kicking and screaming into something worthy. Sad.
This review of To End All Wars (2001) was written by Jos . on 23 Oct 2007.
To End All Wars has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
