The Great Raid (B- or 2.5/4 stars)
By the end of WWII, 500 American soldiers had been trapped in a Japanese prison camp for 3 years. Most of them gave up hope for rescue, but a small team of Rangers surmise a dangerous plan to try to save them. Against all odds, the mission (based on a true story) is a success; and this film chronicles the precarious highs & lows of that very mission. 'The Great Raid', a war drama directed by John Dahl, is a long film. The middle 3rd is a bit draggy. But the informative beginning & rousing last 40 minutes or so is great. I'm glad the focus was on history, & not always on the shoot 'em up action.
January, 1945: American & Philippine forces are pushing the Japanese army to their limits. But because defeat is imminent, the Japanese issue an exterminating order on the 500+ hostages at the Cabanatuan POW camp! In charge of the operation to save these men is Lt. Colonel Henry Mucci (Benjamin Bratt) & his chief strategist, Capt. Robert Prince (James Franco). Back in the camp, we are introduced to Major Gibson (a stellar Joseph Fiennes, of Shakespeare in Love) & a free spirit, Capt. Redding (Marton Csokas). They are 2 of the more important prisoners in captivity.
Also in the plot is Margaret Utinsky (the beautiful Connie Nielsen). Stationed as a nurse in Manila, not only is she a strong player in the underground movement (smuggling drugs to the prisoners at the POW camp), but she's romantically linked to Capt. Gibson. He is her #1 priority (and that's a blessing & a curse). Throughout the course of the movie, we are introduced to a smattering of soldiers & other characters. Individually, some of them are interesting. But most of them offer only a few lines of dialogue or possess only a few character traits. So, as a conglomerate, the plentiful subplots just muddle things up.
From a technical standpoint, the actual 'raid' in the end of the film is excellent; it's an exciting, big, impressive sequence. And the fact that it ACTUALLY happened is incredible to realize onscreen. And the whole of the movie is photographed beautifully. Connie Nielsen is sympathetic as the heartbroken Margaret. Benjamin Bratt is only so-so as the commanding officer. But James Franco lends a spiffy performance as the skillful Captain.
'The Great Raid' is a noble, creditable 'film' ... it just isn't GREAT. I was in awe at the attention to detail(s). It's just a shame that the narrative wasn't as stirring. My favorite aspect of it is that it made me (and will make others) aware of this little-known slice of history. It has an authentic feel to it. Most of the heroes live. Some perish; that is life. 'The Great Raid' is an homage to these brave, intelligent soldiers who sacrificed everything; and took huge risks to come out on top.
January, 1945: American & Philippine forces are pushing the Japanese army to their limits. But because defeat is imminent, the Japanese issue an exterminating order on the 500+ hostages at the Cabanatuan POW camp! In charge of the operation to save these men is Lt. Colonel Henry Mucci (Benjamin Bratt) & his chief strategist, Capt. Robert Prince (James Franco). Back in the camp, we are introduced to Major Gibson (a stellar Joseph Fiennes, of Shakespeare in Love) & a free spirit, Capt. Redding (Marton Csokas). They are 2 of the more important prisoners in captivity.
Also in the plot is Margaret Utinsky (the beautiful Connie Nielsen). Stationed as a nurse in Manila, not only is she a strong player in the underground movement (smuggling drugs to the prisoners at the POW camp), but she's romantically linked to Capt. Gibson. He is her #1 priority (and that's a blessing & a curse). Throughout the course of the movie, we are introduced to a smattering of soldiers & other characters. Individually, some of them are interesting. But most of them offer only a few lines of dialogue or possess only a few character traits. So, as a conglomerate, the plentiful subplots just muddle things up.
From a technical standpoint, the actual 'raid' in the end of the film is excellent; it's an exciting, big, impressive sequence. And the fact that it ACTUALLY happened is incredible to realize onscreen. And the whole of the movie is photographed beautifully. Connie Nielsen is sympathetic as the heartbroken Margaret. Benjamin Bratt is only so-so as the commanding officer. But James Franco lends a spiffy performance as the skillful Captain.
'The Great Raid' is a noble, creditable 'film' ... it just isn't GREAT. I was in awe at the attention to detail(s). It's just a shame that the narrative wasn't as stirring. My favorite aspect of it is that it made me (and will make others) aware of this little-known slice of history. It has an authentic feel to it. Most of the heroes live. Some perish; that is life. 'The Great Raid' is an homage to these brave, intelligent soldiers who sacrificed everything; and took huge risks to come out on top.