Reviews

This version of Stephen Crane's epic is the only one that should be shown. The character, Henry Fleming, was truly Audie Murphy's alter ego. The individual portrayals of the Union soldier's was John Huston at his best. The battlefield scene that truly captured the essence of this movie was when Henry held the tattered Confederate flag over the body of the dead reb soldier. What could have been more poignant then that scene as one soldier salutes his enemy, who, in reality was his countryman. Also, another icon appeared, Bill Mauldin, the noted cartoonist of "Willie and Joe" from yet another war. I feel this movie, as abbreviated as it was, since L.B.Mayer had over one hour of the original version cut, is still a masterpiece.

I had great expectations of this latest historic event, but, alas, leave it to Hollywood to glorify this much misinterpreted event. The Mexican's had every right to defend their country against an American land grab. But, getting back to this "epic" how ridiculous to show David Crockett playing a violin, particularly the ending.The character portrayals of Travis, Bowie and Sam Houston, was sad. And the final battle scene where the Mexican army was routed, was the site ever mentioned? At least it was more accurate than John Wayne's version, or that other classic "13 days at the Alamo." The Alamo is a false claim for American liberty, why can't movie makers see this?

This story line is so emotional, it makes Gone With The Wind pall in comparison. The players, all stereotypical Southerners, are well portrayed. I have yet to see Jude Law in any role in which he did not convince of the nature of the character he was playing. Renee actually "stole" the movie, and most certainly was deserving of the Academy Award. It was brutal, it was tender and, it was one of the best motion pictures I have seen. The Civil War was far from "civil", with American's killing American's, American's destroying American cities, but this movie was totally different in its message. The scenery of rural North Carolina was beautifully photographed, too.

The story tells of the terror and horror that abounded in segregated South Africa. The torture of the man servant mirrored that of what the Gestapo did to their victims during World War 2. I thought Donald Sutherland performed admirably, as did the entire supporting cast.

What one piece of dialogue remains with me was the sentence spoken by Marlon Brando when he identified the corrolation between the law and justice, brilliant!

This version is without a doubt one of the two greatest anti-war movies ever made. The other greatest anti-war movie being, of course, Paths of Glory. The beginning scenes of the jingoism presented by the college youths is exactly what the Kaiser and his followers wanted and needed.

As the war progressed and the life of the average foot soldier is shown, the living conditions, the horrors of battle, vividly depict the wanton disregard and waste of human life.

An epic movie for all times.

This movie, along with the original screen version of "All Quiet on the Western Front" must rank as one of the most tragic versions of what war is really like. The arrogance and total disregard for the welfare of the soldier as beautifully portrayed by Menjou and McReady, in opposition to the care and concern of the Colonel so humanly portrayed by Douglas adds to the reality of what the world was like in the days of the "Great War." Additionally, the roles played by Wayne Morris, Ralph Meeker and the self serving aide to McReady add to the greatness of this memorable motion picture. There is no "Viva La France" here.

This movie was such an assortment of previous war films, I recognized most of them. The initial training of the Imperial troops (Glory) The charge of the Samurai's (Charge of the Light Brigade) The samurai's hiding in the bush(Waterloo), etc.

The role of the Samurai is deserving of an Academy Award nomination. The supporting case was excellent.

If only Tom Cruise could be taken seriously, poor little guy, he does his best.

The young Emperor was a dead ringer for Hirohito.

This movie is one of the greatest testaments to anti-war as was the original screen version of "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "Paths of Glory." For all his sensuality, Valentino, was great! Of little note was the presence of Wallace Berry and Alan Hale, Sr. The closing scene at the cemetery was beautifully depicted.

What a gross misrepresentation of historical facts(not too unusual for Hollywood.) There was never a massacre, no Surat Khan, etc.

The true life character of Major Geoffrey Vickers, was Captain Louis Nolan, who was a true life hero.

Now the sun sets on Britannia. Long Live the Queen, and all the members of the 27th Lancers!!

The character portrayed were outstanding. Martin Sheen was the quintessential southern gentleman. The role played by Jeff Daniels was outstanding, as well. History records the fatal attack at the "angle" on George Pickett, which was properly shown to be the error of General Lee. This motion picture has so many outstanding features, it is difficult to single out any one in particular. I stood on the battlefield at Gettysburg, as the exact site where the charge was made. It was awesome

I find it difficult to realize that Daniel Day-Lewis had not made a motion picture in 5 years! This man, a great talent, should be seen more often.

The historical portion of the New York City Draft Riot was well done.

Mr. Lewis should be nominated for another Academy Award, he is a brilliant actor.

I have seen this movie several times. It is as accurate a portrayal of the Crimean war as ever presented. Unlike the farce movie starring Errol Flynn, this movie showed, in detail, the ineptness of the British command. At war's end, Lord Raglan was vilified for his handling of the war, and died shortly thereafter.

Once again, Hollywood, or a counter part depicts history through the eyes of the camera.

The portrayl of the Inspector is so far from the truth, it is absurbed!!

The physician to the royal family was never seriously considered as a suspect.

Prince Albert never fathered a child from a prostitute.

The real killer was a man by the name of James Maybrick.

As some readers and part-time historians would have you believe, the 54th was not the first black regiment assembled by the Federal government.

That "honor" belongs to the Louisiana Native Guard, which, incidentally, was the first black regiment formed by the Confederacy. This unit was never activated, and, eventually was committed to the Union side after the fall of New Orleans.

The second all black regiment formed to fight for the Union was the 72nd Negro Volunteer Infantry from South Carolina.

As for Robert Gould Shaw, he was like many high ranking Federal officers, a political "hack."

This movie(?) has to rate as one of the most bogus movies ever made regarding the military, and it's prisoners.

Robert Redford appeared to be sleep walking throughout and his personna of a 3 star general was, to say, the worst I have ever seen.

The entire premise was bogus, the colonel commanding the stockade was well performed, as I can see nothing wrong with the execution of his duties.

The portrayal of the inmates was ludicrous, as it appeared they were segregated by race and nationality.

This movie is as bad as was the "Dirty Dozen."

What was more dramatic then the scene at the Fort when the relief column appeared and the Major toured the battlements only to find the entire garrison dead.

The eerie music that accompanied the desert scenario was also excellent.

Why Brian Donlevy did not win the Oscar for his outstanding performance is a mystery as was the death of the Legionnaires to Major Bourgelois.

This motion picture has to rate as one of the greatest of all times. I was most impressed with the emoting of Valentino. I believe he proved himself to be more than just another "pretty face."

The final scene will live forever as a classic, comparable to the final scene of "All Quiet on the Western Front" that starred Lew Ayers.

Truly a classic in all respects.

To have a Soviet sub commander speaking with a Scottish accent, was too much! Worse yet, he speaks to his crew in English while they sing their national anthem in Russian. Come on. I believe Ernest Borgnine would have been great in the role of Marko Ramius.