The Great Escape 4K 1963 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

American, British and Canadian prisoners of war carry out a mass escape from a German camp during World War II.

Review 4K Movie

Film legend. A magnificent masterpiece of American cinema. A very, very powerful thing.

Which is interesting, first of all, to the Americans. But we also have something to look at - after seeing this picture, we will understand how Americans feel and think about World War II.

We are talking about the camp of the Luftwaffe - for downed American pilots. It was decided to flee from this camp - the Great Escape was conceived. And 250 people had to run. Left camp 76. Survived about 20. And only three escaped from Germany.

I don't have the strength to describe this miracle. You just need to see. To see a wonderful and well-coordinated ensemble cast - McQueen, Garner, Bronson, Coburn, Pleasence, and many others. Each actor is great in their own right. And from such a number of talented celebrities per square inch of the frame, it dazzles the eyes. Everyone wins back to the maximum, because the topic is raised serious. However, Sturgess approached its disclosure in a rather original way - he turned preparation and escape into something reminiscent of robbery films in genre and style, a buddy movie.

A few friends conceive, plan, implement, say 'Yes, baby, we did it' and part ways. It is stylish and cool, and this is what catches the viewer. Here, at stake is not a million dollars, but hundreds of human lives. And the contrast of such a frivolous buddy movie with a military movie is damningly creeping to the very bones. You watch with interest every minute of a rather long running time. There is a description of the life of the camp, funny cases of preparing a dig - how beds, attics are dismantled in secret from the Germans in order to strengthen the walls and ceiling of the underground tunnel with boards, how civilian clothes are sewn, how documents and passes are obtained, how moonshine is brewed from potatoes to celebrate the holidays ... And then the angle turns sharply, and we face terrible pictures of execution, desperate captives, unsuccessful escape attempts, offensive punctures and mistakes that turn into deaths.

Contrast is an unprecedentedly strong technique, invented and used for a very long time. You can write a coursework about him, or even two. But its essence is that a person gets used to one style of narration, sharpens his attention to it and relaxes, watching the clichés of the chosen style. And then - time! And a sharp turn. The narrative is rebuilt, and the viewer, who has not had time to realize what is happening, sits in shock. In fact, the entire film is based on this technique. But besides it, there are many chips.

For example, the same everyday description of the camp. Before the viewer's eyes, pictures of a peaceful routine float - three meals a day in the dining room on the territory, barracks, the opportunity to engage in hobbies - there are libraries, there are vegetable gardens, and so on, a minimum of security ... Do what you want, just don't go beyond the fence - then you you will die. And so - a paradise vacation from the horrors of war. And the soldiers flee, as their commander says - 'because it is the duty of an officer who has been taken prisoner'. That's what was the war for the Americans - it was a fair game by the rules with a strong opponent. The Russian viewer thinks, looking at the well-groomed barracks, and remembers the history of his country in this war... He grins when he hears the German phrase - 'if I don't find my documents, then it's the end!' - 'In terms of?' - 'Send to the Russian front!'

We had a completely different war. Therefore, films, stories about her are completely different - bitter, heavy. The film in this case takes on a second meaning, acquainting viewers with an important part of another story. That is why the Americans believe that it is their merit - victory in the war. Because for them the war was not a war, but some kind of cruel game. They had Pearl Harbor and that's it. And we have at least Leningrad ...

But if we ignore the heavy reflections on the fate and history, then the film is still of value. Sturgess is an experienced director. On his account though the Magnificent Seven. He really masterfully shows chase scenes, motorcycle rides, make you nervous moments with the claustrophobia of Bronson's character, with a mistake in a tunnel, and you just feel like one of the prisoners of the war in this camp when the Fritz find the tunnel that so much effort was spent on.

The film is cult. This is evidenced by at least his reflection in the gaming industry - three games were made according to his plot. One of the best is the one of the same name, since there we can control four already familiar characters and find out how they were captured: Hilts, the King of the punishment cell, performed by the great McQueen, Handley and the half-blind Blythe, Segdwick, MacDonald. And in the game there is a chance to be saved by all of them. Although in reality it did not work out for almost anyone.

By the way, we must not forget that the film is based on real events. Although much is exaggerated or brought in for the sake of fiction, the film looks completely different when you know that these brave guys really fought in similar ways for their freedom and life.

'Ashley Pitt - Caught in the North Sea, Escaped, Caught, Escaped, Caught. Archibald Aves - 11 escape attempts and one on the way here - he tried to jump off the truck. Dix - 11 tunnels, Velinsky - 4 escape attempts, McDonald - 9, Haves - 7, one made 17 escape attempts! Captain, this is almost insane!'