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This above average war flick it a rousing flag waver and pot poiler that has only tinges of the cynicism that come to dominate war films in the late 60's, '70 and 80's. Fonda, Bronson and the rest of this ensemble cast give strong performances in depicting the allied side of the Battle of the Bulge. However Robert Shaw as Colonel Hessler steals the show. He is the true face of battle, a true "war lover". Not as a Nazi, but as a man obsessed with staying in uniform as long as possible. You come to feel for Fonda and beleagured Americans, but part of you might also start humming "Der Panser" song in your sleep. As for historical accuracy, Pheh, what didn't they get wrong. The only thing they got correct was the location, the dates and the fact that there were Americans and Germans involved. Everything else was either fictious or downright wrong. The tanks used are all American mounts from the 50's and 60's even the german ones. The units involved were purly fictious and there are several scenes of bright sunshine over the battlefield. Anyone that knows anything of this battle knows that the second the skies cleared the 8th Air Force pounded the Germans to dust. God what drivel. Still, in spite of the flaws, I loved this film enough to buy it for myself. Put your mind on hold and you'll enjoy it too. Dave MacksRead full review
I own at least 80% of US and UK made WWII films I have more then a few 400 disk Changers to house some of them. I can say that I have seen most of them, but I can only judge them on who I am as well as anyone else. What I didnt like about the film is the use of American tanks in use for the German tanks, for anyone who has not served in the military or knows their WAR machines it would be still bothersome because OUR tanks were the same tanks AND they were modern tanks when this film was made! On top of that the US tanks were painted some strange colors that at times came off as pink in the mix of the camo. Another strange happen was how the US tanks were not able to knock out the German tanks because of the suggested "new toys" in the German arsenal , and not the true fact that Tiger tanks were just normal hard to knock out with Allied medium tanks. The director got overly creative in my view. I also didnt like the US guys using German anti tank weapons, as well displaying Army troops look like candy ass lazy fools no less under Bronson! The good was the Acting and Story line, top notch actors made up for the miss match props in the movie. I also think the one SSGT that protected the LT is the same Marine in Star Gate Atlantis that got sucked to death, anyone know write me if you know. The modeling used for scale was very good, the real stuff the blew up was very cool, and even tho they used modern tanks it was cool to watch them tare ass around, i'm sure the National Guard guys were having a ball making this film. I did get into the film, the Germans in US MP uniform pissed me off, the tank battles were fun, even seeing half tracks used as German was still fun to watch. I watched this as a kid with my father, and i'm now glad to own this film, tho I think I enjoyed it more as a kid. If you looking for a "OK" war film to put in your collection this is a good one to get. It's not the best, not the worst. I do understand the the director wanted to use real tanks and i'm sure for even 1965 when this film was made that real WWII tanks were hard to find and overall I side with the ideas the director wanted to get on film. Pop the core and sit and enjoy!Read full review
A very good story because it's based on fact, it's about the WWII battle in the Ardennes often called "The Battle of the Bulge" which included the Siege of Bastogne and the Malmedy Massacre. Highly acclaimed for its' realism. Good acting but I always wondered why Henry Fonda went through this movie stiff (maybe he'd had an accident??). My particular interest is that I live close to the northern border of this battlefield and can easily go to any of the places in the film for supper - and I can assure you the landscape is nothing like in the movie! Quite interesting... Note that this is the 2005 DVD version of the movie. Please note that this review is provided without knowing who the seller is.
This is classic World War Two fan-fare. Robert Shaw's performance is memorable. It's also good to see Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson and Telly Savalas running around on the big screen again. Dislikes are only those who continually criticize this movie over its props: "...those aren't real German WWII tanks." True, but try to find one these days? Even in Private Ryan they had to use a fake Tiger I tank. Bought this to update an old VHS copy. The DVD also allows me to freeze and access favorite parts of the movie.
Very well done. Stayed pretty much historically accurate but some minor things were either added or left out to make it appeal to the masses. Did a good job of showing a complex battle from WW II.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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