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This movie, when first made in 1968, was considered to be mainly an anti-war film, as opposition to the war in Vietnam was escalating. Today, with the war in Iraq becoming a second Vietnam, it deserves another look. Historically, the movie does capture the characters and events surrounding the famous ill-fated charge during the Crimean War. Credited as the major source is the excellent book by Cecil Woodham-Smith "The Reason Why" (the title of the book is taken from the line in Tennyson's poem about the Charge: "Theirs was not to reason why, theirs was but to do or die."). The film gives accurate portrayal to British army recruiting, training and discipline, while demonstrating the vast gulf between the aristocratic officers and the enlisted men. Costumes, including a wide variety of uniforms, are very accurate. If viewed as an anti-war film, the film has some merit as well. Using animations of contemporary editorial cartoons and illustrations, the lead-up to the Crimean War is covered only as thoroughly as the plot requires, yet provides some understanding of how the British view of "empire" affected public opinion. Lessons for our time? That's a question best left for the editorial page. I would strongly recommend this film to students of military history; you will find much of interest. The epic filming of the actual charge is not to be missed. There are good performances by David Hemmings and Vanessa Redgrave, both of whom were in the early years of their careers. Trevor Howard, John Gielgud and Harry Andrews also turn in solid performances as three of the "reasons why".Read full review
Very entertaining film about a famous military blunder. It combines live action and drama with cartoons illustrating both political and military satire. The movie demonstrates how the incompetence of those charged with making critical decisions can cost the lives of hundreds. It also gives the viewer an inside look at the bureacracy and harshness of the British Army of the period. The realism of the military campaign as depicted is also commendable. This was no grand adventure--this was war! An excellent addition to any film historian's dvd library...
I had only caught part of this movie on cable, so was glad to see it in its entirety, even if I had to buy it. Not sure how much of the script is fiction, but it's surely more convincing than the earlier production starring Errol Flynn. I found the script and the overall production here to reflect characteristics of "Gone With The Wind". As it is now fresh in my mind, I won't view it again for some time, not until I have a hankering to ride once again in a suicidal 19th century British cavalry charge.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Douse it with gasoline and light a match. I got this to get a better sense of the cause of the battle beyond "misunderstood order" but that's right where I am still. If you want a good (if fictional) antiwar film, try "Paths of Glory".
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Prompt service for a film that appeals to historians and film enthusiasts. Like so many films worthy of extras that are not included, the film must be engaged where it stands and not necessarily where the audience might have wished it to be located.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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