This isn't your average POW movie.
I didn't see this in the theater and purchased it only on the strength of the trailers. Turns out that this is one finely done film! The story is strong, the acting is first rate, and the PQ/SQ are excellent. It's more of a character study than anything. Take 2000 Allied prisoners, an intellectual German commandant, a little racism, a little murder, a little sabotage, a courts martial, mix well and bake. Presto!
Bruce Willis plays Bruce Willis playing a hard-case US colonel. Colin Farrell (Minority Report) is a REMF that gets in over his head. Marcel Iures steals the show as the German officer commanding the camp. Cole Hauser (Pitch Black) and Terrence Howard (Dead Presidents) both put in fine performances as US prisoners in conflict. There are a couple of really fun scenes involving P-51's, strafing runs and a dog-fight where your sub gets a chance to shine for a few minutes.
Is this one as good as Stalag 17 - the undisputed king of POW films? I think it's very close, but let me watch it again in a few weeks after the "wow" has subsided. Check it out and let me know what you think. . . I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed.
David - HTGuide flunky
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