Runtime: 176 minutes
Directed by: Richard Attenborough
Starring: An incredible cast
From: United Artists
More than a movie with an incredible cast, it is a combat picture set during World War II that tells an incredible true story-and by film standards was rather accurate when it comes to the important details-involving a daring mission in 1944 where the Allied Forces want to take over some key positions-including bridges-that would allow them to cross over into Germany and hopefully end the war by Christmas. Those that don't know the story, they can read about Operation Market Garden after seeing the film so nothing gets spoiled... I'll just say that the war against Germany did not end until May of 1945.
A Bridge Too Far has an incredible cast: Gene Hackman, Michael Caine, Robert Redford, Anthony Hopkins, Laurence Olivier, Liv Ullmann, James Caan, Sean Connery, Dirk Bogarde, Ryan O'Neal, Denholm Elliott, Elliott Gould, Hardy Kruger, Maximilian Schell... what a murderer's row of talent. Of course, even in a 3 hour film some of the talent does not have substantial roles. Also note that Hackman plays a Polish character, and his accent.... it was something else. While the action was not spectacular, it was fun to watch and as the story is so compelling as many characters are placed in precarious predicaments, I was always invested in the story. I naturally enjoy these sorts of tales so as always, YMMV.
Director Richard Attenborough managed to juggle multiple plotlines-as the mission was divided into several sections-and present everything in a manner where even if you know nothing of the story, it shouldn't take too long to comprehend everything. It was epic in scope, accurately showcasing just what a huge operation this mission was. Also of interest is that a share of badass moments are shown throughout as they occurred in real life. Let's just say that some individuals and groups of people were forced to do incredibly brave things to try and save or help their comrades. The highest compliment I can give to a movie of this length is that it did not seem as long as its runtime. Those that like World War II pictures, this should definitely be viewed.
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