I love to watch WWII movies. I find that period of history gripping and am eager to watch films of this genre. Cross of Iron directed by Sam Peckinpah, and starting James Coburn, Maximilliam Schell, and James Mason is one of the best WWII films ever made, and is a must see for any true war genre fan.
The plot is seen from the perspective of a German platoon on the Russian front as the tide is starting to turn for the Wehrmacht in the Ost Front. A German light infantry platoon is led by the hard bitten, stoic, and unwilling hero, Sgt. Steiner. He clearly sees that the beginning of the end is about to take place, and fervently hates the war, the men who run the war, and the purpose of the war. His main concern is staying alive, and keeping his platoon alive and functioning.
The slant of the film is significantly anti war, and anti extremism in government style. Steiner relates to a young Russian boy who was conscripted into the Red Army, "So here we stand in 'No man's land', caught between two extremes, neither of which will ever work". The film makes extremely powerful use of photographs both in the introduction and conclusion of the film that link the horrors of the Nazi regime with other modern (modern in the late 1970's) atrocities both in war, and in civil politics.
Using a variety of filming styles that range from extreme panoramic views to close ups, and by powerful use of slow motion Peckinpah creates a visual feast for the senses. The effects of bullets and shell upon frail human flesh is made evident, as is the ugliness of the conditions that plague soldiers in front line positions (lice, mud, and fear). Yet, through it all, the soldiers maintain a sense of dignity.
The film is not politically minded. The soldiers are fighting in the words of the regimental commander (Mason) "Not for Greater Germany, or the 'Stinking Party' but to stay alive. This probably was quite true of the majority of these soldiers, who by 1943 were most often conscripts. Some will be offended, and understably so, of the very human qualities associated with the German soldiers. They are not portrayed as Nazi monsters, most are not associated with the party, and the vast majority are either silent, or disgusted by the party and the war. This obviously is an explosive issue for some, and while the purpose of this film is not that of an apologist, some may not enjoy this sympathetic view. In essence all aspects of the probable mindset of the Wehrmacht is shown, from the disillusioned idealist, to the Party member, to the soldier whose only concern is recognition, regardless of the consequences of others, nor the facts.
The film does drift for awhile when Coburn is injured and placed in a hospital due to a severe concussion. While in the hospital he goes in and out of lucidity, and the film offers a disturbingly intense account of a man losing his sanity. However, this part, which is not a large element of Willi Heinrich's novel the movie does spend about fifteen minutes, that probably would have been more interestingly spent on the front.
Overall, this is one of if not the best war genre movies. James Coburn is superb in his portrayal of a German soldier, who seems to be more at war with the German Army, and his own conscience, rather than the Russians. The battle scenes are among the best ever shot in film, particualrly the tank battle as the film approaches the turning point, and the final battle scene. The acting is convincing, not contrived, and the movie is thought provoking. Finally, the linking of the atrocities of the WW II era, with modern atrocities is disturbing. The final shot a quote by philosopher Bertold Brecht is haunting.
This movie is a rarity in that it is actually better than the book. This movie may be one of the best war movies ever made.
Combat Films DVD - A quote from Bertolt Brecht ends this bitter and angry war film by Sam Peckinpah: "Do not rejoice in his defeat, you men. For thoug...More at Barnes and Noble
A very strong anti-war message film, set during World War II and told entirely from the German perspective. A German Army Sergeant doggedly struggles ...More at Meijer
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