Lists ofthe best World War II moviesoften highlight heroic stories of conquering battles, survival against unimaginable atrocities, and standout individuals of the era.Richard Attenborough’s 1977 war dramaA Bridge Too Far, dazzles as one of the most realistic and ambitious World War II films ever made. Surprisingly, upon its release, it was not universally lauded. In his scathing review,Roger Ebertasks, “Why make a movie about total defeat and stupidity?” Yet, that is exactly why A Bridge Too Far stands out.It captures the scale, complexity, and failure of an operation by the Allied forces to surprise their enemies.A Bridge Too Farmay not have enjoyedthe success ofSteven Spielberg’sSavingPrivate Ryan,but its epic storytelling, nuanced perspectives, and historical authenticity ensure its place among the greats. It’s an unapologetic tale of the triumphs and failures of war with a commitment to depicting war’s horrors. These are portrayed by a massive ensemble cast of A-list stars of its time, drawn from Europe and the United States.
‘A Bridge Too Far’ Is Based on the True Story of the Allied Forces' Botched Operation
Adapted from historianCornelius Ryan’s book of the same name,A Bridge Too Faris about the Allied forces' ambitious, ill-fated Operation Market Garden, a plan designed to end World War II by capturing key bridges in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Executed in September 1944, the operation was the largest airborne assault in history, with 35,000 soldiers being flown from England and dropped behind enemy lines. Attenborough’s picture faithfully reconstructs this strategy through three main perspectives: the Allied forces, comprising the British, American, Dutch, and Polish paratroopers; Dutch civilians; and German soldiers. The film is an interplay of hope and chaos in war. The confidence of the military generals led by the British General Montgomery fails to align with the realities of those on the frontlines.William Goldman’s screenplay highlights how these top soldiers ignored intelligence and underrated their opponents, leading to the total disaster thatRoger Ebert terms “stupidity.”
Witha star-studded ensemble castthat mirrors the film’s sprawling narrative, includingSean Connery,Michael Caine,Robert Redford,Anthony Hopkins, andGene Hackman,A Bridge Too Faris ahistory class that shows that war is not only horrific for soldiers but also takes a toll on civilians as well. For instance, a moment in the movie shows a woman going about her business when she suddenly has unexpected soldiers as guests, with one telling her, “I’m awfully sorry, but I’m afraid we’re going to have to occupy your house.” Other scenes depict civilians caught in the line of fire, as well as the carnage of soldiers on the ground. It’sunflinching in its portrayal of war, with graphic images that leave an impression. Upon its release, it had to be edited in some destinations before being screened.
The Sean Connery Classic Christopher Nolan Called an “Extraordinary Piece of Work”
Directed by Sidney Lumet, the movie offers a gripping and brutal exploration of the futility of war.
‘A Bridge Too Far’ Is a Cinematic Triumph Despite Its Flaws
Filmed on location in the Netherlands,A Bridge Too Faris a visual triumph that succeeds in part due to its effort at being authentic. Germans speak German, the Dutch speak Dutch, and even the Americans and the British are distinct in their speeches and accents (including Sean Connery in his Scottish accent). Attenborough’s attention to detail, like having tens of airplanes in the sky and thousands of parachutes with stuntmen dropping, makes the film breathtaking. While it has been criticized for some of its aged, bland effects, the battle sequences are gritty and immersive. In its near-three-hour length, criticized by some, it transports you to the chaos of the battlefield. This realism wasn’t lost on veterans and critics alike, many of whom praised its accurate portrayal of the operation’s scale and its complexity.
Comparable toChristopher Nolan’sDunkirk, the film rarely gives the impression of a central character leading the plot.A Bridge Too Fareschews traditional lead characters for ensemble storytelling that reflects the collective effort and sacrifice of war.General Montgomery, who developed the strategy, for instance, is a physically absent character in the film. Each of the many other characters seems to be fighting individual wars that only converge on the bigger war at hand. However, unlikeDunkirk, which condenses its narrative into a tense and focused runtime,A Bridge Too Faris focused on the failed operation’s epic scale. This approach, while it may not be emotionally stimulating, depicts the rawness of war itself.
Decades after its release,A Bridge Too Fardemands patience but rewards viewers with an unparalleled depiction of WWII’s triumphs and tragedies. It’s a film that doesn’t glorify war but instead captures its chaos, futility, and humanity. If you are a fan of sprawling combat, this is definitely your movie.
A Bridge Too Far
A Bridge Too Far depicts the ambitious yet ill-fated Allied operation during World War II known as Operation Market Garden. The film captures the complexities and challenges faced by the combined forces as they attempt to seize strategic bridges, highlighting the difficulties and consequences of war-time tactics and decision-making.
A Bridge Too Faris available to rent or buy on Prime Video in the U.S.
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