Battle of Britain
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Movie Reviews of Battle of Britain
Movie Review: A Must Own for WWII Buffs and Film Fans of All Types!
Summary: 5 Stars
Forget that it was made in 1969. Forget that the special effects are 'outdated.' Forget all that you know of really poorly made WWII movies like "Windtalkers." Instead, pull out your history books and marvel and the true story of the few brave men and women who could have very well saved the entire world from falling into Nazi hands in a few short months. No, that's not embellishment, that's the truth.Now, imagine that someone made a film about it. Imagine throwing in great stars like Michael Caine, Laurence Olivier, Michael Redgrave, and Robert Shaw (just to name a few). Imagine a vivid and dramatic retelling of the world's greatest aerial battle ever (past or present). Imagine no more. It was made already. Now, it's coming out on DVD. I only wish I could provide a more complete review, as I currently do not own the DVD, but will pick it up when it arrives. What I can tell you is, the acting is superior, the aerial photography is phenomenal (there are times you feel like you are inside either the German or British planes), and the technical aspects (cast, crew, scenery) are well-placed and well-excuted. Trust me, you will want to pick this one up, whether you are a WWII buff or just a regular film buff, this is a must own.
Movie Review: A Very Fine Recreation of the Events of the Time
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently bought and viewed the DVD version of this 1969 film of the events of the summer of 1940 when Great Britain had its back to the wall. The film very effectively recreates the various elements facing Britain: scarcity of pilots; outnumbered aircraft; and the constant daily effort to confront the full force of the Luftwaffe in its attempt to defeat the RAF as a prelude to the invasion of England. The sub-plots involving RAF pilot Christopher Plummer and his WAF wife (Susannah York), and the brief depiction of RAF pilot Ian McShane's family and their death in the Blitz only add to the portrayal of the intensity of the event on both the civilian and military population. A valuable addition to any WWII film library.One minor quibble: the quote from Churchill at the end of the DVD edition was changed from that shown at the end of the video edition. The DVD quote "This is not the beginning of the end ... " was spoken by Churchill following the British victory at El Alamein, whereas his famous reference to the RAF, following the end of the Battle of Britain (and shown on the VHS version) was, of course, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."
Movie Review: One of the best war movies I've ever seen
Summary: 5 Stars
...and I mean it. I've seen them all and I rarely label movies like this, but BoB deserves every bit of 5 stars and if I could give it more I would. The historical accuracy of the movie is amazing and the acting is better than some movies today. I saw this on TV once when I was a kid and couldn't find it locally, fortunately was able to buy it online and watch it again in the comfort of my own home, on DVD! Since then there was a Collectors Edition released, I would've bought that instead. But the original is still quite good. The soundtrack is very captivating. The HE-111 battles are accurate and quite fun to watch. Instead of focusing on one pilot throughout a battle, the movie places you in different planes and bombers from different angles, very cool technique and very fun to watch. Only downside was the occasional cheesy effect for plane explosions - not sure why they did this considering other effects were amazing, like the Spitfire crashing on beach. But not enough to take a star off, so we'll leave it as a 5 star beauty and a must see for any war fan.Movie Review: Leadership and courage by youngsters
Summary: 5 Stars
As a retired army officer and an adjunct history professor I thought it was important to review what I consider the best war movies depicting the challenges of leadership and the command of men.
"The Battle of Britain" is one of the best movies showing the collective heroism and leadership of dedicated pilots who took to the skies again & again in the face of overwhelming odds. I also think it has one of the greatest soundtracks of any war movie made, especially if you love classical music. The German Luftwaffe's planes outnumber the R.A.F's by more than 2 to 1. "The Battle of Britain" tells the story of the of the air war in the early days of World War 2 for control of the skies over Britain as the new Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force determine whether or not an invasion can take place. The intrepid leadership skills shown by hundreds of young 20 somethings is the reason Winston Churchill uttered one of his most memorable quotes. "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."
Movie Review: Their Finest Hour
Summary: 5 Stars
Starring such famous actors as Sir Lawrence Olivier, Michael Caine, Robert Shaw, Sussanah York, and Kurt Jurgens, this fine film depicts the battle for aerial supremacy over Great Britain in the summer of 1940.The film begins with the fall of France, and depicts the German preparations for a cross-channel invasion against the British home islands. Germany thought that the feared Luftwaffe would have no trouble gaining air superiority over the inferior R.A.F., but,as it turns out, they were gravely mistaken.
The aerial combat scenes are what make this DVD truly special. The action is first-rate throughout the movie, and the air battles make you feel like you're actually in the cockpit of a Spitfire fighting it out with the Germans.
I highly recommend this excellent movie. The battle scenes are some of the best I've seen in a World War II movie, and they will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. Watch this fine film and learn why Winston Churchill called this battle "Their Finest Hour".