The Greatest Escaper – Movie Review
Director: Oliver Parker
Writer: William Ivory (Screenplay)
Cast
- Michael Caine (The Italian Job)
- Glenda Jackson (Women in Love)
- John Standing (V for Vendetta)
- Wolf Kahler (Raiders of the Lost Ark)
- Carlyss Peer (Dagliesh)
Plot: Bernard Jordan escapes from his care home to attend the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France.
Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: The Great Escaper starts when retired Bernard Jordan (Caine) and Irene Jordan (Jackson) live in a retirement home near the coast. Bernard is much more mobile than Irene and hopes to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landing. However, he misses out on the list and faces another year missing his chance to pay his final respects.
Irene sees that Bernard wants to go and is heartbroken about missing out, pushing him to go on his own. The next morning Bernard sets out to France meeting other veterans along the way. Meanwhile, Irene keeps the staff at the retirement home business, as Bernard becomes an overnight sensation.
Verdict on The Great Escaper
The Great Escaper is a drama following a World War II veteran who runs away from the retirement home he lives in to travel to France. He wants to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landing and what follows is his journey and memories.
This is a delightful, emotional drama that pulls on the heartstrings. The ghosts haunting Bernard are clear and his journey is filled with chilling moments. This is based on a true story that the country got behind. Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson are truly fantastic in their roles. I would like to see this movie put into the conversation for award season because I think they are two of the best of the year.
Final Thoughts –The Great Escaper is a beautiful, delightful and emotional journey.
