THE GREAT RAID (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Stars ììì

The Great Raid—a war story based on actual events—highlights the courage of the United States Sixth Ranger Battalion and the importance of Filipino guerilla fighters to successful military accomplishment. The film includes WWII archival footage along with narration from Edelyn Okano. The film is especially interesting as it switches viewpoints between the United States military forces and Japan’s military forces to create a well-rounded look at the difference in military philosophy between the two countries. It’s not a great war movie, but definitely serves in the above average range.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The United States Sixth Ranger Battalion is ordered to free approximately 500 prisoners of war imprisoned in Cabanatuan Prison Camp by Japanese forces.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Dahl for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan Gordon as well as Bob and Harvey Weinstein, and Michelle Raimo for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Prince (James Franco), Lieutenant Colonel Mucci (Benjamin Bratt), Captain Fisher (Robert Mammone), First Sergeant Sid Wojo (Max Martini), Corporal Aliteri (James Carpinello), Corporal Guttierez (Mark Consuelos), Second Lieutenant Riley (Craig McLachlan), Second Lieutenant Foley (Freddie Joe Farnsworth), Second Lieutenant O’Grady (Laird Macintosh), Major Gibson (Joseph Fiennes), and Margaret Utinsky (Connie Nielsen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For war movie fans, this is a good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers