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Grand Illusion


Grand Illusion (1 viewing)



This landmark film works superbly when it's about escape , but it's message about a general humanity in all people - is much too simplistic and works against any tension there could be.

In the midst of World War I , two French aviators are gunned down and captured during a reconnaissance mission. They are taken to a very humane German prison camp where troops of both sides treat each other with respect. Here the two befriend fellow allied soldiers and begin their escapes.

It's very well filmed and has an abundance of great scenes , though it comes with some big problems. So many characters are introduced - at the same rate other important characters disappear. Times when it does focus solely on the characters , it often rushes through the scene. Then there are times when it completely shoves it's story out of the way to illustrate the similar morality of the opposing sides.

Nearing the end is does not feel like a singular movie , instead a handful of situations. You'll still be compelled to watch it to the end - for the very entertaining scenes that are scattered around , but when it was all over it felt only a modest illusion.