Disc Reviews
The Great Raid | DVD Review
“A fan of trying out different genres throughout his career (ie: Red Rock
West, Joy Ride), John Dahl does the war flick justice“…
One of the last films to be released by The Weinstein brothers’ Miramax
Films, The Great Raid follows in the tradition of a slew of American war
pictures, chronicling the triumphant adventures of a group of U.S soldiers.
Benjamin Bratt (Thumbsucker), James Franco (Tristan and Isolde), Joseph
Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love) and Connie Nielsen (Brothers) bring a
death-defying rescue mission to life in director John Dahl’s most high
profile film since 1998’s poker drama Rounders. Based on an actual World War
2 rescue mission in which 500 American POWs were liberated, The Great Raid
is a must-see for both fans of the genre as well as those looking for some a
heaping spoonful of American fidelity.
A fan of trying out different genres throughout his career (ie: Red Rock
West, Joy Ride), John Dahl does the war flick justice, thanks in part to
cinematographer Peter Menzies Jr., who succeeds admirably at bringing the
horrors of the battleground to the screen. While the film’s blatant
patriotism can get grating after a while, anyone looking for a low budget
Saving Private Ryan should get their moneys worth.
The extremely talented Danish actress Connie Nielsen doesn’t disappoint,
portraying Margaret Utinsky, a young woman who put her life on the line in
order to sneak medicine into the camp for her true love. In a film
overflowing with testosterone, Nielsen’s delicate performance adds a much
needed dose of femininity. Nonetheless, Nielsen’s Margaret is equally as
brave as the soldiers fighting for their country, as she throws herself into
explosive, blood-ridden situations.
For a film that collected dust on Miramax’s shelves for over a year, The
Great Raid boasts a pretty impressive assortment of special features. This
two disc DVD set is not only the director’s cut, but includes deleted scenes
as well. Both the feature as well as the omitted scenes includes commentary
by cast and crew. Once you’re through with those, why not check out some of
the six featurettes (including a 60 minute doc entitled The Ghosts of
Bataan) or the interesting “Boot Camp Outtakes”.
A respectable film with an array of interesting extras, The Great Raid is
definitely worth a rental. Those war movie nuts clamoring for exploding
grenades and flying limbs might want to add this DVD to their library;
however if you’re expecting Apocalypse Now 2, get ready for disappointment.