THE GREAT ESCAPER
Cert 12A
96 mins
BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong language, moderate sex references
Call me an old softie, but I was becoming misty-eyed at the finale of The Great Escaper.
This was a very fond farewell to two icons of British cinema - Glenda Jackson, who died less than a year after filming and Michael Caine, who announced it would be his final picture.
It is also a poignant reminder that very few of those who served in the D-Days landings are still with us.
Oliver Parker's film is based on the true story of Bernie Jordan, who disappears from a nursing home in Brighton to attend the D-Day anniversary commemorations in France.
Caine players the Royal Navy veteran who lives with his ailing wife of 70 years.
As she struggles with her health, he continues his routine of walking on the seafront and getting grumpy at young people.
Then Bernie is told he has been too late in applying for a ticket to the commemorations but won't take no for an answer and simply makes his own way.
While on the boat, he meets a former Bomber Command pilot (John Standing) who takes him under his wing (sorry, bad pun).
The premise of The Great Escaper is excellent, but I couldn't understand why Caine's version of Jordan was written in such a downbeat fashion.
In real life, Jordan was a bon viveur who had been mayor of his home town, Hove. However, he is written as a sullen curmudgeon, wracked with bad memories and uncertainties.
He only comes out of his shell near the movie's end.
That's a pity because this film should have had an undeniably rich heart, but we were left questioning it.
Nevertheless, it was beautiful to see Caine and Jackson's double act.
Reasons to watch: The Caine and Jackson double act
Reasons to avoid: A bit of off-key writing
Laughs: A couple of chuckles
Jumps: None
Vomit: Yes
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7/10
Did you know? Russian Leader Vladimir Putin attended the 70th anniversary commmoration of D-Day and had his first meeting with Ukrainian counterpart President-elect Petro Poroshenko. He was not invited to the 75th anniversary events.
The final word. Michael Caine: "I keep saying I'm going to retire. Well, I am now. I've figured, I've had a picture where I've played the lead and had incredible reviews... What am I going to do that will beat this?" BBC
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