jerbar2004

I really wanted to enjoy this film but found it hard going. It moves very slowly and the story if there is one hardly gets going. The film is really photographic essay and on that level it works. The photograph is very delicate, with very carefully crafted scenes. The sound is a bit muffed. Sound like a layer on top of the picture. The BFI is right to back this films but I don't think it would have wide appeal. The extras that come with the main film are also hard going. I don't think many people will enjoy this film and I am unlikely to watch it again. Maybe in a cinema on a large scene it would work much better. The print stock is very grainy, and in my own view it has very little charm.

This film is all pleasure. The story is well told and has good casting with many famous British actors. I enjoyed this film many years ago and the latest DVD release with Virgina McKenna and John Shirley giving a commentary adds a lot of viewing pleasure. There is comedy, tragedy and a whole host of facts presented in this film of the womens SOE during war time. The public at the time of the film release must have been very interested in SOE and now at this time there is a renewed interest. Virginia McKenn got a BAFTA nomination for Best British Actress in 1959, and this was well deserved. The music is also an important part of the film and is composed by William Alwyn and Alec Wilder.

This war film shows a different side to the 2nd world war than we normally. The acting casting is excellent and story unfolds effortless. The prejudiced the young solders experience as they fight for the mother country is a running theme through out the picture. Its hard not to compare this film with Saving Private Ryan. As the story progressed I really began to feel for the people and felt emotionally involved. The last scene, (as others have commented) states the way the solders were treated by the French Government and a real sense of shame should rest on the sole (if they have one) of the French Government. I would like to check out the historical facts shown in the film. Its great that film making like this gets done.