An intensely directed and compelling look inside a POW camp, the film raises many interesting ideas and there are plenty of gripping dramatic moments as well as a number of thrilling and exciting bits too. George Segal is brilliant as a charismatic corporal who is respected by his superior officers, and James Fox as a lieutenant who befriends him is superb, giving off a highly realistic performance. There are unfortunately too many characters to get to know all the important ones very well, but one can still see that they are not all that they seem to be. The characters that are examined are explored well. Forbes' use of close-ups, freeze frames and angled shots induces a magnificent visual feel, and the music choices are excellent. The final few minutes are rather sluggish and the episodic structure of the film at times prevents flow, but generally there is little to complain about here. It is another black and white masterpiece from the hands of Bryan Forbes.
