One of my all time favourite actors the legendary Michael Caine is not "blowing the bloody doors off" anything in "The Great Escaper" as "Bernard Jordan".
His book "Blowing The Bloody Doors Off and Other Lessons In Life" is one of the best reference guides for actors, including us Voice Actors and one of the best lines from "The Italian Job".
While not all his movies are gems this one really is and proves it's not just another payday before announcing his retirement from the noble art in 2023.
"Bernard" is the "The Great Escaper" based on a true story that's title came from the Steve McQueen movie "The Great Escape".
Sadly his co-star Glenda Jackson as his on screen wife "Irene" did not live to see this film in cinemas...passing at age 87 in June last year.
Making "The Great Escaper" her final film.
Thankfully she was recognised in the 2024 Memorial at the Academy Awards.
The woman who plays young "Irene", Laura Marcus, is brilliantly cast.
Glenda and Michael worked together on "The Romantic Englishwoman"in 1975.
Watch out for: "The Holy Hour" otherwise known as "The Magic Hour" by filmmakers.
Also a moving scene with the Germans in a French pub and a young actor, Victor Oshin, as another veteran from modern conflicts "Scott" who's battling his own demons.
The flick is based on a true story from 2014 and follows "Bernard's" journey as he absconds from his retirement home by the sea in the UK to experience at the 70th anniversary of D Day Landings in France that was also attended by the late Queen Elizabeth the second and former US President Barack Obama.
The Landings still haunt him to this day.
It features flashbacks to World War 2 in the 40's and while not glorifying war it does glorify a love story that lasted over 70 years.
It's a beautifully written script from William Ivory and under the guiding hand of Director Oliver Parker it's close to perfection.
Cain delivers one of the best performances of his career as the 90 year old coffin dodger "Bernard".
Sir Michaels longtime acting friend since the 1950's Sir John Standing, was personally chosen by him for the role of a fellow veteran from the RAF as "Arthur".
This is what old age looks like and there's no escaping that for most of us...embrace it, every wrinkle, silver hair, ailment, ache and pill.
Take your Kleenex tissues with you because salt water will well in your eyes.
"The Great Escaper" is one of those wonderful movies only the British are capable of producing.
Thanks to all those who served their country for our freedom.
I salute you!
His book "Blowing The Bloody Doors Off and Other Lessons In Life" is one of the best reference guides for actors, including us Voice Actors and one of the best lines from "The Italian Job".
While not all his movies are gems this one really is and proves it's not just another payday before announcing his retirement from the noble art in 2023.
"Bernard" is the "The Great Escaper" based on a true story that's title came from the Steve McQueen movie "The Great Escape".
Sadly his co-star Glenda Jackson as his on screen wife "Irene" did not live to see this film in cinemas...passing at age 87 in June last year.
Making "The Great Escaper" her final film.
Thankfully she was recognised in the 2024 Memorial at the Academy Awards.
The woman who plays young "Irene", Laura Marcus, is brilliantly cast.
Glenda and Michael worked together on "The Romantic Englishwoman"in 1975.
Watch out for: "The Holy Hour" otherwise known as "The Magic Hour" by filmmakers.
Also a moving scene with the Germans in a French pub and a young actor, Victor Oshin, as another veteran from modern conflicts "Scott" who's battling his own demons.
The flick is based on a true story from 2014 and follows "Bernard's" journey as he absconds from his retirement home by the sea in the UK to experience at the 70th anniversary of D Day Landings in France that was also attended by the late Queen Elizabeth the second and former US President Barack Obama.
The Landings still haunt him to this day.
It features flashbacks to World War 2 in the 40's and while not glorifying war it does glorify a love story that lasted over 70 years.
It's a beautifully written script from William Ivory and under the guiding hand of Director Oliver Parker it's close to perfection.
Cain delivers one of the best performances of his career as the 90 year old coffin dodger "Bernard".
Sir Michaels longtime acting friend since the 1950's Sir John Standing, was personally chosen by him for the role of a fellow veteran from the RAF as "Arthur".
This is what old age looks like and there's no escaping that for most of us...embrace it, every wrinkle, silver hair, ailment, ache and pill.
Take your Kleenex tissues with you because salt water will well in your eyes.
"The Great Escaper" is one of those wonderful movies only the British are capable of producing.
Thanks to all those who served their country for our freedom.
I salute you!