... and though I fond it a bit mawkish and mushy I still cried my eyes out! They don't make them like this any more, perhaps that's a good thing. I don't know. The sort of patriotism displayed would now be considered racist I expect. Any way it was like watching a bit of social history. I'm glad I watched it.
shareIt saddens me that somebody would feel the need to invoke the "R" word in relation to this achingly beautiful film. I felt that it was, if anything, ahead of its time in depicting so realistically (and yet entertainingly) the problems of two cultures clashing, as the American and European main characters learn, yes, to tolerate and to celebrate each other's differences. This is one of the most underrated films ever. It's engaging, poetic, surprisingly funny, and touching. If you get a chance to, watch it. And give your PC blinders a rest, while keeping a box of tissues nearby.
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Why would anyone consider it "racist"...?
Surely you mean politically incorrect in its humour? ;)
And propagandist, of course, but that's to be expected, considering the times it was made.
Yes, it's a beautiful film, with beautiful performances.
(And no, I am not English. ;))
But nobody wore bicycle clips while mowing the lawn. Pip pip.
Nothing is more beautiful than nothing.
I suppose most people today would think it was corny, but
I was really moved by a patriotism we just don't see today. I was also
saddened by the belief people had at that time that there would be no more
wars. If they only knew.
Marge
To lose a husband and son to war probably has happened many times but it seemed inevitable in this film about sacrifice and loss.
"Racist?!"
share...makes this white guy a little irritated at the white Germans...
shareI'm of two minds about patriotic war movies. Part of me sees them as manipulation, and the other part sees the necessity of that manipulation. Parades and anthems and flags, honor and glory and fighting for freedom. Both sides use those things to convince young men to go to war.
It's just so darn sad.
This one was better than most. I actually liked the scene with the two young Germans. It showed how they too were manipulated. They believed Germany got a raw deal after WW1, and while their family probably made millions manufacturing armaments, those two most likely died fighting for their country, just like young John.
At least young John wasn't indoctrinated into a philosophy that marched millions into ovens.
shareI'm of two minds about patriotic war movies. Part of me sees them as manipulation, and the other part sees the necessity of that manipulation. Parades and anthems and flags, honor and glory and fighting for freedom. Both sides use those things to convince young men to go to war.If you go to a sporting event, do you have mixed feelings about the cheerleaders? Do you think they're there to manipulate you; to force you to root for your team? No, probably not.