Where Eagles Dare (1968) [Review]

"Lieutenant, in the next 15 minutes we have to create enough confusion to get out of here alive."

"Major, right now you got me about as confused as I ever hope to be."

PLOT SYNOPSIS

A crack squad of commandos must infiltrate an impregnable German fortress in order to rescue a soldier before he leaks his secrets. Things get even more difficult when they discover a traitor in their midst.

REVIEW

Here's a movie that is completely under-appreciated and nearly forgotten in the annals of Hollywood history. Heck, if it wasn't for the sweet Iron Maiden song based on it, I never would've heard about it!

Based off Alistair MacLean's best-selling book of the same name, Where Eagles Dare is not your average WWII film. Most tend to concentrate on big, action-packed battles, but this title is a complex espionage thriller that spends more time in the shadows than out in the battlefield. That’s not to say there isn't any excitement, though. Au contraire; on top of one of the craziest body counts found in a 60's movie (YouTube it), the film features some of the era's most advanced and iconic action setpieces, such as the legendary cable car fight.

The entire cast is golden, with the obvious standouts being Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton. Mary Ure, while somewhat flat in a few scenes, is pretty great in her portrayal of an inexperienced female operative. Her scenes with an also excellent Derren Nesbitt are some of the genre's best, and you can truly feel the various forms of tension between them. Hammer starlet Ingrid Pitt is as sexy as always, and manages to show that she can play a courageous spy just as well as she can a creature of the night! I really enjoyed the dynamic she had with Ure's character, especially in the scenes where she had to be her mentor.

While I do believe this film is near perfect, I've got a major gripe with it: the Germans speak English, even though they are in a German town. It's a little jarring at first, especially when the British spies speak to the Germans in English. I suppose we're meant to pretend they're all speaking German and that the movie is auto-translating for us (sort of like what Tom Cruise's Valkyrie did)?

Regardless, the plot is gripping and manages to make you forget about the silly language issue. The intrigue is so thick you can cut it, and there are so many plot twists that only the most ovservant viewers will be able to figure out what happens in the end. Of course, this means that those who aren't capable of focusing and keeping track of details will probably not enjoy this movie.

The film is extremely well-made for its time, the cinematography second-to-none and the production design top-notch. Actually, I highly recommend you watch the DVD's special features, as it comes with a great "making of" that shows how much of an impressive production it was back then. They built an entire town, for Christ's sake!

SUMMARY

Where Eagles Dare is a classic thriller with plenty of plot twists and action that's sure to satisfy WWII film buffs or action fans in general. You can't go wrong with young Client Eastwood, really!

VERDICT

GREAT

PROS