Cast
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Benjamin Bratt
as Lt. Colonel Mucci
James Franco
as Captain Prince
Connie Nielsen
as Margaret Utinsky
Logan Marshall-Green
as Lt. Paul Colvin
Joseph Fiennes
as Major Gibson
Marton Csokas
as Captain Redding
Robert Mammone
as Captain Fisher
Max Martini
as 1st Sgt. Sid "Top" Wojo
Mark Consuelos
as Cpl. Guttierez
Cesar Montano
as Guerilla Leader Juan Pajota
James Carpinello
as Cpl. Aliteri
Clayne Crawford
as PFC Aldridge
Motoki Kobayashi
as Major Nagai
Gotaro Tsunashima
as Yamada
Craig McLachlan
as 2nd Lt. Riley
Crew
Director
- John Dahl
Producer
- Lawrence Bender
- Marty Katz
Reviews
Wuchak
**_The most successful rescue mission in American history_**
On January 30, 1945, the United States Army Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and Filipino guerrillas saved more than 500 POWs in the Japanese camp in the Philippines from certain death as the Japanese were ordered to "liquidate" all prisoners before evacuating in the face of MacArthur's advance. Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, Max Martini, Joseph Fiennes, Connie Nielsen and Marton Csokas star.
"The Great Raid" was based on the books "The Great Raid on Cabanatuan" and "Ghost Soldiers." I've read the latter and it's interesting seeing the film for live-action visuals of what I saw in my head.
The rescue, along with the liberation of Camp O'Donnell the same day, allowed the POWs to share the truth about the Bataan and Corregidor atrocities. While the raid had no strategic value, as far as winning the war goes, it sparked a new wave of resolve in the war against Japan. Not to mention, it remains the most successful rescue mission in USA history.
Although the movie was shot in 2002, it was pulled from release schedule on several occasions before finally having a limited released in August, 2005, with little-to-no marketing. Was it any wonder it failed to garner an audience and box office success?
Be that as it may, this is a solid WW2 flick based on a true story. The prisoners of the camp are the survivors of the infamous 60-mile Bataan Death March of April, 1942. The movie's not politically correct in that it shows the truth of the brutal savagery of the Japanese military. The actual raid doesn't take place until the 95-minute mark, but it's worth the wait; the build-up is informational and keeps your attention.
While I wouldn't call it great, it's a well-done and informative war flick for those interested in the subject. It's even better if you've read either of the books on which it's based.
The film runs 2 hours, 12 minutes, and was shot in Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia, with the Manila sequences shot in Shanghai, China.
GRADE: B
Sep 20, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/History/War film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Great Raid distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director John Dahl brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2005, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Great Raid took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $80.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 132 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 191 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 66 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 345 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2005, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Great Raid shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Fifth Element, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Great Raid offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Liberation: Battle for Berlin and Liberation: The Last Assault explore similar territory, The Great Raid stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 12, 2005
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Budget: $80,000,000
- Revenue: $10,166,502
Where to Watch
