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Carey Loftin, Don J. Bassman, Douglas O. Williams

The story of General George S Patton, Jr. during the World War II phase of the controversial American general's career. A military historian and poet, Patton believes he was a warrior in many past liv...( read more  read more... )es, and that he is destined for something great during this life; however, his stubborn and controversial methods nearly prevent the fulfillment of that destiny.

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93% liked it

35,101 ratings

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97% liked it

36 critics

PG, 2 hrs. 50 min.

Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner

Release Date: January 1, 1970

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DVD Release Date: November 2, 1999

Stats: 2,179 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (2,179)

  • rubystevens
    September 3, 2009
    rubystevens
    i don't know why i'd always assumed this was some gung ho john wayne propaganda bs...maybe the cover lol. it's actually a really good film; 3 hours long and never boring. george c scott in a tour de force for which he famously turned down oscar
  • AgentLexi2132
    August 15, 2008
    AgentLexi2132
    ''There's only one proper way for a professional soldier to die: the last bullet of the last battle of the last war.''

    The World War II phase of the controversial American general's career is depicted.

    George C. Scott: Gen. George S. Patton Jr.

    Patton was a man...( read more) who lived for war. World War II was the high point and culmination of his life. He didn't fight for any principles, he didn't fight to defend freedom or democracy or any abstract ideals, he fought because he loved fighting, Patton loved war.

    In his diaries you can read of his fear of dropping out of West Point, in which the prospect terrified him because he was sure that he would never be accepted at anything else, except being a general or a leader of a country.

    The movie Patton is much more than just any old war movie.
    We see the skirmishes from a general's vantage point, the coordinated war effort from the schemers eyes, and the influence politicians, diplomats and officials have over the execution of the war. The actual fight scenes occupy only result in a small part of the ensuing plot, but are in themselves quite captivating. A night battle with no sound later in Patton is absolute genius because it allows the narrations point to be assessed as you watch the horrors of battle.

    Scott is a blast to see. In a memorable, eerie scene he directs his driver and Bradley, at the time his junior, to an alternate battlefield. Although they protest that he is heading the wrong direction, Patton says he ''can smell a battlefield''.

    He describes a battle that took place on that spot 2000 years before. Being a historian (and believing that he actually participated in many famous battles throughout history) he used historical precedents to guide his decisions. For better or worse, beating Montgomery to glory was also a constant incentive.

    There are so many memorable moments in the film. Bradley's incredulous stare at Patton exasperation that the war may be over too soon (before he gets another command), Patton saluting two children who show more spit and polish than the troops over which he has just taken command, Patton directing traffic at a crossing, Scott's expression slowly hardening upon learning that he will not be in charge of the invasion of Europe, and, again, the utter devastation on his face after a dressing down from Ike.

    There is nothing really to rate this down except maybe its long running time, entertainment value is up and down but this allows the films message to get across.
    Patton one of the most enduring and informative biographies.
  • her69eyes
    June 19, 2008
    her69eyes
    When I put Patton into my DVD player, I was sure I was going to see one of the best movies i've ever seen. All of the critics I tend to agree with loved it, and just about everyone I know has plenty of good things to say about it. Unfortunately, however, it had nowhere near the i...( read more)mpact on me as it did them. Perhaps I didn't "get it", or it simply wasn't my kind of film. Without Scott's performance, which is one of the finest and most iconic performances of all time, I didn't find the film particularly compelling in any way.

    Patton is a man of many layers and these layers are all dissected thoroughly throughout the films three-hour runtime. He's a man who feels he transcends time - he's certainly a larger than life personality, and he would not argue with that analysis one bit. As the film opens, we see him as an absolutely rotten and jaded man without a single happy thought in his mind... however, near the end of the film we root for him as a sort of anti-hero. This is definitely the strength of the film. Not only is the character well established, but he is at all times changing in regards to his environment and in terms of the way we think of him. His changes are never sudden and unbelievable, he's more of a living, breathing, and completely real film character.

    The odd thing about Patton is that it's essentially a pro-war film made at the hight of Vietnam. The defining characteristic of Patton is pride - he's a hero, and he damn well believes we need heroes in this world. At one point near the end of the film, he says he's glad he'll be gone when machines do the fighting for us. This is a powerful message, but at the same time, it made me feel uncomfortable. Throughout the film, in spectacular Hollywood fashion, we get these extravagant and long action sequences that are rather violent and almost glorified. Having a pro-war film that glorifies it's violence seems to be a bit disturbing to me. It's a minor complaint, and I don't necessarily feel that the film "exploited" war, but I certainly did think that the action scenes were the worst part of the movie.

    The film opens with the famous scene of Patton giving a speech in front of an American flag. We, the viewers, are his soldiers - and he's shedding light on the reality of war and his pride for his country and soldiers. Within moments we think we know all we need to know about Patton. However, as the story unfolds, the filmmakers reveal even more assets to his character. The problem here, however, was that although Patton is an extraordinarily interesting character - I didn't necessarily need to see him for 170 minutes. After the intermission I began getting restless and letting my mind wander. It's a great character and a classic performance, but I still would've been content leaving this world about 90 minutes in.

    I can't say this is a bad film by any means. As i've stated numerous times, the performances are great. The cinematography is also beautiful, and especially impressive for it's time. The score was obnoxious and grating, but I will admit that it's an unmistakable tune and will always be associated with the film. Most films don't have this much going for them... but, dare I say, this was simply uninteresting in the long run. There were marvelous scenes here and there, but inbetween I felt as though "just a bunch of stuff is happening".

    A few critics I admire and look up to would read this review and declare it sacreligious, vile, and consider my intelligence level to be that of an 11-year-old child. All I can say is that I completely respect everyone's admiration of the film, and I almost feel cheated that I can't join them in this appreciation.
  • TheMachinist
    June 10, 2008
    TheMachinist
    Probably one of the best performances ever made by man in the history of cinema. G.C. Scott, I salute you.
  • pier007
    May 10, 2008
    pier007
    George C. Scott was born to play the irascible and implacable american general George S. Patton in this eye-catching war film that depicts with grandiosity the allied assaults in europe and north africa, and the general's courageousness, straightforwardness, his somewhat question...( read more)able treatment over his troops, and his peculiar but firm beliefs about the reincarnation of his soul. This eccentric character is one of the best representatives of the madness and nonsensicality of war.
  • dukeakasmudge
    October 22, 2009
    dukeakasmudge
    Not bad....Not bad at all
  • Arianeta
    September 27, 2009
    Arianeta
    Great performance from George C. Scott. I didn;t like the story. Realy boring for me.
  • SageSlowdive
    August 25, 2009
    SageSlowdive
    Good drama, and Scott is amazing.
  • ericcasaje
    August 18, 2009
    ericcasaje
    magnificent production...
    the best movie ever made... (for me at least)
  • yehtutaung
    August 14, 2009
    yehtutaung
    Add a review (optional)...

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Critic Reviews

March 24, 2002
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Scott's theatricality is electrifying. full review

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Patton Trivia

  • He won best actor for the movie Patton  Answer »
  • what is the title of the new movie starring denzel washington, val kilmer and paula patton?  Answer »
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