The Great Raid (2005)

36% of critics liked it
(119 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(15,829 ratings)

John Dahl directed this war drama based on the true story of one of the most daring military actions of World War II. In the waning days of World War II, General Douglas MacArthur chose to make good on a pledge that he made in 1942 -- that he would return to the Philippines after he and his troops… More John Dahl directed this war drama based on the true story of one of the most daring military actions of World War II. In the waning days of World War II, General Douglas MacArthur chose to make good on a pledge that he made in 1942 -- that he would return to the Philippines after he and his troops were forced to retreat. However, MacArthur's determination was more than a matter of pride. Over 500 American soldiers were being held in Cabanatuan, a notoriously brutal prisoner of war camp in the Philippines operated by the Japanese army, and MacArthur wanted to see to it that they made it home. MacArthur chose Lt. Col. Henry Mucci (Benjamin Bratt) to lead the Sixth Ranger Battalion on a mission 30 miles behind enemy lines to infiltrate Cabanatuan and liberate the American prisoners. With the help of Capt. Prince (James Franco), Mucci leads his men on a life-or-death raid against forces known for their savagery. The Great Raid was based on William B. Breuer's book The Great Raid on Cabanatuan: Rescuing the Doomed Ghosts of Bataan and Corregidor, and also stars Joseph Fiennes, Connie Nielsen, and Marton Csokas. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 12 min.
Directed By: John Dahl
Written By: William B. Breuer, Hampton Sides, Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Aug 12, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Dec 20, 2005
Studio: Miramax Films

Critic Reviews

Stephen Hunter, Washington Post
While one might have wished for a better movie, and a few smarter decisions regarding the screenplay, generally it's a riveting, even inspirational account of an American feat of arms about which few know but about which many more should.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
Feels less like a rousing action adventure than a military-sponsored lesson in invincible patriotic payback.
Joel Selvin, San Francisco Chronicle
The story line is telegraphed from word one and the meticulous unfolding plot plods ahead inexorably without the slightest bit of suspense.
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
This smart, unhurried drama plays out like a retro version of Saving Private Ryan.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
A great story filled with real heroics deserves better than this.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
Dahl gets it half-right, and completely wrong. In studio fashion, he adds a composite character and a love story, which the story really doesn't require. In indie tradition, he refuses to cast any stars -- which the picture desperately needs.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Undeveloped secondary characters and awkward pacing thwarts the movie from achieving its '60s war film ethos similar to "The Great Escape."
Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media
A by-the-numbers WWII movie; mature teens and up.
Kam Williams, Princeton Town Topics
Instead of a tribute to a fine chapter in the annals of the Greatest Generation, we have a second-rate romance right out of a cheesy, pulp fiction novel.
Kam Williams, Upstage Magazine
Instead of a tribute to a fine chapter in the annals of the Greatest Generation, we have a second-rate romance right out of a cheesy, pulp fiction novel.
Lewis Beale, Film Journal International
A well-produced, rousing feature based on one of those forgotten World War II episodes that make for great cinema.
Peter T. Chattaway, Christianity Today
While the historical events depicted were unusual and cause for genuine celebration, the film that depicts these events is a dull, by-the-numbers set of war-movie clichés.
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
The Great Raid isn't a perfect film, but it's an engaging one, and, at times, a powerful one.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...filled with the kind of minutia about military engagements that could fill the History Channel for a week. (The Director's Cut DVD)
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
It moves slowly and methodically, showing us the minutest particulars of every facet of the operation. There's more here than we need to know.
Scott Weinberg, DVDTalk.com
The Great Raid has one amazing action sequence. You just have to watch the whole story in order to earn and appreciate it.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
The true story part of it works. The spy and romance stuff doesn't.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It couldn't hold my attention despite the event being such a celebrated one in American history.
Marty Mapes, Movie Habit
More of a skimpy skirmish that lasts way too short and has too little peril to be great
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly
War is hell, and so are some war movies.

Read all 22 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

Now don't get me wrong this is not Private Ryan,Schindlers list, or Bridge on the River Kwai. What the movie is is a good, true story about a small raid in the Pacific campaign. The mission is to help free 500 POW's from the Japanese before the Japanese try to kill the… More
Now don't get me wrong this is not Private Ryan,Schindlers list, or Bridge on the River Kwai. What the movie is is a good, true story about a small raid in the Pacific campaign. The mission is to help free 500 POW's from the Japanese before the Japanese try to kill the prisoners. It's well done, and well acted. I enjoyed it.
Lorenzo v

Although this movie has received criticism for its stereotypical and possibly xenophobic depiction of the Japanese treatment of allied POW's in the second world war, it is in fact a very accurate, fact-based retelling of the events surrounding one of the greatest morale building… More
Although this movie has received criticism for its stereotypical and possibly xenophobic depiction of the Japanese treatment of allied POW's in the second world war, it is in fact a very accurate, fact-based retelling of the events surrounding one of the greatest morale building events for a battle weary America in the second world war. Filmed in the classic style of the WWII movies of the fifties, it is fast paced and does reflect the unfortunate attitude of the Japanese to the prisoners of war, which they held in contempt for the shame of allowing themselves to be captured. War is hell, but this fact should not detract from the history portrayed, which is accurate. The allies were ultimately the winners in the most destructive war in human history, but individual stories of heroism and courage continue to ring true to one's spirit. especially in our difficult times. Fine individual performances do justice to the real people who made in through this hellacious experience. <b>4/5</b>
Al S

A stunning and triumphant action-packed adeventure. Powefrul and herioc. A truly effective story. One of the finest war films since Saving private Ryan. It's The Great Escape meets The Thin Red Line. Roushing, thrilling and exhilerating. The cast is remarkable. Benjiamin Bratt… More
A stunning and triumphant action-packed adeventure. Powefrul and herioc. A truly effective story. One of the finest war films since Saving private Ryan. It's The Great Escape meets The Thin Red Line. Roushing, thrilling and exhilerating. The cast is remarkable. Benjiamin Bratt and James Franco are simply great. Joseph Fiennes is remarkable
Erin C

Pretty good, but a little long. Decent cast. Not the best war movie I've ever seen, but it told a good story.