The Great Raid (2005)
-
36% of critics liked it
(119 reviews) -
70% of users liked it
(16,424 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
- Directed By
- John Dahl
- Written By
- William B. Breuer, Hampton Sides, Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure
R,
- In Theaters
- Aug 12, 2005 Wide
- 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.
-
John Hartl, Seattle Times
Dahl's approach may be somewhat pedestrian, but he tells his story clearly and with few unnecessary detours.
-
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.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
UltraViolet Retailers
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Benjamin Bratt
as Lt. Colonel Mucci
-
James Franco
as Captain Prince
-
Connie Nielsen
as Margaret Utinsky
-
Joseph Fiennes
as Major Gibson
-
Marton Csokas
as Captain Redding
-
Motoki Kobayashi
as Major Nagai
-
Robert Mammone
as Captain Fisher
-
Natalie Jackson Mendoza
as Mina
-
Cesar Montano
as Pajota
-
Max Martini
as Sid 'Top' Wojo
- Kenny Doughty
- Sam Worthington
- Craig McLachlan
- James Carpinello
- Mark Consuelos
-
Clayne Clawford
as Private Len Johnson
- Clayne Crawford
- Freddie Joe Farnsworth
- Jeremy Callaghan
- Laird Macintosh
