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The Longest Day [1962]
![The Longest Day [1962]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Q5BSWKKJL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £12.99
Our Price: £3.48 (subject to change)
A masterpiece
Review date: 2008-09-28 Rating: 10 out of 10
This may not be the only film journalling the D-day landings at Normandy and the events leading up to them, but it is by far the best. Shot in black and white for effect, all aspects of the operation are covered, from the placement of dummy units, designed to deceive the germans into believing Calais was the target, to the tension leading up to the big day, made worse by inclement weather conditions.
What makes this film special is that it doesn't just tell one side of the story, it alternates all the way through, mostly focusing on the allied actions while giving a reasonable account of what the germans were doing.
This adds to the excitement when the landings take place, both air and seaborne. Historically accurate, with adequate free licence to keep it interesting.
The cast is more or less a whos who of mainly male actors of the sixties, who give some wonderful performances.
As you would expect from a sixties film, even though war is a savage business, its clean enough to be watched by adults and young children alike, the foul language and graphic detail that modern day films are written round weren't required back then (we had imaginations).
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Reviews
PRIVATE RYANS BIG BROTHER
Review date: 2007-09-19 Rating: 8 out of 10
It lacked the special effects of Private Ryan but in quality of cast and numbers of extras, it was a masterpiece.
D Day was recreated well and with the likes of Henry Fonda and John Wayne gracing our screens, i was hooked all those years ago. Saving Private Ryan is probably a better watch now, with the effects available but my heart is still with the old fellas.
Historically interesting, but heavy going
Review date: 2007-07-17 Rating: 6 out of 10
If you're into history, then this film is pretty good, but by the standards of modern war films which set out to be historically accurate, it is often ponderous and slow. The army of famous names in bit parts is also very distracting and once John Wayne comes lolloping onto the scene, things become just a tad cliched.
The use of B/W is good, as is the persistent use of German and subtitles for the enemy forces, but in the end, the film often feels like an assemblage of scenes meant to cast the light equally upon actual events, and the faces of celebrity actors.
Far better in today's world, I'd suggest, to watch 'Saving Private Ryan'.
Excellent Viewing
Review date: 2007-07-01 Rating: 10 out of 10
A blow by blow account of D-day, historically accurate, a must for history students studying the second world war. Despite its age they don't come much better than this.
saving private john wayne
Review date: 2006-02-13 Rating: 8 out of 10
the longest day is the grandfather of the latest d-day film Saving pte Ryan in every aspect : Normandy beach landings, the paratroopers capture of bridges behind enemy lines .It has a strong
cast, and you will recognise alot of actors i.e. sean connery , who have small roles within the film.Oviously as it was made in 1962 it seems a bit dated , however take the year/censorship restrictions into context and you have a ww2 film worthy of any audience generation
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Henry Fonda
Robert Ryan
Richard Burton
Sean Connery
John Wayne
Creators:
John Wayne (Primary Contributor)
Richard Burton (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
EAN: 5039036020954
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Black & White, PAL,
Release date: 2005-05-09
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 168 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1962
Language: English (Original Language)