This film is so propagandistic it almost hurts. It was released in 1941 at a time when America was neutral but becoming increasingly close to joining the war, so basically it's just a film that's preparing America for war. And in typical American style they set the film in 1917 so that it does not seem to be directly relating to the current affairs of the time.

Its propagandistic nature is best seen by the huge campaign that was launched at the time of its release. There was a big military parade and huge army support and, wait for it, they handed out pamphlets telling draftees that they were being given the opportunity to be just like Sergeant York.

Forgetting about the film's agenda for a minute, it was an interesting watch. Not least of all because it directly confronts Isolationism and shows America's mindset at the time. Gary Cooper is very good and worthy of the praise he received for the film. It's a suspenseful war flick that if nothing else is entertaining.

Interesting piece of propaganda
Review date: 2004-02-25 Rating: 6 out of 10

Sergeant York is a colourful tale of a simple and modest man from Tennessee who raises above and beyond the call of duty in WWI. The movie contains some good music and is well acted, except for the female love-interest and the younger actors, and is also well shot, but a bit obvious in its' studio scenes. While this movie is entertaining, don't look for anything seriously deep here, except the depth it give into the times themselves and the attitudes of most of the people of those times. It is quite interesting as a piece of propaganda (of course it was released just when America entered the WWII so probably was a good recruiting tool). Also the movie does go against the mould of most war movies (which are strongly anti-war) and is instead pro-war, which is good, as it is always interesting to hear the other side of story.

If you're the type of person to salute when you see the American flag or if you're religious and looking for a way to reconcile your Christian and Nationalistic believes or if you like stories of simple and down-to-earth folks or just looking for a piece of historic cinema, then this movie is for you, otherwise I'd advise you look elsewhere.

Deep thoughts and lots of surprises
Review date: 2002-12-15 Rating: 10 out of 10

The movie was well paces and had just the right people to play the characters. It was fun to watch how Alvin (Gary cooper) suddenly and progressively alters his look on life. He gives meaning to "I see the light".
I appreciated the scene where he is in on the mountain contemplating the dichotomy of life and defense. It has the same feel as in the movie "The Razors Edge" where Tyrone Powers contemplates being one with God.
Later it was fun to see how Alvin applied his turkey target skills. And asking people to take a few prisoners off his hands.
This is one of those movies that can use repeated viewing,

Deep thoughts and lots of surprises
Review date: 2002-12-09 Rating: 10 out of 10

The movie was well paces and had just the right people to play the characters. It was fun to watch how Alvin (Gary cooper) suddenly and progressively alters his look on life. He gives meaning to "I see the light".
I appreciated the scene where he is in on the mountain contemplating the dichotomy of life and defense. It has the same feel as in the movie "The Razors Edge" where Tyrone Powers contemplates being one with God.
Later it was fun to see how Alvin applied his turkey target skills. And asking people to take a few prisoners off his hands.
This is one of those movies that can use repeated viewing,

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