wartime drama makes traditional British values a casualty . . .
Added 3/16/2010
During World War II, Colditz, an elevated castle near Leipzig, Germany, was converted to a high security prison for Allied prisoners with a propensity for escaping. With specialists in evasion and escape gathered together, Colditz was usually abuzz with those planning and preparing to escape. Colditz (2005), is a World War II miniseries for Granada British TV, centered around the activities of Allied officers held captive in the formidable castle. Based in part on the book Colditz: The Untold Story of World War II's Great Escapes (2001), by Henry Chancellor, this production uses some elements from history, to construct a background, and then interjects a rather sordid tale of betrayal, deceit, murder, and treason.
Captain Tom Willis (Laurence Fox), Lieutenant Jack Rose (Tom Hardy), and Corporal Nicholas McGrade (Damian Lewis), British escapees from a German POW camp, are trying to reach safety in neutral Switzerland. Willis and Rose are caught attempting to cross the border, but McGrade escapes to Switzerland. Before separating, Jack asks Nick to deliver a message to his girl, Lizzie Carter (Sophia Myles). Willis and Rose are sent to Colditz, while McGrade earns the distinction of being the first British POW to successfully escape from Germany. Promoted to lieutenant, he is assigned to `M.I.9' a (fictitious) division of Britain's secret service, working in London in a section specializing in POW affairs.
Aided by Canadian flying officer Rhett Barker (Jason Priestly), Willis and Rose immediately attempt to escape from Colditz, crawling into the drainage system. It is a tight claustrophobic journey, where you can almost feel the cold wet walls, pressing in. Their failure, earns them their first of many stays in solitary confinement. When released, Jack gets Captain Edward Sawyer (Guy Henry), an artist, to draw a small portrait of Lizzie.
Keeping his promise, McGrade meets with Lizzie, but things get complicated, when he begins to take an interest in Lizzie, who remains loyal to Jack. Matters take a very dark turn, when McGrade falsifies a report stating that Rose has been killed while trying to escape. Taking advantage of a heartbroken Lizzie, Nick begins to cultivate a romance.
Captain Sawyer becomes the second to escape from Colditz and reach England. He too is assigned to M.I.9, and becomes suspicious, upon discovering that Rose's girl, has taken up with Lt. McGrade. Sawyer soon puts the pieces together, and sends a letter to Rose, explaining the situation. Upon learning the truth, Rose makes an unauthorized escape (screwing his friend Willis), looking to settle up with naughty Nicky McGrade.
Colditz, does a decent job of capturing some of the favor of the war, including the blitz( bombing) of London, conditions in Colditz, and the unique spirit of those dedicated to proposition of escape. While doubtless dramatized, there is some accuracy in the methods and means employed to escape. Even the most successful film in the genre, The Great Escape (1963), embellished the truth for entertainment purposes. While you can't fault the writers for adding some drama, making McGrade an opportunist, who transforms into the worst kind of scheming lowlife, is very questionable. McGrade completely dishonors the tradition of the British Army, soiling the memory of those who sacrificed much for their country. Adding further dishonor, the story also features drug abuse, betrayal, treason, and number of questionable deaths.
During the Battle of Britain, England stood alone against the forces of Germany, with the Luftwaffe attacking by day, and bombers striking at night, in an attempt to bring the country to its knees. Winston Churchill spoke of the country's resolve to persevere in these very grim times, when he said, ". . . we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields, and in the streets. We shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender." This indomitable spirit, is what the British are renown for. Former British POW's like Paul Brickhill (The Great Escape), Patrick Reid (The Colditz Story), and Eric Williams (The Wooden Horse), all wrote books (that later became movies) expressing this same quiet determination. That a British company produced this miniseries, is a quite remarkable statement of how much times have changed.
Because few today are familiar with the actual events at Colditz, the screenplay by Richard Cottan and Peter Morgan, is not generally regarded as being in questionable taste. Suppose that someone wrote a screenplay about the 9/11 tragedy, where a first responder entered the World Trade Center towers, and instead of trying to rescue people, became a looter and a killer. That story might be viewed as insensitive, and inflammatory by many Americans. However thirty years from now, people may not feel the same way. Something similar, seems to have happened regarding Colditz.
Although the story is rather controversial, the pieces do fit together pretty well. The 184 minute miniseries devotes almost no time to the German captors, or the 'underground' that aided prisoners, but there are few slow moments. Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers) gives a strong performance, going from hero, to an utter cad. Sophia Myles (Outlander), who looks like a Kate Winslett clone, is very sympathetic. Tom Hardy (Layer Cake), manages to get through it all, but doesn't come across as obvious hero material. Those primarily interested in a wartime romance may appreciate this drama, but those concerned with showing some regard for past sacrifices, may find that the story takes too many liberties to be very palatable. There was talent and potential here, but some very unfortunate choices were made.
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To be fair I haven't seen this movie as yet but I will. What I want to know is why can't I find the orginal anywhere. Not it books or assorted film sites. The orignal was called Escape from Colditz. It may have been a made for tv movie but it was excellant. It was on TV like 30 years ago. The only one I remember who was in it was David Mc Callium from the Man from Uncle. Charles Bronsan may have, I do know they were together in The Great escape. I would love to find this orignal. I hope this version is near as good.
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Immature in outlook, professional in execution
Added 12/6/2009
Having read the story of Colditz many times, I can attest to the loose adherence to the truth in this film, but that is okay. The acting is excellent, cinematography good to excellent, props and costume excellent, plus more.
However the storyline as regards Damian Lewis's character (which is dominant)- Nicholas McGrade - is pathetic. McGrade is a tongue-in-cheek rebel who stabs a friend in the back through his selection of a lover. If you detest stories, as I do, that will provide you with a morally coherent ending but drag you through the sewer for hours before you reach that point, than avoid this flick.
To give the reader just some idea of what I am referring to, at one point in this story, McGrade exposes the beautiful and innocent character played by Sophia Myles - Lizzie Carter - to a Nazi air-raid, rather than seek nearby shelter, and leads her to a burning building in which women and children are pershing, in order to illuminate her mind to the alleged reality that she (Carter) and he (McGrade) are uniquely blessed to be living life at such an intense level. Only an immature person could conceive of screenplay in which it is supposed that Londoners - any of them worth writing about - were rejoicing about the so called excitement of witnessing friends and neighbors pershing in The Blitz.
Do yourself a favor, reject this movie and read the book instead.ESCAPE FROM COLDITZ
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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If you like true WW11 stories then you have to get this one for your collection. Beautifully filmed with an excellent cast. 10 toes up
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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OK war yarn with melodramatic ending
Added 10/10/2009
COLDITZ
(UK - 2004)
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
TV soundtrack: Dolby Digital
A desperate POW (Tom Hardy) plots escape from Colditz after learning that a former inmate (Damian Lewis) has returned to London and stolen Hardy's fiancée (Sophia Myles).
Lively addition to the 'heroes of WWII' subgenre, filmed on location in London and the Czech Republic, and directed with cinematic flair by Stuart Orme (THE PUPPET MASTERS). Richard Cottan's screenplay (co-written with Peter Morgan, based on the book by Henry Chancellor and the 2000 TV series "Escape from Colditz") cross-cuts between events at Colditz castle - where Hardy and fellow inmate Laurence Fox (DEATHWATCH) hatch multiple escape plans, only to be thwarted by a combination of bad luck and reckless bravado - and the less-interesting relationship which develops between Lewis and Myles, though the two plot threads merge neatly for a melodramatic finale.
Lewis gives the showiest performance, playing a selfish character whose charming demeanor masks a propensity for greed and violence, though Hardy and Fox are suitably intense in crucial supporting roles. James Fox (father of Laurence) and Timothy West make extended cameo appearances as senior members of MI9, while former teen heartthrob Jason Priestley plays a Canadian POW whose burgeoning drug habit pays lethal dividends. Fine cinematography and production values.
Originally produced for British TV and screened in two parts.
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wartime drama makes traditional British values a casualty . . .
Added 3/16/2010
During World War II, Colditz, an elevated castle near Leipzig, Germany, was converted to a high security prison for Allied prisoners with a propensity for escaping. With specialists in evasion and escape gathered together, Colditz was usually abuzz with those planning and preparing to escape. Colditz (2005), is a World War II miniseries for Granada British TV, centered around the activities of Allied officers held captive in the formidable castle. Based in part on the book Colditz: The Untold Story of World War II's Great Escapes (2001), by Henry Chancellor, this production uses some elements from history, to construct a background, and then interjects a rather sordid tale of betrayal, deceit, murder, and treason.
Captain Tom Willis (Laurence Fox), Lieutenant Jack Rose (Tom Hardy), and Corporal Nicholas McGrade (Damian Lewis), British escapees from a German POW camp, are trying to reach safety in neutral Switzerland. Willis and Rose are caught attempting to cross the border, but McGrade escapes to Switzerland. Before separating, Jack asks Nick to deliver a message to his girl, Lizzie Carter (Sophia Myles). Willis and Rose are sent to Colditz, while McGrade earns the distinction of being the first British POW to successfully escape from Germany. Promoted to lieutenant, he is assigned to `M.I.9' a (fictitious) division of Britain's secret service, working in London in a section specializing in POW affairs.
Aided by Canadian flying officer Rhett Barker (Jason Priestly), Willis and Rose immediately attempt to escape from Colditz, crawling into the drainage system. It is a tight claustrophobic journey, where you can almost feel the cold wet walls, pressing in. Their failure, earns them their first of many stays in solitary confinement. When released, Jack gets Captain Edward Sawyer (Guy Henry), an artist, to draw a small portrait of Lizzie.
Keeping his promise, McGrade meets with Lizzie, but things get complicated, when he begins to take an interest in Lizzie, who remains loyal to Jack. Matters take a very dark turn, when McGrade falsifies a report stating that Rose has been killed while trying to escape. Taking advantage of a heartbroken Lizzie, Nick begins to cultivate a romance.
Captain Sawyer becomes the second to escape from Colditz and reach England. He too is assigned to M.I.9, and becomes suspicious, upon discovering that Rose's girl, has taken up with Lt. McGrade. Sawyer soon puts the pieces together, and sends a letter to Rose, explaining the situation. Upon learning the truth, Rose makes an unauthorized escape (screwing his friend Willis), looking to settle up with naughty Nicky McGrade.
Colditz, does a decent job of capturing some of the favor of the war, including the blitz( bombing) of London, conditions in Colditz, and the unique spirit of those dedicated to proposition of escape. While doubtless dramatized, there is some accuracy in the methods and means employed to escape. Even the most successful film in the genre, The Great Escape (1963), embellished the truth for entertainment purposes. While you can't fault the writers for adding some drama, making McGrade an opportunist, who transforms into the worst kind of scheming lowlife, is very questionable. McGrade completely dishonors the tradition of the British Army, soiling the memory of those who sacrificed much for their country. Adding further dishonor, the story also features drug abuse, betrayal, treason, and number of questionable deaths.
During the Battle of Britain, England stood alone against the forces of Germany, with the Luftwaffe attacking by day, and bombers striking at night, in an attempt to bring the country to its knees. Winston Churchill spoke of the country's resolve to persevere in these very grim times, when he said, ". . . we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields, and in the streets. We shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender." This indomitable spirit, is what the British are renown for. Former British POW's like Paul Brickhill (The Great Escape), Patrick Reid (The Colditz Story), and Eric Williams (The Wooden Horse), all wrote books (that later became movies) expressing this same quiet determination. That a British company produced this miniseries, is a quite remarkable statement of how much times have changed.
Because few today are familiar with the actual events at Colditz, the screenplay by Richard Cottan and Peter Morgan, is not generally regarded as being in questionable taste. Suppose that someone wrote a screenplay about the 9/11 tragedy, where a first responder entered the World Trade Center towers, and instead of trying to rescue people, became a looter and a killer. That story might be viewed as insensitive, and inflammatory by many Americans. However thirty years from now, people may not feel the same way. Something similar, seems to have happened regarding Colditz.
Although the story is rather controversial, the pieces do fit together pretty well. The 184 minute miniseries devotes almost no time to the German captors, or the 'underground' that aided prisoners, but there are few slow moments. Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers) gives a strong performance, going from hero, to an utter cad. Sophia Myles (Outlander), who looks like a Kate Winslett clone, is very sympathetic. Tom Hardy (Layer Cake), manages to get through it all, but doesn't come across as obvious hero material. Those primarily interested in a wartime romance may appreciate this drama, but those concerned with showing some regard for past sacrifices, may find that the story takes too many liberties to be very palatable. There was talent and potential here, but some very unfortunate choices were made.
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The Brits Great Escape
Added 9/10/2009
For those of you who own The Great Escape, starring Steve McQueen and a cast of international stars, Colditz will seem to be covering the same ground. Au contraire!
In the former, the story is character-driven (who can forget McQueen and his baseball?) while in the latter the story is plot-driven. The two main characters, Damian Lewis and Tom Hardy -- and a wonderful supporting performace by Laurence Fox -- are wonderful in their roles. The main plot lies in the relationship among the two men and a woman. When the Lewis character escapes successfully and looks up Hardy's girlfriend to report he is safe. Lewis falls in love with her and schemes to win her for himself. How he does this is cunning and obsessive and brutal -- and I am not going to spoil this part for you. He is a communist, as his dialogue shows, and he hates the war, the class he is in, and his hope that the war will cause England and its class system to fail. He is working class tough and has a temper that kills. Hardy is in the Queen's Guard and his love is in the same class as he is. He, too, obsesses over her and the picture he carries with him everywhere. Lewis is made a lieutenant after he escapes and he preens before mirrors. But Hardy is already a commissioned officer and this grates on Lewis from the start.
For a war film, there is virtually no blood and gore, and the tension of the failed escapes is a bit overshadowed by the tension of the three lovers. I thought the escape attempts were exciting and Jason Priestly very good as the rat in the camp.
Some have said this film is historically inaccurate and my response is that if that sort of thing bothers you, watch a documentary. I wish the mini-series had been longer so as to expand on some of the brilliant ideas for the "tools" of the British secret service. But again, this is not a war movie but a suspenseful love story set against the war and is wonderfully entertaining. Both sexes will find something to excite them in this film.
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Neither Fish Nor Fowl: Three-and-a-half-Stars
Added 7/27/2008
First of all, any movie that includes Lawrence Fox is worth watching (I haven't seen him in anything I haven't liked, so far.); next, I found this well-acted two-part series absorbing from beginning to end. Damian Lewis is also excellent in the role of the charming rogue who almost gets away with his villainy.
The problem with the story, it seems to me, is that it couldn't quite make up its mind as to genre: Escape yarn? Love story? Murder mystery? Espionage thriller? It is all of these, but, given the name of the film, I can see how anyone expecting the first might be disappointed, since the narrative passes so quickly over many of the riveting details of the great escape stories that emerged during the 1950s, which concentrated both on life in the camp and on the ingenuity of the prisoners in their plots to escape. The story of Colditz Castle, the impregnable prison camp where incorrigibly persistent officer-escapees of the allied forces were sent, is thrilling in its own right, and any film bearing the name, "Colditz," deserves a treatment as thorough as the one it got, for instance, in the old film with John Mills and Eric Portman.
Perhaps, if the film had been given another name--and try as I might, I cannot think of one--it would be accepted as on its own merits, which given the high quality of the cast, which includes Timothy West, are considerable.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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