Sarah:

Starring Michael Cain and Glenda Jackson, this movie is based on the true story of a care home resident who travels to Normandy for the 70^th anniversary of the D-Day landings. At times funny and at times sad, the movie does not shy away from portraying the lifelong effects of war, for people on all sides of the battle, as well as for those left at home. There is also plenty of humour, and the portrayal of a marriage that has withstood the tests of time.

4 stars

Ciaran:

The Great Escaper is a biopic that feels like a gentle adventure, Bernie’s outing to the D-Day commemoration is a real life hero’s journey for many watching. But what I loved so much about watching this film is how it sits in the little moments; it’s not caught up in the spectacle of Bernie running away. The Great Escaper is more focused on what coming home looks like and how veterans are still healing decades later. It’s also Glenda Jackson’s last film, she passed before it released. She was fortunate enough to watch it just a few weeks before she passed; a role that was much like her in life: incredible, witty and powerful.

3.5 stars

Total: 4 stars

Available on DVD. You can reserve your copy via the catalogue here