The performance of the legendary Michael Caine is the best of this film that coincides with the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.
The last escape (The Great Escaper, United Kingdom-United States/2024) Director: Oliver Parker. Screenplay: Billy Ivory. Cast: Michael Caine, Glenda Jackson, John Standing, Laura Marcus, Will Fletcher, Danielle Vitalis, Wolf Kahler, Donald Sage Mackay and Carlyss Peer. Music: Craig Armstrong. Photography: Christopher Ross. Distributor: Diamond Films. Duration: 96 minutes. Suitable for people over 13 years old. Rooms: 17.
The recent commemoration for the 80th anniversary of the landing of the allied troops in France was very different from the previous ones. Not only because it was a great anniversary, with all that it implies in political and journalistic terms, but because it was most likely the last event of this magnitude with the on-site presence of veterans from several countries – including many Americans who crossed the Atlantic. and eyewitnesses. Pure mathematics: if on June 6, 1944 they were about 20 years old, today they are already around 100.
The last escape It was released in much of Europe during the last quarter of last year, but here it arrives with the echoes of the commemoration reverberating. The date fits perfectly, since the film – based on a true story – has as its protagonist a British veteran (a notable Michael Caine) who escapes from the nursing home where he lives with his wife to go to the ceremony for the 70th anniversary of the Day. D, a trip full of memories and with a lot of legacy. That Caine, at 90 years old, has assured that The Last Escape marks his definitive retirement from acting only adds another testamentary layer.
Director Oliver Parker (Othello, An Ideal Husband, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Johnny English Reloaded) and screenwriter Billy Ivory build a calm and peaceful film, just like that man who, at 89 years old, still has unfinished business. Bernard Jordan crosses the English Channel to reunite with comrades and set foot again on the lands where he saw so many die. His walker and many other ailments make someone younger be surprised by the courage of a trip at that age. He responds that he already crossed again… and while they were shooting at them.
The last escape It continues with the meeting with another veteran who carries his ghosts and Bernard’s attempt to settle accounts with his people. It is not a great film by any means: its flashbacks are somewhat forced, the subplot of the wife in the asylum never goes in depth and at times is a bit confusing. But Caine’s work, which with pure poise and stately sobriety transmits a remarkable load of truth, makes The last escape in a more than appropriate vehicle for its display and in an emotional farewell to the big screen, where it shone for almost seven decades.
Subscriptions are the best way for readers to directly support independent journalism ventures and help sustain a quality product that maintains access to all its contents for free. In addition, you have access to a wide range of benefits and exclusive content.
