Director: Oliver Parker | Starring: Michael Caine, Glenda Jackson
In this poignant adventure, Navy veteran Bernard Jordan (played by the incomparable Michael Caine) misses his chance to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Undeterred, he embarks on a personal odyssey, escaping from his care home in Hove, armed with nothing but a blue plastic bag. His wife, Rene (the late Glenda Jackson in her final role), encourages him to seize the moment. What follows is a journey that defies convention and touches the soul.
Caine’s portrayal of Bernard is gruffly heartbreaking. As he traverses the French countryside, memories of war resurface. The psychological wounds, once buried, now demand acknowledgment. The film delves into survivor’s guilt, revealing that some scars never fully heal. Caine, at 90, delivers a knockout performance, capturing the weight of a lifetime.
Director Oliver Parker opts for no-frills functionality, akin to a TV movie. Yet, beneath the surface lies a raw emotional heft. The second world war flashbacks and contemporary scenes interweave seamlessly, revealing the beauty in life’s quiet moments. The French strangers who gift Bernard dried sausage batons add warmth to the narrative.
Glenda Jackson’s presence is ineffable. Her portrayal of Rene is tender and genuine. As she watches her husband embark on this improbable escapade, her eyes convey a lifetime of shared memories. It’s a fitting farewell for an acting legend.
The film flirts with sentimentality but never succumbs. William Ivory’s script balances the cosier aspects of Bernie’s story with a dose of reality. We witness his celebrity grow, yet the film undercuts this with a bittersweet edge. What remains are misty-eyed moments of love and vulnerability.
Beneath the surface, “The Great Escaper” carries a message about ignoring the past. It’s not just a farewell to beloved stars; it’s a reminder that history shapes our present. Eddie Harrison aptly calls it “an acerbic, bitter-sweet film.” The dangers of forgetting resonate.
The film tugs at heartstrings. When Bernard shares a moment with the Germans, we feel the lump in our throats. It’s a testament to the power of human connection, even in the twilight years.
“The Great Escaper” is more than a caper—it’s a meditation on life, love, and redemption. Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson exude ineffable class. Watch it for their performances, and let the melancholy wash over you like a gentle tide.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
