The Longest Day [VHS]
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VHS Movie Reviews of The Longest Day [VHS]
Movie Review: The definitive war film of cinematic and historic genius
Summary: 5 Stars
"THE LONGEST DAY", based on a book by Cornelius Ryan, tells us of the events of and surrounding D-Day, the World War II invasion executed on June 6, 1944. We see almost everything from the perspectives of both the Allied and Axis forces. It is a brilliantly made, extremely well-acted, and above all, a genuinely felt war epic. Just about every actor that ever worked in Hollywood during the "golden age" is here to lend their excellent acting abilities- John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Richard Beymer, Robert Ryan, Edmond O'Brien, Henry Fonda, Red Buttons, Stuart Whitman, Roddy McDowall, Robert Wagner, Curt Jurgens, Sean Connery, and so many others. But even more worthy of top billing is the invasion itself. The actors and actresses, great as they are, are far outshined by the scope and grand scale of the invasion, which, in turn, gives the film immesurable quality. The entire film is perfect. Every part of it is a complement to everything else: the acting, the black-and-white cinematography, the music (by Maurice Jarre and theme music by Paul Anka), the wonder, the awe, the irony-absolutely nothing is out of place.
I believe the only reason that movies, television, documentaries, and anything else to do with the art of film should or ever needs to exist is to make us believe in the subject matter. It's not about the paycheck, the latest romantic scandal, or to show off. The purpose is to make us believe, recognize the character's attributes (or lack thereof) within ourselves, and for the cast and crew to do their best. Not every movie has succeeded, but many have, and it's a pity that many of today's films do not. Even though World War II did occur, as well as D-Day, Pearl Harbor, and all the rest, the audiences of war films could never believe for themselves that those things did happen if the movies were not believable. Fortunately, this film is very believable and realistic, and the stock footage from the actual invasion is a great asset.
As a matter of fact, "THE LONGEST DAY" is probably one of the best films ever made (on the subject of war or otherwise). It defies the use of unneccessary gore in "SAVING PRIVATE RYAN", and even uses all the elements from many other films - such as the "get-in-blow-it-up-get-out" theme from "THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI" and "THE GUNS OF NAVARONE" (both great films). The unrest and comraderie among superiors and subordinates, the escapism, the adventure, the horror, the frustration - all have been used before, and not just in war films. Not to mention that this film also succeeds as both a "buddy film", and, of course, a "guy movie". But it is this movie that, even though it was one of the last of the greatest war movies, sets the tone for all the others.
As a final note, "THE LONGEST DAY" also has some of the best scenes ever captured on film. A lot of the old cliches are used, and some new ones as well. Kenneth More's entire performance, the two guys with the pigeons, John Wayne exhibiting his tough guy persona, etc. The sporadic wry humor, the great action pieces, the use of actual footage from the invasion, is all used very well. To list some of my favorite scenes from this movie would take forever and a day, but my top favorites are as follows: John Wayne's first scene when he suddenly turns around and you're thinking, "Holy Smokes! It's the Duke!" (let me assure you that those are my exact feelings every time), the introduction of "Rupert" (and when he is introduced to the German officers), the use of codes, the boats unloading the troops onto the beach, the guy on bagpipes, the "hold until relieved", all the character pieces, and so much more. A tried-and-true, dignified, immensely entertaining, miraculous, illustrious slice of history.
Also Recommended: "STAGECOACH" (1939), "JESSE JAMES" (1939), "D.O.A." (1950), "THE NAKED SPUR" (1954), "JOHNNY TREMAIN" (1957)
THIS REVIEW IS DEDICATED TO ANYONE, LIVING OR DEAD, INVOLVED IN THE MAKING OF "THE LONGEST DAY", AND TO ANYONE WHO IS CURRENTLY OR EVER HAS FOUGHT IN A WAR.
Movie Review: BLURAY bliss for a classic WWII "Fox" spectacle from DFZ
Summary: 5 Stars
THE LONGEST DAY is one of the last great spectacle films produced during the era of Darryl Zanuck's reign at 20th Century-Fox. This startling new BLURAY version stunts and makes obsolete all previous editions! The film never looked or sounded better.Interesting and informative commentary by historian Mary Corey is screen specific and almost 100% continuous.A treat to finally see it this way! "Saving Private Ryan" (35 years more modern, technology-wise) has it's MOMENTS, but this film is more satisfying and engaging overall from top to bottom,for sure.Movie Review: A true epic
Summary: 5 Stars
I often wonder when watching this film how the director manages to undertake such a huge undertaking. The scale of this film is incredible and the amount of back-stories incorporated into the tale from Burtons injured pilot to Waynes gung-ho C.O. Obviously every facet of the D-Day invasion could not be covered, but this film makes a good effort at chronicling one of the most important days in world history in a reasonably accurate and unsentimental way. I still get a shiver down my neck when the German officer in the pillbox sees the invasion fleet through his binoculars and strives to convince his superiors of the threat as his position is being shelled. There are many many many crappy war films out there, but this one does justice to those who were there and fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.Movie Review: The Longest Day
Summary: 5 Stars
I thought this movie was alwsome it shows what it was like for the people going on to the beach and the airborne it gives all different perspectives from the people from england the united states and the nazi's and it outlines it what everyone was doing all the way until dday was over. Movie Review: Zanuck's vision of D-Day
Summary: 5 Stars
A little dated, this remains one of the great war movies ever made. On June the 6th 1944 Daryl F. Zanuck was on a ship watching the largest invasion in the history of man. That image would stay with him and drive him to make an epic war film from Cornelius Ryan's bestseller. One of the greatest casts ever assembled: John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Stuart Whitman, Tom Tryon, Eddie Albert, Edmund O'Brien, Peter Lawford, Richard Burton, Jeffrey Hunter, Roddy McDowell, Richard Beamer, Gert Frobe and Sean Connery -- infact, under contract to 20th Century Fox for several years, this would be the only film he did for them. His next project would be DR. NO. A vast film that shows the epic event from both the Allied ,German and Partisan sides. The action scenes are truly spectacular.