Aces High
1976
A moving story of comradeship and bravery, loneliness and fear. Aces High contains some of the most magnificent aerial battles ever staged leading to a BAFTA nomination for Best Cinematography and Best Film at the Evening Standard British Film Awards. Under Jack Gold's sensitive direction, this is a moving portrayal of the .. Read more
| Starring | Malcolm McDowell, John Gielgud, Simon Ward, Christopher Plummer |
|---|---|
| Director | Jack Gold |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Drama |
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Aces High
A moving story of comradeship and bravery, loneliness and fear. Aces High contains some of the most magnificent aerial battles ever staged leading to a BAFTA nomination for Best Cinematography and Best Film at the Evening Standard British Film Awards. Under Jack Gold's sensitive direction, this is a moving portrayal of the futility of war. The superb British cast includes Malcolm McDowell, Christopher Plummer, Peter Firth and Simon Ward and features cameo appearances by Sir John Gielgud, Trevor Howard and Richard Johnson.
| Starring | Malcolm McDowell, John Gielgud, Simon Ward, Christopher Plummer, Peter Firth, Trevor Howard, Ray Milland, Richard Johnson |
|---|---|
| Director | Jack Gold |
| Studio | WARNER HOME VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 49 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 21 Feb 2005 Production year: 1976 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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This stout antiwar statement from director Jack Gold actually takes its cue from an early sound film, 1930's Journey's End, but moves the action from the trenches to the skies. It is here that the film finds its conviction, in the form of dogfight sequences that succeed in being both thrilling and horrifying. Back at base, however, where young and eager First World War flier Peter Firth gradually comes to understand the cynicism of his superior, Malcolm McDowell, events are not as well realised. Moments of emotional isolation work well, but a visit to a brothel is simply trite. Still, the film generally soars.
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Spirited if rather unnecessary remake of Journey's End transposed to the air war, which makes it almost identical to The Dawn Patrol.
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Most helpful member's review
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Sharp and poignant war drama
Macolm Macdowel sheds bowler and milk for goggles and alcohol in this very pointed and keenly observed character study. Students of warfare will identify, often misty eyed, with the leadership and unequalled courage of pilots during the first world war. I have never heard the insult 'prig' being used with such intensity before.
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Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Bi planes and stiff upper lips
This is THE bi-plane movie for WWI, with the ravished Royal Air Corps, with nothing left but boy pilots, taking ever more dangerous missions while acting like they're still at school.
Top performances from Peter Firth, Malcom McDowell and Christopher Plummer as the last surviving Old Hand. -
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