Oh What A Lovely War
1969
Richard Attenborough's directorial debut OH! WHAT A LOVELY WAR is a riotous, thought-provoking satire on the follies of war, based on the stage musical of the same name. Set during World War I, the story revolves around the Smith family, whose five sons enlist in the army only to end up as cannon fodder. Told through the words .. Read more
| Starring | Vanessa Redgrave, Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, John Mills |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Attenborough |
| Genres | Drama |
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Critics' reviews
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Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop play on the excesses and follies of war got misplaced in transition, and producer... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
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16 out of 21 people found this review helpful
Pass the mustard gas..
The BEF got off lightly - Haig could have forced them to sit through this tosh. A two year stint in a muddy trench in Ypres surrounded by bits of my dead friends would have been more fun than sitting through a twee surreal 'comedy' musical about World War I (set in Brighton - try to ignore the 1960s tower blocks). This film is good for a party game, however - Attrition: How long can you refrain from hitting 'eject'? I lasted 33 minutes 16 seconds.. and that took some going, believe me.
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7 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Fantastic
A brilliantly acted, well choreographed and clever film that is more than worth a viewing.
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7 out of 9 people found this review helpful
why no dvd?
One of the greatest ever British films with every UK actor of any note. Yet, no DVD. Why?
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
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7 out of 9 people found this review helpful
why no dvd?
One of the greatest ever British films with every UK actor of any note. Yet, no DVD. Why?
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Oh What a Lovely War
After 40 years this is still the finest anti war film ever made whilst at the same time being wonderful entertainment beautifully made in Richard Attenborough`s first directorial role.
A pure joy to experience over and over again. A shame that films are not made to this standard any more
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16 out of 21 people found this review helpful
Pass the mustard gas..
The BEF got off lightly - Haig could have forced them to sit through this tosh. A two year stint in a muddy trench in Ypres surrounded by bits of my dead friends would have been more fun than sitting through a twee surreal 'comedy' musical about World War I (set in Brighton - try to ignore the 1960s tower blocks). This film is good for a party game, however - Attrition: How long can you refrain from hitting 'eject'? I lasted 33 minutes 16 seconds.. and that took some going, believe me.
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7 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Fantastic
A brilliantly acted, well choreographed and clever film that is more than worth a viewing.
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7 out of 9 people found this review helpful
why no dvd?
One of the greatest ever British films with every UK actor of any note. Yet, no DVD. Why?
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Oh What a Lovely Film!
This is a great film from the sixties, but why, oh why has it not been released on dvd yet!!
When you consider the rubbish that is being released on dvd these days, and films like this are ALWAYS over looked! Come on guys release some quality! -
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Oh What a Lovely War
Some great WWI tunes with fine harmony.
Excellent actors and a thought provoking theme. -
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Oh What a Lovely War
After 40 years this is still the finest anti war film ever made whilst at the same time being wonderful entertainment beautifully made in Richard Attenborough`s first directorial role.
A pure joy to experience over and over again. A shame that films are not made to this standard any more -
Best war movie ever
Why is it taking so long to release this film on DVD.
I would have thought with al the conflict going on in the world at this time this would be an ideal time to release this anti war film/ -
Best war movie ever
Why is it taking so long to release this film on DVD.
I would have thought with al the conflict going on in the world at this time this would be an ideal time to release this anti war film/ -
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
OK Ish!
Older people that remember the songs of ww1, will really enjoy. I was a little dispointed, as the war is set on a Pier! Very confusing.
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A Very Clever Film
I found this film so very clever it nearly did not work. But - I am glad to say it did. Not only did it depict in its own paradoxical way, the futility and the atrocities of World War One, but the lead up to the war itself. Those who lost a relative in this farce must feel some emotion - may be anger, dismay, at the way the war was conducted. History tells us the the soldiers were 'cannon fodder', the propaganda in the music halls etc.,recruiting these young lads to take the 'King's Shillling' and enlist.
This satirical film covers all that - including the songs (with the actual words soldiers substitued for the published ones) the ceasation of fire on that famous Christmas Day. I think this is a film you will either love or hate - but the sure thing is, it is a clever interpretation of that terrible period of history the 1914-1918 war.
Critics' reviews
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Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop play on the excesses and follies of war got misplaced in transition, and producer... read more on Time Out
Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop
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Oh What A Lovely War
Richard Attenborough's directorial debut OH! WHAT A LOVELY WAR is a riotous, thought-provoking satire on the follies of war, based on the stage musical of the same name. Set during World War I, the story revolves around the Smith family, whose five sons enlist in the army only to end up as cannon ...
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