A classic, but...

The Great Escape deserves its place among the top 100 films, but for those who have not seen this film a few notes of caution: This is not an action or war movie in the traditional sense. Most of the film is shot in the prisoner of war camp for high escape risk prisoners. There are no battle scenes and the story is very much one of character development and the interaction of the prisoners with their German captors. It is also not an 'action' movie (except for the final 30 mintues, which has many classic scenes.)

The plot, based on a true story, is about a group of prisoners who are all sent to a special camp so that the Germans can keep a close eye on them. No sooner do the prisoners arrive than they begin to plot an escape. They devise a plan to dig an escape tunnel out of the compound. Some of the prisoners devise escape plots of their own and this adds to the development of the film.

Where the movie really shines is in the acting. Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles Bronson, James Coburn and others put in great performances as they each does their part to help the escape plan come together.

Watch this movie and you'll enjoy a classic of 60's filmmaking, with great star performances. However, if you are looking for a classic WWII war movie with lots of action I would suggest for starters: 'A bridge too far', or for something more modern, the incredible 'Band of Brothers' series.