To End All Wars
2001
Based on Ernest Gordon's autobiographical novel--originally titled "Through The Valley Of The Kwai"--TO END ALL WARS details Gordon's remarkable survival in a World War Two Prisoner Of War camp. As Allied soldiers, Major Gordon (Ciaran McMenamin) and his fellow prisoners are subject to unspeakable brutality at the hands of .. Read more
| Starring | Kiefer Sutherland, Robert Carlyle, Ciaran McMenamin, Mark Strong |
|---|---|
| Director | David L. Cunningham |
| Genres | Drama |
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To End All Wars
Based on Ernest Gordon's autobiographical novel--originally titled "Through The Valley Of The Kwai"--TO END ALL WARS details Gordon's remarkable survival in a World War Two Prisoner Of War camp. As Allied soldiers, Major Gordon (Ciaran McMenamin) and his fellow prisoners are subject to unspeakable brutality at the hands of their Japanese captors. Forced to construct the "Railway of Death" into India and powerless to prevent the execution of their leader, the Allied soldiers employ vastly different tactics to survive. Whilst Sutherland's cynical American lieutenant seeks to gain benefits through trading with the Japanese, Major Campbell (Carlyle) plans a direct revolt. In contrast Major Gordon seeks to build a common spiritual bond through forgiveness of the enemy.
| Starring | Kiefer Sutherland, Robert Carlyle, Ciaran McMenamin, Mark Strong, Masayuki Yui |
|---|---|
| Director | David L. Cunningham |
| Studio | 2 ENTERTAIN VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 53 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 06 Oct 2003 Production year: 2001 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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Not even Robert Carlyle's trademark pugnacity can enliven this well-intentioned but leaden adaptation of Ernest Gordon's memoir about the building of the Burma railroad. Even though it presents a considerably more accurate account than The Bridge on the River Kwai, unfavourable comparisons with David Lean's Oscar winner (and even Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence) abound, as Allied soldiers Ciaran McMenamin, Robert Carlyle and Kiefer Sutherland are among the PoWs forced to lay the infamous track. Yugo Saso and Sakae Kimura's good guard/bad guard and the subplots involving Sutherland's illicit still and Mark Strong's bush university only reinforce the unfortunate aura of stereotype and cliché.
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A film that is inevitably diminished by remembering what David Lean did with a similar story in The Bridge on the River Kwai. This sticks to the facts as recalled in a memoir by an ex-POW, but it lacks dramatic flair.
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Most helpful member's review
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11 out of 11 people found this review helpful
A war film to end all war films
I am not a big fan of war films generally, but I found this to be the most moving film I have seen so far this year. It may seem slow to some, but only to those who expect a "Saving Private Ryan" esque action packed war film.
This film highlights the suffering British soldiers underwent whilst being kept in a Japanese prisoner of war cap. But look beneath the surface and you will find this to highlight the necessity of humanity.
With excellent performances from the entire cast, including some of the least well known actors, and incredible directing, this film manages to stay moderately impartial whilst still being able to touch its audience in a most profound manor.
If you are willing to stay patient with the story and not purely wanting to watch an action packed thriller, then I can’t recommend this higher.
An incredibly touching & moving film. -
Most recent members' review
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
An Excellent Film
By far one of the best films about World War POW's I have ever seen. This films shows just how much brutality and punishment the human soul can endure and still maintain to keep its sanity. A must for any war movie buff! It's like no POW film you have seen!!
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To End All Wars
Based on Ernest Gordon's autobiographical novel--originally titled "Through The Valley Of The Kwai"--TO END ALL WARS details Gordon's remarkable survival in a World War Two Prisoner Of War camp. As Allied soldiers, Major Gordon (Ciaran McMenamin) and his fellow prisoners are subject to unspeakable ...
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