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Yanks
1979
From early 1942 until D-Day, several million Americans landed in Britain on their way to fight at the European front. To the war-weary British, many of these troops were "overpaid and oversexed." But despite the resentment, with thousands of men abroad, the stage was set for romantic dalliances between English women and .. Read more
| Starring | Richard Gere, Vanessa Redgrave, Lisa Eichhorn, William Devane |
|---|---|
| Director | John Schlesinger |
| Genres | Drama |
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Yanks
From early 1942 until D-Day, several million Americans landed in Britain on their way to fight at the European front. To the war-weary British, many of these troops were "overpaid and oversexed." But despite the resentment, with thousands of men abroad, the stage was set for romantic dalliances between English women and American soldiers stationed in the countryside. The film follows several relationships that blossom during this tense period: the older and more mature Helen and John maintain a sexually tense but chaste friendship, while impetuous Mollie and Danny cast caution and clothing aside without a care. And Jean and Matt begin a serious, thoughtful love affair, although Jean has a boyfriend who's serving overseas. But eventually war intercedes, and the soldiers must leave their new romances to go off to battle.
| Starring | Richard Gere, Vanessa Redgrave, Lisa Eichhorn, William Devane, Rachel Roberts, Chick Vennera |
|---|---|
| Director | John Schlesinger |
| Studio | MGM ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 13 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 07 Jun 2004 Production year: 1979 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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A pleasing effort from director John Schlesinger that glows with a homely period charm, but never descends into sentimentality. The story is about GIs stationed in Britain during the Second World War — Richard Gere always looks good in uniform — and Schlesinger gives a nice touch to the simmering juxtaposition of British working-class morality on a buzz bomb collision course with young adult hormones. The strong ensemble cast interplays superbly, and the scene where the lads march off for D-Day is particularly moving.
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Not an entirely promising subject, this overlong piece maintains its interest by sheer skill of dramaturgy and cinematic narrative.
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Most helpful member's review
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Yanks for the memories...
Yanks is an affectionate look at the American 'invasion' of Britain just before the historic D-day landings. As the film's opening proclaims, over one million American soldiers were imported into Britain for those landmark war manoeuvres and there was 'hardly a village or town that was left untouched.'
Under the deft direction of John Schlesinger, (A Kind of Loving, Billy Liar) this proclamation sets the scene for a bittersweet look at 'foreign' young soldiers in a 'strange' land trying to live while they can. A youthful Richard Gere is well cast as the sensitive young sergeant who unwillingly gives his heart to a local lass. And actor Chick Vennera in the role of Gere's buddy adds humour and personality. Consummate actress Rachel Roberts (This Sporting Life) turns in another solid performance as the girl's mother.
Vanessa Redgrave lends her sparkling presence as a society woman with a social conscience and William Devane portrays an officer with a droll 'take what comes' philosophy. Although these two have nothing in common on the surface, they are kindred spirits who epitomise the philosophy of savouring the moment.
Yanks manages to perfectly capture the cultural differences not only between British and American people in the 40's, but also between American soldiers themselves. A beautiful, thoughtful film, specially apt at the moment in light of the recent 60th Anniversary of D-day. -
Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Brilliant
Brilliant romantic film, full of nostalgia and brilliant casting, one of Richard Gere's first film roles.
This will make you laugh, then cry. One of my all time favorites a real classic. -
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