Marvelously filmed but uncomfortably poised between historical drama and antiwar satire. The performances, direction, and cinematography are all first-rate, but the script, which emphasizes the stupidity of nearly everyone involved--with the possible exception of Nolan--leaves one wondering where satire ends and history begins. The portrayals are by no means slapstick, though, just heavy-handed: Cardigan is a dimwitted, pompous bully. Lucan is nearly as bad, and the muddled Raglan may be described as a nonentity who's far beyond his depth.
Visually the movie leaves little to be desired as a recreation of time and place, but it all comes across as unsatisfyingly cold and aloof.
Visually the movie leaves little to be desired as a recreation of time and place, but it all comes across as unsatisfyingly cold and aloof.