A Bridge Too Far (1998, DVD)

This epic film is set in September 1944 after the successful Allied landings at Normandy during WWII. Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery's plan included the largest allied airborne assault in military history in an attempt to capture six German held bridges. Montgomery felt that if this lofty goal could be accomplished, the war in Europe could be ended by December. Allied soldiers, some 35,000 of them, had nine days to cover 300 miles with the goal of capturing each bridge intact. Operation Market Garden failed due to a combination of faulty intelligence, worse weather, and possibly even bad luck. In the end the bridge at Arnhem was held by the Germans and the British paratroopers there in large part were either captured or killed.

A Bridge Too Far is a spectacular film and is actually recreated on many of the actual battlefield locations. A total of 500,000 feet of footage was shot for the film even though only 17,000 feet was actually used. Joseph Levine, the producer, felt so strongly about bringing this story to film that he actually financed much of the movie's budget from his own funds.

What really makes this movie impressive is the cast. I doubt a film ever boasted so many talented actors all appearing in a film with virtually equal billing. Appearing in the movie was James Caan, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, Elliot Gould, Gene Hackman, Anthony Hopkins, Laurence Olivier, Ryan O'Neal, Robert Redford, Maximillian Schell and so many more. Talk about an all star cast.

Director Richard Attenborough presents a powerful film with incredible performances by the actors, all encompassing battle scenes, and stunning cinematography, all of which make this an excellent WWII movie.

In a Bridge Too Far, you have a great chance, to see many actors, who later on in life, star in their own right. You have Robert Redford, Anthony Hopkins, Elliot Gould, Ryan O'Neil, and even Cliff, the mailman from cheers, has a part in this movie. Great scenery, at no expense was missed, at the production level, as the shooting took place almost in identical location, just moved a few miles upriver from the actual bridge.
Special effects, detail, and staying honest to the story, something that almost never happens, was well enjoyed, by anyone who's read the book, would enjoy the movie immensly!
Several things to note, regarding this movie, first of all, the gliders used, in the movie, all had to be constructed, due to no existing models of the original Horsas could be found. As well, the initial film shooting, would have led to a movie close to 6 hours long, and was cut down to the time frame as it stands, still, an excellent movie for history buffs to see, and learn how we almost pulled off a miracle.