Final film of two British acting legends: The Great Escaper review

2023-10-03 11:04:02

"The Great Escaper review: A fitting final film for two British acting legends"

Playing Jordan is the renowned Sir Michael Caine in what could be his last role. According to The Telegraph, Caine has recently announced his retirement due to difficulty walking. Pairing him with the late Glenda Jackson, who portrays Bernie's wife Rene, creates a fitting end to their esteemed careers. They previously starred together in Joseph Losey's 1975 drama, The Romantic Englishwoman.

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The heart of the film lies in the touching relationship between Jordan and Rene, who live in a care home in Hove. Despite being a stay-at-home person, Rene gives her blessing to Bernie's escapade and causes chaos for the care-home staff when they discover he has absconded.

The situation garners attention, and Bernie's journey becomes viral under the hashtag "The Great Escaper," a playful nod to the classic WWII adventure film, The Great Escape, starring Steve McQueen.

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The film occasionally brings to mind Timothy Spall's heartwarming tale, The Last Bus. Bernie relies on the kindness of strangers, and conveniently, he encounters Arthur, another veteran, who invites him to join him. Along the way, other generous souls provide sustenance. Although the narrative may feel clichéd at times, its core message is sincere.

Bernie's arrival in France comes with challenges to overcome. He encounters a soldier suffering from PTSD, resulting in a chaotic scene that could have benefited from further refinement. However, there are also moments that resonate, such as Bernie and Arthur meeting their German counterparts in Normandy, bonding over their shared experiences without any animosity.

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Oliver Parker, a seasoned director known for comedy films like Dad's Army and St Trinian's, skillfully avoids making The Great Escaper overly sentimental. The characters of Bernie and Arthur both carry suppressed emotions and memories from the events of June 6, 1944, providing them with an opportunity to address those unresolved issues after seventy years.

Scripted by William Ivory, the film incorporates flashbacks to the younger versions of Bernie and Rene, portrayed by Will Fletcher and Laura Marcus. Although these flashbacks may appear simplistic, they do not detract from the main narrative.

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The story takes some liberties, particularly with the way everyone Bernie encounters seems to recognize him. The ferry staff, in particular, are starstruck and eager to shower Bernie with chocolate and other goodies from the duty-free shop.

While some may find these interactions too convenient, the true allure of the film lies in observing Caine's dignified performance as Jordan. Jackson's portrayal of the irascible Rene is equally powerful and sure to touch many viewers. The final shots of the two actors strolling hand-in-hand on the promenade symbolize the end of two remarkable acting careers.

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"The Great Escaper" will be released in UK cinemas on Friday 6th October 2023. For more film coverage, visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to discover what's on tonight.

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