THE GREAT ESCAPER (2023)

Genre: Drama
Director: Oliver Parker
Cast: Michael Caine, Glenda Jackson, John Standing, Danielle Vitalis, Will Fletcher, Laura Marcus
Runtime: 1 hr 37 mins
Rating: PG13 (Some Coarse Language and Scene of Intimacy)
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 8 August 2024

Synopsis: In the summer of 2014, Bernard Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He had staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary. Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene (Glenda Jackson) - THE GREAT ESCAPER celebrates their enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.

Movie Review:

The title, The Great Escaper sounds like a mindless action movie starring probably Dwayne Johnson in the lead role. In reality, it’s a small Brit drama starring the 91 year old, Sir Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson.

The story written by William Ivory is based on the true story of 89-year-old Bernie Jordan who left unannounced from his nursing home and set out to attend the 70th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day Landings in France. While he did let his wife, Rene (Jackson) know of his little outing, his disappearance did cause a minor panic with the nursing home staff and local police.

Bernie Jordan for one has been suffering from PTSD for decades after the death of his close friend, Douglas Bennett, who was killed at the Normandy landing on D-Day. Bernie has been living in guilt since then and his motive for this trip is to visit his grave. Director Oliver Parker relies on frequent flashbacks to expose audiences to Bernie’s terrifying ordeals as a navy man. While the execution is commendable, the entire treatment feels clunky and cheap owing to the limited funds.

The flashbacks also apply to the romance between Bernie and Rene as we are shown their loving relationship that spanned decades. In present day, Rene is diagnosed to be suffering from a deadly illness. Her days are numbered but the plucky old lady is still dispensing jokes to her care worker Adele (Danielle Vitalis) and doctor on a daily basis. Rene is the supportive spouse who covers up for her husband’s disappearance and despite their old age, love and affection for each other is the main core of the story.

With the passing of Jackson in June 2023 and Caine publicly announcing his retirement (unless Christopher Nolan manages to coax him out for a little adventure), The Great Escaper marks the poignant, bittersweet “escape” of two remarkable actors. Caine of course is excellent as his character embarked on an emotional journey to commemorate his late friend and not for the booze. Jackson brought life to Rene with the occasional naughty glint and charm. In some ways, Jackson even upstaged Caine in her last onscreen appearance.

There’s no doubt that The Great Escaper is a drama that is tailored for selected or the senior audiences. It’s a tribute to those who sacrificed for their country and all those untold romance, struggles behind their reunion and marriages especially those that survived the horrific war. So young people out there should take the chance to appreciate the efforts of the past generations simultaneously a farewell to acting legends, Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson.

Movie Rating:

(An old fashioned love story that carries weight and affection)

Review by Linus Tee