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If they cannot escape, then it is their sworn duty to cause the enemy to use an inordinate number of troops to guard them.

# Review

Loosely based on the historical 1944 mass breakout from German prison camp Stalag Luft III, the film follows a motley crew of Allied prisoners as they plan an audacious prison break.

As with films like The Dirty Dozen, it's difficult to have proper character development with such a large ensemble cast. This film does do a great job with developing the main characters. For one, the characters all have very unique mannerisms and roles within the story which set them apart, and the film is long enough such that some of the characters' backstories and motivations get flushed out. Out of all of the cast, I particularly enjoyed Steve McQueen's very cool Hilts, a young Richard Attenborough's collected Bartlett, and James Garner's suave Hendley.

The story is very timeless and much of the wit and banter still hold up today.

# Conclusion

An entertaining film that has survived the test of time.

# Overall rating: 8.1

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