Inspired by the incredible true story of WWII Veteran and Royal Navy Officer Bernard Jordan, the biographical drama The Great Escaper sees Jordan immortalised on screen by Sir Michael Caine, retelling the story of how Jordan, at 89 years of age, escaped his nursing home in Sussex to embark on a journey to France for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
In what has been touted as his final film role, after announcing his retirement from acting, Sir Michael Caine stars alongside screen legend Glenda Jackson, in what was sadly her final film role after her passing not long after shooting. The combined royalty of British cinema on the screen brings to life a heartwarming love story between a husband and wife, of whom the characters themselves seem to be full of just as much wit and charm as Caine and Jackson.
The sweet romance between Bernie and his wife, Irene (or as she’s lovingly referred by those close to her, Rene) serves as the catalyst for Bernie to work up the courage to take his unexpected trip, as their war-time young love blossomed into a beautiful marriage built on respect and admiration for each other, along with a bit of loving banter for good measure. And that is abundant on screen through the lead performances from two actors who utilise their charm to make it impossible not to fall in love with their love.
But it’s when Bernie’s journey to France begins that the film begins to head into it’s darker, more emotionally impactful territory, as the unresolved PTSD from his time in the war begins to catch up with him as he revisits the places that 70 years ago held nothing but terror and violence before him.
The Great Escaper is a film that does a brilliant job of highlighting the horrors and repercussions of war that stay with soldiers’ decades after the bullets stop flying. Through fragmented and jolting flashbacks, Bernie’s re-experiencing of D-Day often give the audience just a small glimpse into what the young soldier experienced, but it’s the heartbreakingly nuanced and psychologically pained performance from Sir Michael Caine, who uses his eyes and facial expressions to do what a thousand words couldn’t, that truly showcases what it must’ve been like for Bernie Jordan to go on this journey.
And as the film goes on, and Bernie continues his journey, his story becomes one of healing as the interactions with soldiers from the UK, America, and in a truly beautiful scene, German soldiers who fought on the same beaches that fateful day 70 years earlier, allow Bernie to realise he is not alone in his torment and pain. A feeling that is heartbreaking to see him go through, but life-affirming to see him work through.
Throughout Bernie’s journey, the story goes back and forth to Irene back at the nursing home, who is struggling with her own health issues, and the quickly approaching acceptance of her mortality. While there are points in the film where the addition of these moments can make the pacing and structure feel slightly disjointed, it’s the investment into Irene as a character through the incredible performance of Glenda Jackson that makes those scenes worth their time.
The Great Escaper is a brilliant swan song for both Sir Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson, in roles that allow them to showcase their incredible acting range, from the charm, all the way to the tears. Bernie Jordan’s story in an inspiring tale of emotional healing, and one that can definitely be enjoyed by the whole family.
The Great Escaper is in Australian cinemas March 7, courtesy of Transmission Films.
