A Foreign Field (1993)

Two British WWII veterans (Alec Guinness, Leo McKern) meet an American veteran (John Randolph) when they make a pilgrimage to Normandy on the 50th anniversary of D Day. But they aren't alone. Others include the American's daughter (Geraldine Chaplin) and son in law (Edward Herrmann), a war widow (Lauren Bacall) and a former French prostitute (Jeanne Moreau). Directed by Charles Sturridge (BRIDESHEAD REVISITED), this starts out in what seems to be yet another "grumpy old men" comedy but it isn't long before it plunges into deeper depths and we discover what it's really about. The lingering after effects that war has on those who lived through it that can never be erased. Its dream cast are all in top form balancing humor and pathos in equal measures. This was a pet project of Guinness but it's not his show, it's an ensemble piece where everyone gets their chance to shine. It takes a bit to get its rhythm going but hang in there and you'll be amply rewarded.