The Great Escaper (2023)

The true story of a WWII Royal Navy veteran (Michael Caine) who "breaks out" of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France in June 2014. Directed by Oliver Parker (THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST), this is a lovely film. It's the final film of Glenda Jackson (who passed away last year), who plays Caine's wife and Michael Caine, who has retired from acting. While it would have been nice to have a stronger swan song for two of Britain's greatest film actors, the film and their performances are nothing to be ashamed about. Watching the movie, it's sometimes difficult to separate the great actors from the roles they're playing. The film is about closure, how war affects those who serve, how the experience never leaves them. It's also one of the best geriatric love stories I've seen. Caine and Jackson are strong actors and they don't pander to their elderly characters, these aren't "cute" little old people, they're vital survivors. There's a moving scene where Caine and a German veteran meet 70 years after a battle where they fought against each other. There are some flashbacks that feel like padding at first but there's an eventual powerful payoff. With Will Fletcher and Laura Marcus, very good as the young Caine and Jackson. Also with John Standing and Danielle Vitalis.