Summary

CAST & CREW

As films go Escape to Victory isn't as bad as people think. It was directed by John Huston, a legend of the screen. The performances given by the actors weren't half baked, Michael Caine fits almost too well into the mould of Captain John Colby, a working class footballer, who due to the war joins the army and who obviously has risen through the ranks, Max Von Sydow is perfect for the role of the compassionate German Von Steiner, whose first passion is obviously the football. Even Stallone's performance, regardless of my own opinions that the character wasn't needed, is alright.
A lot is made about the similarities with the Great Escape. While I couldn't honestly say that they wern't intentional, some points probably couldn't be avoided, most of the action takes place in a P.O.W camp for example. What I can say is that this is not just some rehashed remake of the Great Escape as anyone who had watched both could attest.
Another point that many people seem to ridicule is footballers trying to act. What do you expect? They were proffessional and ex-professional players not actors, and to be honest they actually don't do half bad, Pele takes to his role with ease, and while some of the lines they have to say aren't exactly acadamy award winning material, I would point you to the scene at half time, which was mainly improvised, and you can seee how the likes of Mike Summerbee and Russel Osman are enjoying themsleves.
Yes it's a prisoner of war film, and yes it's about football, its also one of the best feel good films ever, true the script isn't the best, but how many chances do you get to see Bobby Moore, Ossie Ardiles, Pele, and Michael Caine(a true British icon) play in a game of footy together, and tell me that the Pele goal isn't a brilliant moment.
Truely it is a film that would make the shortlist of a blokes night in top flicks, like I've always said, ya mates round, a few beers, and a bit of nazi bashing, and a Pele overhead kick to finish off. A classic by any football fans standards, and even Americans love it, and you know their views on "Soccer"!
Anyway the film I feel is well deserving of a re-release in the U.K. It's sharp, funny, but serious in places that matter, and I don't think I'm spoiling it too much by saying you feel happy they escape at the end. And what about that pele goal.......

VICTORY PETITION TO GET FILM RELEASED ON DVD AND VIDEO IN U.K. AND EUROPE

I've started on this page a petition to get the film re-released in Great Britain and europe. If you would like your name added to the list then just fill in the form and I'll add it to the growing list
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"Here's To Victory"