Patton [Blu-ray]
Starring: Peter Barkworth, John Barrie, Michael Bates, David Bauer, Edward BinnsStudio: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
Running Time: 172 minutes
DVD Release: June 3rd 2008
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DVD Review
A critically acclaimed film that won a total of eight 1970 Academy Awards (Including Best Picture), Patton is a riveting portrait of one of the 20th century's greatest military geniuses. One of it's Oscars went to George Patton, the only Allied general truly feared by the Nazis. Charismatic and Flamboyant, Patton designed his own uniforms, sported ivory-handled six-shooters, and believed he was a warrior in past lives. He outmanuevered Rommel in Africa, and after D-Day led his troops in an unstoppable campaign across Europe. But he was rebellious as well insight and poignancy, his own volatile personailty was one enemy he could never defeat.
User Reviews
"Dear God but I do love it so, I love it more than my life" - Rating: 5/5
What a truly excellent film! I remember seeing 'Patton' some years ago and being struck by how great it was. The movie inspired me to read as much material on General George S. Patton as I could. Patton the man and the film our two of my favorite things.
George C. Scott really had the role of a lifetime here. He does not fumble the opportunity. He nails the part to perfection. One of the only differences between the two men was that Patton had a higher pitched voice. As his biographer Carlo D'Este once said, "Patton would have loved to have a voice like George C. Scott's." Scott's Patton is funny, mean, tough, fair, and moving. His portrayal of Patton's rage at the battle fatigued soldier is excellently played as is his stunned reaction at being put in the doghouse. His admission for his love of war over a smoking battlefield is a classic. Scott is great and he carries the picture. Karl Malden is a good foil for Patton as the legendary Omar Bradley. His Bradley seemed to me to be a little nicer than the actual Bradley was but it works for the movie. Oddly, Eisenhower is not depicted in the movie but his presence is felt throughout.
You are riveted by this film from the beginning to the end. The entrance of Scott at the opening of the movie is one of the great introductions to a movie character in all of cinema.
The DVD contains good picture and sound plus some interesting documentaries especially the 'History vs. Hollywood' that explains some of the creative licenses that were taken in the film.
Highly recommended!
excellent history and story line... - Rating: 5/5
For the younger set, it is a fine chronicle of our times, and a great viewpoint of a great man.
Patton - Rating: 5/5
I had seen this movie before and knew it to be a great one. Through a conversation with a friend I realized this was a movie I wanted to own and did not have.
While the movie itself probably glorifies Patton, George C Scott is unforgettable as Patton and the whole movie takes on its' own movement and life.
Highly recommended!
Great Movie (Wish It Was More Accurate) - Rating: 3/5
Great movie but Hollywood needs to be more accurate instead of altering the facts or removing them. Shame on Hollywood.
All Glory is Fleeting - Rating: 3/5
The film begins with a huge 48 star flag and the general saluting. He wears many rings and medals, and two ivory-handled revolvers. He gives a speech on the need for winning. "America will never lose a war." [Was this from an actual speech?] They show North Africa, the Kasserine Pass in 1943 Tunisia. People scrounge for goods among the battlefield. Major General Bradley looks over the area to check the reports. He needs a tough tank commander to do better. Patton arrives to inspect the soldiers. The American forces had inferior equipment (no mention of less experience). Patton plans on more discipline for the soldiers.
An air attack provides drama. Where is the air cover? A message tells of a planned attack by Rommel. [The British broke the German code and could plan ahead.] The Americans dig in to await the attack. [No air cover? The battle scene is staged to minimize the number of actors.] The Americans and British win. Where will they attack next? Patton has a plan to take Palermo in a flanking attack. He offers his respects to the Cardinal (he knows politics). Patton wants another behind enemy lines so he can capture Messina first. Later he visits an Army hospital and slaps a patient who appears to be unwounded. [In fact that soldier was suffering from malaria.] The Allies parade through Messina. Ike orders Patton to apologize for slapping a soldier; he does so.
In Corsica Patton pays tribute to the Free French forces under Generals De Gaulle and Le Clerc. Ike has to fight the enemy and keep the allies together. Patton will take part in a deception designed to draw German forces to the Pas de Calais. Did he insult our Russian allies? [Are there forces out to get Patton?] Patton is given command of the 3rd Army for a flanking attack. Bradley explains the strategy to Patton the target is the rockets launched against London. Patton notices the use of carts by the Germans, the end is near. [A shortage of oil and gasoline.] The Battle of the Bulge halts their advance. Patton's forces race to Bastogne to attack the enemy. Will prayer help? Clear weather brings air cover. Patton is cool at a victory celebration. What will he say? Does he guard his tongue? Is he out of his mind? [Did somebody think he outlived his usefulness?] "All glory is fleeting."
After four decades I note how this film is padded to fill out its three hours. This is one film that isn't as impressive as when first seen. Did this film try to improve Patton's image? George C. Scott refused to accept his award for this film. Scott later starred in a sequel that provided another view of Patton but it wasn't as successful. People like a movie with a happy ending that makes them feel good. Your opinion may vary. This film glides over Patton's reactionary politics and presents him as a colorful character. What other general ever slapped a patient in a hospital? Could he have been suffering from some disease?
