Ike - Countdown to D-Day
Director: Robert HarmonStudio: Sony Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Running Time: 89 minutes
DVD Release: August 31st 2004
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DVD Review
Tom Selleck gives a restrained yet powerful performance as General Dwight D. Eisenhower in Ike: Countdown to D-Day. This made-for-cable feature focuses on the solemn, brilliant but plain-speaking Ike as he fine-tunes, over 90 days, tactical and political concerns involved with the Allies' imminent D-Day invasion of Normandy, i.e., America and Britain's long-awaited joint assault against Nazi-occupied Europe. A strong cast--James Remar as General Omar Bradley, Timothy Bottoms as Ike's assistant, Walter Bedell "Beetle" Smith--anchors the film's mesmerizing, blow-by-blow account of Eisenhower's leadership under the shadow of many uncertainties (predicting the weather for D-Day becomes a suspenseful refrain) and pressure from conflicting egos (Montgomery, DeGaulle, Patton). Ian Mune is a delight as a wary, darkly bemused Churchill, who encourages Ike's strategy of supreme leadership and low-key diplomacy. The script by Lionel Chetwynd (DC 9/11: Time of Crisis) captures the unbearable tension of commencing the invasion--and awaiting the results. --Tom Keogh
User Reviews
Indelible part of history that everyone should see - Rating: 5/5
*****
This entertaining film describes the contribution Eisenhower made to his country with D-Day, something many Americans (including myself) were unaware of. However, each of us should know what he did...and not only what he did, but what each Allied soldier did in giving their lives for us. I WISH that when I had been a high school or college student films like this had been available---accurate to history, but moving too. I cried through many places as I realized the sacrifices so many have made to preserve our freedoms.
Tom Selleck is exemplary---fabulous---as Eisenhower. He says that he plays Eisenhower as "truly an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances". Would that men like Eisenhower were alive today---I would hope this, wish this, but I doubt it. Tom Selleck's acting is stunning and the directing is equally impressive. This is a great movie!
This film makes history come alive in a vibrant way. If you are intersted in leadership, or history, or value your freedom, or want to be more grateful for your life...you will enjoy this film. If you simply wish to appreciate the sacrifices others made for you, you will also enjoy this film. If you want to understand the responsibilities and sacrifices of courageous leadership, this film will be of great benefit. If you have teenagers, get them to watch this. Upcoming generations who have no concept of what has been done for them will certainly benefit and even enjoy this movie. It truly does pay homage to "Our Greatest Generation"; now I truly understand why.
There is no violence or profanity. This is a movie suitable for children, especially children familiar with this historical period. There are no battle scenes. This is a film about leadership, courage, strength, sacrifice, moral values, confidence, and the humanness of the military.
If you are a Democrat, as I am, it will help you to understand war more in this context, as difficult as war is. This movie did this for me.
The special features are valuable, also; I will rewatch this movie again and again...it has spurred me on to read more about this time period in history...it is one of the few movies I will rewatch with the special features voiceover.
I would rate this movie 10 stars on Amazon if it were possible. I know that this is a rave review, but this is a film that exceeds the rave. See this film. You will fall asleep after watching it being able to put your problems into perspective when you see and understand what others before you dealt with at this time in history; it's worth it.
*****
A fascinating insight into contemporary WW2 history. - Rating: 4/5
This impressive film covers the time span of World War 2 up to the start of D-Day. Tom Selleck gives an outstanding performance in the role of General Eisenhower and the film accurately chronicles the dillema he faced, constantly, in making the tough decision to commit hundreds of thousands of men to an attack which could have resulted in substantially greater losses than history now documents. This is a definitive movie for those WW2 film buffs who prefer to see accuracy and attention to detail, in place of Hollywood glamour. Tom Selleck is supported by a great crowd of lesser known character actors who play their roles vividly, realistically and with feeling. The film was shot entirely in New Zealand and sets created with detailed accuracy - well revealed in the additional section on the DVD outlining how the movie was made. Most enjoyable viewing and well worthy of inclusion in any War film collection.
Ike - Rating: 5/5
I really enjoyed this film and its story of an ordinary man, rising to such heights to overcome in difficult times.
I found Tom Selleck to be on the mark and at the top of his craft in bringing forth a portrayal of the personal Eisenhower.
The use of collage stills to set the scene was extremely well done. The special features, including commentary and interview are informing and splendid.
I definitely give it a thumbs up.
What a hell of a job? - Rating: 4/5
What a hell of a job when you are the Supreme commander of all allied forces in Europe and that you must keep a balance and peace between two of your commanders, Patton and Montgomery, who hates themselves furiously, a French general, Charles de Gaulle, who is always thinking that France must have a predominant role in Europe and forces from other different countries like Canada, Australia, New Zeland and so on. What a hell of a job? So, if you are interested to be in the shoes of the Supreme commander, watch this movie. It is a very good one.
6 Emmy Nominations - Rating: 5/5
I didn't see this movie until a year ago when it ran on The History Channel, and was unprepared for its excellence. That it received 6 Emmy nominations offers ample proof of the way Selleck's peers saw his efforts.
I've read quite a bit on Ike from his own writings, to Kay Summersby's writing, to other biographies so I was not unfamiliar with background on either Eisenhower or D-Day. And I've been a fan of Tom Selleck for years not only for his adaptable abilities as an actor, but more down to earth that he is an ex-basketball player for U.S.C.
I was not prepared for how well Tom Selleck blended into the role of Ike, I didn't see Tom Selleck, I saw and heard Dwight Eisenhower. For me this is the role of Tom Selleck's life, just as Sean Connery was made for Bond, and Jeremy Brett for Holmes, Tom Selleck was destined to be Ike. I cannot believe anyone will ever improve on his portrayal of Ike.
So if you want a fairly factual movie on the countdown to D-Day when the lives of millions rested on what one man decided and willed, this is the movie for you.
Without any hesitation, nor reservation, I recommend this DVD.
