long dong's bootleg DVD review: Sword Of Honour

[justashooter 430]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0273021/

this 2001 made for TV four hour film follows the travails of a wealthy man who attempts to "get into the action" in 1939. his genuine desire to make a difference in those troubling times is met with scepticism by his peers, who, in contrast, seek flashy uniforms and cushy appointments.

the first 2 hours of the film include little real action. rather, the focus in the beginning of the film is on the lifestyles of the rich in time of war. lots of training and a comedy of errors in insignificant sorties, overplayed in the press.

the second segment focuses on the reality of war. in action on crete, heros and cowards show their true colors."Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' 'Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?' But it's 'Thin red line of 'eroes' when the drums begin to roll."

two moments in the film stand out quite clearly. in the first segment a commando group makes a reconnisance raid on a north african beach. a crazy brigadier who has hidden himself among the regulars brings back a trophy of an unusual sort, by the hair. in the second segment, an officer who does not deserve the respect he demands is dealt with in regular army fashion.

war is hell, interspersed with moments of madness.