Wow. Take a fabulous array of talent, Jeanne Moreau, Edward Herrmann, Geraldine Chaplin, Lauren Bacall, Sir Alec Guinness, John Randolph and, of course, Leo McKern, add a touching but not maudlin setting, Normandy, the site of the D Day landing, throw in a great script about vets returning there after 50 years, a couple of which are searching for a lost love of their youth, mix it up with some delightful situations and confrontations and you got it. What a fabulous film. Everything works. There's not a wasted scene anywhere and it ends with a wonderful twist of sentiment that is anything but sentimental. All in all, this is a great tribute to the tremendous. These wonderful veteran actors work off each other and produce a monumental work that is touching, witty, poignant and memorable. This is just a fantastic film and one I hated to see end. The actors are fantastic and the two mature beautiful ladies compliment the younger Chaplin in a fantastic way.
16 Reviews
A real delight, funny, touching, meaningful
interactbiz31 March 2010
Wow, what a cast of masters. Looking at the user ratings, I note that younger folks rate the film a little lower than older people. It is sad if some young people are not touched by this piece of history.
David Niven, usually a ready raconteur, explained (see IMDb bio) why he never talked of his WWII experiences, "I was asked by some American friends to search out the grave of their son near Bastogne. I found it where they told me I would, but it was among 27,000 others, and I told myself that here, Niven, were 27,000 reasons why you should keep your mouth shut after the war."
Alec Guinness could could probably play a statue and do it well. Here, he barely utters a sound and performs wonderfully. Leo McKern plays a Rumpole like character, radiating goodness from within a crusty skin. Character actor John Randolph fits perfectly as the American GI returning to remember Normandy. The other lead roles are faultlessly cast with two magnificent veterans, Jeanne Moreau and Lauren Bacall as well as Geraldine Page. A true A list group of actors.
Writer Roy Clark has done countless hours of comedy, nearly always with gentleness and dignity. This is among his best work.
David Niven, usually a ready raconteur, explained (see IMDb bio) why he never talked of his WWII experiences, "I was asked by some American friends to search out the grave of their son near Bastogne. I found it where they told me I would, but it was among 27,000 others, and I told myself that here, Niven, were 27,000 reasons why you should keep your mouth shut after the war."
Alec Guinness could could probably play a statue and do it well. Here, he barely utters a sound and performs wonderfully. Leo McKern plays a Rumpole like character, radiating goodness from within a crusty skin. Character actor John Randolph fits perfectly as the American GI returning to remember Normandy. The other lead roles are faultlessly cast with two magnificent veterans, Jeanne Moreau and Lauren Bacall as well as Geraldine Page. A true A list group of actors.
Writer Roy Clark has done countless hours of comedy, nearly always with gentleness and dignity. This is among his best work.
Emotional reaction guaranteed
Morph 2K26 August 2000
I first saw this when it aired on television, over here in England, with a rather muted fanfare. We were politely made aware that it was to be shown and (the trailer was very gentlemanly) the viewer should watch the film, should you so wish.
I did. Guinness, McKern, Moreau and Bacall tempted me. At first, and I dread to say this, the double act of McKern and the character Guinness played made me think this was going to simply be a comic treat. I was wrong, but that isn't to say that the humour doesn't hit the mark every single time. The script draws you in and strips away, delicately, your defences and you laugh with the characters in such a way that the little tragedies that begin to appear have you feel something very real, in that special place you have deep inside that is normally reserved for close family and friends.
In the end I was, and still do ever since (no matter how hard I sometimes think I'll try not to), end up watching the credits with tears streaming down my face and smiling through them at a little, beautifully placed jam jar.
I did. Guinness, McKern, Moreau and Bacall tempted me. At first, and I dread to say this, the double act of McKern and the character Guinness played made me think this was going to simply be a comic treat. I was wrong, but that isn't to say that the humour doesn't hit the mark every single time. The script draws you in and strips away, delicately, your defences and you laugh with the characters in such a way that the little tragedies that begin to appear have you feel something very real, in that special place you have deep inside that is normally reserved for close family and friends.
In the end I was, and still do ever since (no matter how hard I sometimes think I'll try not to), end up watching the credits with tears streaming down my face and smiling through them at a little, beautifully placed jam jar.
Not a war film, but a great film about war.
dpenzel17 May 2005
"A Foreign Field" is an odd film in many ways. It is a film about war, but not a war film. It has a touching, brilliant performance by Sir Alec Guiness, but nearly a silent one. It has a cast of stars, solid actors all, but not a bit of glamor. It is the story of elderly veterans returning to Normandy for the 50th anniversary of D-Day. It is told with humor and pathos, with wit, subtlety and with an unsparing and unsentimental eye for the flaws of real human beings. There is a bit of a twist ending, but neither shocking nor entirely unguessable. My father, a veteran of many invasions, cried when he saw it. That is a greater tribute to this film than anything I can say about it.
One of the finest films of all time
smokehill16 December 2000
Without a doubt one of the finest and most under-viewed films ever made. I haven't seen it in over four years, but still get misty-eyed when recalling it -- particularly Alec Guinness' flawless, delicate little performance.
It should be required viewing. It's not bombastic like Citizen Kane, nor groundbreaking like Birth of a Nation. It's just theater at its absolute finest.
It should be required viewing. It's not bombastic like Citizen Kane, nor groundbreaking like Birth of a Nation. It's just theater at its absolute finest.
From tears of hilarity to tears of pathos
Paulustrious17 September 1999
A truly beautiful little film. The acting is English, restrained and pure character. It starts as a comedy with delightful badinage between the American and English World War II vets. The dialog is sharp, incisive. You think this will be just another clever amusing story. Then, in the second half, we are catapulted into one of the saddest stories as the details of their pasts and the tragedies of war are gently revealed.
Do not expect guns, bodies and fights - but do expect tears. This film has remained etched in my memory for years.
Do not expect guns, bodies and fights - but do expect tears. This film has remained etched in my memory for years.
The best tribute to those who fought in WWII
u04agf15 March 2000
Probably the greatest tribute to those who died and those who survived, touching on the aspects of loyalty and camaraderie. A great tribute, and perhaps the best way to see WWII veterans as they were - ordinary men doing an extraordinary job. Probably the greatest film I've ever seen, with an excellent cast who compliment each other extremely well.
sweet, sad, humane
merlin-10522 May 2004
We were discussing the other day which classic movie scenes would inevitably bring tears to our eyes, even after numerous viewings. The film that immediately came to my mind was A Foreign Field. There is a moment towards the end where the late, great Guinness makes a small gesture and puts so much meaning and soul into it, it's impossible not to be moved -- if you have a heart, that is, and a memory of WWII, or at least some imagination of what it meant to those who survived it.
That said, there are also some really funny parts, and Geraldine Chaplin and Jeanne Moreau in particular are wickedly funny. A lovely movie.
That said, there are also some really funny parts, and Geraldine Chaplin and Jeanne Moreau in particular are wickedly funny. A lovely movie.
A Foreign Field
speedbird747-112 July 2006
I subscribe to netflix and rented A Foreign Field from them. As a Brit now living and working in Florida I knew the movie would probably be good as it was a BBC production. What a great movie, one of the best I've seen for a long time. I just wish my father could have watched it with me, unfortunately he passed away a few years ago. Dad was a WWII vet and told us many "a war story" as he put it when we were kids.
I rate this film on par with 'Das Boot'- 'Paths of Glory'-'Bridge On The River Kwai' as a statement on the absurdity of war. Thank you BBC for a very memorable and moving movie experience.
Gordon Archer
I rate this film on par with 'Das Boot'- 'Paths of Glory'-'Bridge On The River Kwai' as a statement on the absurdity of war. Thank you BBC for a very memorable and moving movie experience.
Gordon Archer
Not Everything I Dreamed It Would Be
gavin694217 September 2013
Veterans return to Normandie on the 50th anniversary of D Day for their own special and poignant reasons, among them two looking for an old love who turns out to the same woman for both.
What really sells this film is the excellent cast, consisting of (but not limited to) Alec Guinness, Lauren Bacall, Geraldine Chaplin. Guinness was apparently also the one who set the project up, so he deserves more than a little credit.
While I liked the movie, it really comes down to the faces. If it had been a cast of no-names, I might not have had much interest at all. The overall direction and plot are adequate but nothing out of the ordinary from what you might find on the Lifetime channel.
What really sells this film is the excellent cast, consisting of (but not limited to) Alec Guinness, Lauren Bacall, Geraldine Chaplin. Guinness was apparently also the one who set the project up, so he deserves more than a little credit.
While I liked the movie, it really comes down to the faces. If it had been a cast of no-names, I might not have had much interest at all. The overall direction and plot are adequate but nothing out of the ordinary from what you might find on the Lifetime channel.
Loss of youth, tragedy of war, lost love, loyalty and finding peace
buzzdav428 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I visited Normany, all along the coast on D-Day, 2000, culminating in a walk through the Omaha Beach cemetery seen in "...Pvt. Ryan." I saw hundreds of sweet old vets...Allied and Axis...resplendent in their ribbons and old uniforms, toasting each other in small villages. It was among the most powerful experiences in my life (my dad, a WWII ETO vet, had recently died).
This movie is equally stirring, and I defy anyone with half a heart to ever hear "Lili Marlene" again without shedding tears. Lauren Bacall, hitherto seen mostly hanging on Bogey's arm or chasing a rich husband, steps away from her glamor roles and plays an honest and sympathetic woman. Guinness, as usual, absolutely becomes his character, unafraid to assume the "challenged" persona of a simple, loyal but damaged veteran. Leo McKern moved beyond his grumpy barrister role from TV, exhibiting a depth and humanity that surprised me. I saw this movie on PBS once and never forgot it; I am happy to see it mentioned here.
I recommend this movie without reservation. It may even be meaningful for teens, especially with a discussion afterwords. For those of us with some years of experience, it's a triumph.
This movie is equally stirring, and I defy anyone with half a heart to ever hear "Lili Marlene" again without shedding tears. Lauren Bacall, hitherto seen mostly hanging on Bogey's arm or chasing a rich husband, steps away from her glamor roles and plays an honest and sympathetic woman. Guinness, as usual, absolutely becomes his character, unafraid to assume the "challenged" persona of a simple, loyal but damaged veteran. Leo McKern moved beyond his grumpy barrister role from TV, exhibiting a depth and humanity that surprised me. I saw this movie on PBS once and never forgot it; I am happy to see it mentioned here.
I recommend this movie without reservation. It may even be meaningful for teens, especially with a discussion afterwords. For those of us with some years of experience, it's a triumph.
A beautiful, gentle story of terrible times
dannimac9 September 2007
Although made by the BBC, frustratingly this hasn't been released on DVD in the UK and strangely never repeated on the BBC. A story of ordinary veterans returning to the scene of extraordinary events that had a lasting effect on their lives. All seven leads play their roles fantastically well but undoubtedly the star is Alec Guinness with a six word performance that mesmerises. It is very British in it's restraint and of course excels at pathos. I'm not a crier but I find it hard not to let a tear or six escape while watching this. Never was a jam jar put to better use. Now for god's sake, BBC, release it on DVD in the UK!
Funny, moving, and brilliant
jameslouder26 November 2005
The setting is Normandy, where a group of D-Day veterans, two British and one American, are returning for the 50th anniversary of the invasion. This is a movie for anyone who loves to watch great acting, with an all-star cast playing seemingly ordinary people, each with his or her own extraordinary spark. The late, great Sir Alec Guiness, whose career was made largely on his impeccable gift of speech, here plays a man practically mute. Leo McKern, of "Rumpole" fame, incarnates a crusty old Brit with his inimitable sparkle and complexity. Lauren Bacall plays her part with understated grace, her aged but still vivid beauty enhancing the enigma of her presence in this group--a little mystery that is revealed in the poignant final scene. Jeanne Moreau plays an elderly floozy whose wartime favours still bulk understandably large in the fond memories of these old men. The high point of film for me was her singing of "La Vie en Rose" in the middle of a crowded restaurant--unforgettable!
The Greatest Generation Renews Their Greatness
bkoganbing26 November 2008
One year shy of the Fiftieth Anniversary of D-Day, the BBC produced this touching film of people of the World War II generation going to Normandy to pay tribute to fallen comrades. Among the travelers are Leo McKern and Alec Guinness from Great Britain, John Randolph and his daughter and son-in-law Geraldine Chaplin and Edward Herrmann. A woman in their age bracket, Lauren Bacall, is also there to pay a visit to her brother's grave.
McKern's got some other reasons for the trip. It seems as though he was wounded and given some real tender loving care by a French woman at the time. Wouldn't you know it John Randolph is looking for the same person and they find her together and Jeanne Moreau plays her.
There's a lot of ideological and nationalist differences that separate these people now. But they have shared bonds from the World War II experience that can never be severed.
Guinness's character is especially interesting. He's been rendered almost mute and childlike by his experience and McKern is totally devoted to him. Watching his mannerisms and gestures I would say that if Guinness had been playing the role for comedy, he reminds me of the childlike innocence of Stan Laurel.
The whole film was shot by the BBC in and around Normandy. It's a simple story about courage and devotion that gives work to an older generation of players who sometimes don't get good roles. No one has anything to complain about here.
McKern's got some other reasons for the trip. It seems as though he was wounded and given some real tender loving care by a French woman at the time. Wouldn't you know it John Randolph is looking for the same person and they find her together and Jeanne Moreau plays her.
There's a lot of ideological and nationalist differences that separate these people now. But they have shared bonds from the World War II experience that can never be severed.
Guinness's character is especially interesting. He's been rendered almost mute and childlike by his experience and McKern is totally devoted to him. Watching his mannerisms and gestures I would say that if Guinness had been playing the role for comedy, he reminds me of the childlike innocence of Stan Laurel.
The whole film was shot by the BBC in and around Normandy. It's a simple story about courage and devotion that gives work to an older generation of players who sometimes don't get good roles. No one has anything to complain about here.
One of the greatest dramas of all time.
Sleepin_Dragon18 March 2024
A group of Veterans arrive in Normandy to commemorate The 50th a anniversary of D Day, two ex soldiers, one British, one American are both looking for their wartime romance, unfortunately it's the same woman.
What can I say that hasn't been said before, one of those dramas, that beats any cinema release. Compelling, funny, moving, a time where nobody else made dramas like The BBC.
When I'm asked to detail my favourite dramas, this is always in the mix, it genuinely doesn't get any better than this.
There are so many incredible scenes, the pilgrimage, the scene in the shop, and of course there's that alone chilling moment where we learn Amos's story, I was genuinely choked.
Roy Clarke, or Keeping up Appearances and Last of The Summer Wine game, who'd have thought he'd pen something so utterly compelling.
Whenever you see the name Alec Guinness in the opening credits of anything, you know what to expect, and true enough he is phenomenal, but the supporting cast of Leo McKern, Lauren Bacall, Geraldine Chaplin, Jeanne Moreau, John Randolph and Edward Herrmann, all are sublime. Sorry it's an exhaustive list, but all deserve a mention.
Sublime drama. How about a commercial release of The Screen one series?
10/10.
What can I say that hasn't been said before, one of those dramas, that beats any cinema release. Compelling, funny, moving, a time where nobody else made dramas like The BBC.
When I'm asked to detail my favourite dramas, this is always in the mix, it genuinely doesn't get any better than this.
There are so many incredible scenes, the pilgrimage, the scene in the shop, and of course there's that alone chilling moment where we learn Amos's story, I was genuinely choked.
Roy Clarke, or Keeping up Appearances and Last of The Summer Wine game, who'd have thought he'd pen something so utterly compelling.
Whenever you see the name Alec Guinness in the opening credits of anything, you know what to expect, and true enough he is phenomenal, but the supporting cast of Leo McKern, Lauren Bacall, Geraldine Chaplin, Jeanne Moreau, John Randolph and Edward Herrmann, all are sublime. Sorry it's an exhaustive list, but all deserve a mention.
Sublime drama. How about a commercial release of The Screen one series?
10/10.
Humor and heartbreak in a touching emotional post WW2 film
dhdallas11 October 2023
My father was a 19 year old combat engineer with the 1st wave on Omaha Beach and was awarded the French Legion of Honor for bravery. I accompanied him in 1999 to Normandy for the 55th D-Day anniversary. I saw many veterans touching the white crosses of lost comrades, my father touching the names of his 2 best friends on a memorial and men collecting small jars of sand from where they landed. This film captured those feelings & moments perfectly.
Alec Guinness should have won every award possible for his portrayal of Amos. As far as I am concerned, it was his best acting performance ever and doubly amazing in that it was all body language & facial expressions. The bond between Amos & Cyril was so touching it made my eyes water.
I left my father alone to talk privately with other veterans, just as only Cyril & Waldo could know what the invasion was really like. We who were not a part of it can never comprehend the emotions & lifelong imprint that day had on its participants.
We also visited a German Cemetery and my father sat next to a German ex soldier. I was not privy to their conversation as they talked quietly & shook hands when they parted. The visit to Lisa's brother's grave brought back those memories & was yet another very emotional scene well written & acted.
This film is one of the best (if not the best) post WW2 films ever made & also probably the least known of them. All the actors were fantastic, the script & direction superb and I defy anyone to watch this and not tear up at the ending. This is a film that will long remain in my memory and in my heart. My heartfelt thanks go out to those who made it possible.
Alec Guinness should have won every award possible for his portrayal of Amos. As far as I am concerned, it was his best acting performance ever and doubly amazing in that it was all body language & facial expressions. The bond between Amos & Cyril was so touching it made my eyes water.
I left my father alone to talk privately with other veterans, just as only Cyril & Waldo could know what the invasion was really like. We who were not a part of it can never comprehend the emotions & lifelong imprint that day had on its participants.
We also visited a German Cemetery and my father sat next to a German ex soldier. I was not privy to their conversation as they talked quietly & shook hands when they parted. The visit to Lisa's brother's grave brought back those memories & was yet another very emotional scene well written & acted.
This film is one of the best (if not the best) post WW2 films ever made & also probably the least known of them. All the actors were fantastic, the script & direction superb and I defy anyone to watch this and not tear up at the ending. This is a film that will long remain in my memory and in my heart. My heartfelt thanks go out to those who made it possible.
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