Patton (1970)

Sound: Excellent environmental sound. Great use of the fanfare orchestral theme. 85/100 Technical: Very good use of montage editing emphasizing character. Excellent reenactment of the war. High quality cinematography. 90/100 Narrative: Great use of the opening monologue to set up our protagonist. Presented the historical facts well, the inaccuracies seemed minor. I have read "A Soldiers Story" by Omar Bradley and found the film made the tension between Patton and Bradley not as strong as is really was but is still was there in the film. The story arcs well; we see Patton rise, fall, rise again and retire. Good use of companion story from the German perspective also. 90/100 Acting/Character: High quality portrayal of Patton and Bradley. We see some of the tension between Patton and Bradley but more is placed between Patton and Montgomery. 95/100 Did I enjoy it: Yes, a great deal. I was kept attentive with what Patton was going to say or do next. 100/100 Artistic merit: The opening monologue is the most iconic piece of this film; added to a well crafted film give it it's power 85/100 Total score 90.8/100

It really doesn't get any better than this one, for realism, casting, set, costumes, scenery..........and all based on a true story. I can see why Scott won Best Actor and the film won BEST MOVIE. Epic movie in all aspects. Every person should watch this movie...... to see what the troops of England and the USA went through during WWII. My father fought in the Ardens during the Battle of the Bulge and he said the scene when Patton was marching up to get the 101st, with the heavy snow in the trees and the 88's blasting the tops of the trees off, took him right back to the heavy fighting where he was severely wounded. It was that realistic. "Patton" is one of my favorite WWII movies and a possible stopping point if it comes up in my "Recommendations" when surfing. This has a little bit of everything going for it, including great acting (Carl Malden and George C. Scott), historically accurate feel, a good bit of drama, and even some humor. "Patton" is one of the best and most honored war films of all time. (8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, 1970.)

The story of the infamous WW2 American general George S. Patton is given the Hollywood epic treatment in this lengthy but compelling biopic directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, who had just come off the back of making PLANET OF THE APES so was clearly on a roll. PATTON tells an unhurried tale charting Patton's battles staged in Sicily from his base in North Africa, depicting how his rivalry with British forces led him to the greatest of success.From this point on the man's infamously prickly character gets him into trouble with his superiors and later his ultimate superior, and the rest of the film follows various trials and tribulations in a tale filled with highs and lows. George C. Scott was one of Hollywood's most uncompromising actors and he truly gives the role his all here, so much so that he becomes synonymous with the character he plays. Also most impressive is the staging of the battle scenes, which are gritty and authentic and look fantastic, with every dollar of the budget put up on screen for the viewer's enjoyment. The supporting cast don't get much of a look in, but the likes of Karl Malden serve well enough in their parts.

As someone who is planning on enlisting in the armed forces I wanted to get an understanding on just who Patton was. Sure I could see any sort of documentary that talks about him but it wouldn't have had that same impact I felt after seeing this movie. George C. Scott does an amazing job of portraying Patton as who he is. A man that loves the smells and tastes of war. Each scene is as memorable as the last. The opening scene in particular where Patton gives his speech is one where I feel I am in the audience actually listening to. I feel a part of the drama and the action. If you are a World War 2 or history buff you're doing yourself a disservice by not seeing this film. Cause god dam was it good.