Coburn gives one of his finest performances as the hardened veteran Sgt. Steiner in this most anti-authoritarian of war films. It is not anti-war, for Peckinpah is ambivalent toward war, convinced of its chaos and cruelty but also certain that chaos and cruelty--though they may kill--make both courage and comradeship possible. (That Peckinpah's art thrived on chaos and cruelty further complicates matters). Fans of "The Wild Bunch" and "Pat Garret" will find much here to admire.

Consistently inconsistent.

Despite its many flaws, this is probably my favorite WWII movie.

Tough, violent and thoughfull War film which does not have heroes or bad guys. Rare take on the german side of the army during WW2, but could be set to any army anywhere. Story of greed, vanity and the utterly pointlessness of war itself.

Shows war in a different light and constructs its themes well.

Good movie but like The WIld Bunch this is a bit dull and overlong but it does contain some of Director Sam peckinpah's trademark types of action which really helps spur things along a bit.

Peckinpah has been over this ground before, notably in Major Dundee and in his script for The Glory Guys; but in his main argument, as well as in his protracted action scenes, he seems here like someone who's trying to recall a tune, and can't quite get it. His good moments are as occasional as Coburn's German accent.

Hypnotic masculine desperation. Carnal somehow anti-film. 'Filmed in Yugoslavia with money put up by a West German porn producer. '

Proof that Peckinpah wasn't the violence-loving, sexistic, homophobic, reactionary chauvinist he's often regarded as.

Very good war film with a good performance by James Coburn. Like most of Peckinpah's films the action is all there using his slow motion action technique. I didn't love the ending, but it could have been worse (personally I would have loved to see Schell eat bullets).

Presenting things from the Nazi perspective proved to be an inspired choice as it allows Peckinpah to explore a variety of ideas and situations that would otherwise not work. The editing is fantastic, but just as important is Coburn's complex performance, which gives the viewer an anchor who is neither despicable nor admirable. Some great set pieces and an exceptional finale really make this stand out.

The editing is rapid and impulsive, capturing the turmoil and obfuscation of war. But on a note it can be distracting. It really does show the results of modern warfare. My only complaint is the actors. They are intrinsically discrepant as soldiers, as they are not German. A good film overall.

Most of the cast forgets they're German halfway through

Peckinpah does a WW2 war film from the Germans' POV. Groovy.

Disappointing. In terms of battle scenes, better-funded war movies have long since outdone this, and it doesn't seem all that special anymore. But what should have had staying power - the narrative content - is vague and confused and the dialogues are nothing to write home about.

A good war film. The chaotic and gritty editing works most of the time, but can also be a distraction. I also hated how every single actor looked, sounded and acted British when they were supposed to be German. Great battle scenes, sets and action, and a few interesting parts really save this film.

Excellent war film.

A very under rated and overlooked war film. Excellent battle scenes.