The Great Escaper (12A)

★★★✭ Glenda Jackson, in her final film before her sad passing, and Michael Caine, in what he suggests will be his last, are at their brilliant best in this old age charmer. ~ ManchesterTheatres.com

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In the summer of 2014, Bernard Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He had staged a great escape from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary.

It was a story that captured the imagination of the world as Bernie embodied the defiant, "can-do" spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing.

But of course, it wasn't the whole story. It was an inspirational but sanitised retelling of one man's need to come to terms with the lasting trauma of war.

Bernie's adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene (Glenda Jackson).

"The Great Escaper" celebrates their enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.

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★★★★★ If you're looking for a charmer, this is the film for you. Anyone who makes it to the end without something in their eye deserves a medal. ~ RTE.

★★★★ Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson exude ineffable class, as the two British icons bring a huge amount of joy to the heartwarming true story of Bernard Jordan, the 89-year-old veteran who snuck off to attend the 70th anniversary of D-day. ~ The Guardian.

★★★★ ~ Irish Independent.

★★★★ ~ The Telegraph.

★★★★ ~ The Times.

★★★★ ~ Time Out.

★★★★ ~ Empire.