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The Great Escaper

Play trailer Poster for The Great Escaper 2023 1h 36m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 42 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
In the summer of 2014 -- the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings -- octogenarian Bernie Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He'd staged a "great escape" from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world -- Bernie seemed to embody the defiant, "can-do" spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. But of course, it wasn’t the whole story. It was the story we all tell ourselves to make war and old age bearable. The bitter-sweet script explores the reality with wit and a very big heart. Bernie's adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Irene (Glenda Jackson) -- the story celebrates their love without sentimentality and with an eye to the lessons we can all learn from the Greatest Generation.
The Great Escaper

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Sweet without straying into sentimentality, The Great Escaper gains added resonance thanks to a pair of stellar performances from Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson.

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Critics Reviews

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Nick Schager The Daily Beast Nov 23
If its melodrama is unabashedly manipulative, it’s not altogether ineffective at eliciting waterworks. Go to Full Review
Robert Lloyd Los Angeles Times Nov 21
Jackson and Caine wear their years proudly; there’s no vanity in their performance or their appearance. The couple’s eventual reunion is deep and real and, like their whole relationship, gorgeously ordinary. Go to Full Review
Barry Hertz Globe and Mail 05/30/2024
While not remotely the best project of either Caine or Jackson’s career -- it wouldn’t crack the Top 10 -- the film is a slight but sweet ode to a particular flavour of Britannia that will leave its target audience in sentimental shambles. Go to Full Review
Todd Jorgenson Cinemalogue Nov 21
An esteemed cast helps this bittersweet drama about healing, reconciliation, mortality, and the lasting emotional trauma of war from drifting into heavy-handed sentimentality. Go to Full Review
Francesca Steele iNews.co.uk 12/11/2024
3/5
Jackson is rambunctious without it ever feeling like the film is patronising Rene. Go to Full Review
Blai Morell Fotogramas 11/08/2024
3/5
But... why do you want more when you have two acting beasts sharing that last cinematic journey together? [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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spoko s @spoko 3d There are a couple of strong performances—Michael Caine and especially Glenda Jackson—but not much else. The relationship between Bernie and Rene is the only thing with any weight, and that’s mostly carried by Jackson, who finds some quiet depth in a role that barely gets screen time. There are head-fakes toward some larger meaning—e.g., veterans from both sides having a drink together—but they pass by without consequence. Really, it feels like the filmmakers assume the subject matter is enough on its own. "People die in war" isn’t much of a message, though. Bernie & Rene’s relationship has some real charm, though, so there’s that. See more Paul S Nov 24 This is one of the sweetest and most heartwarming movies I've ever seen. The story was incredible, and the cast's performances were beautiful. I definitely recommend it for romance, drama, and history fans! This is the first movie I've watched with Glenda Jackson, and she was incredible. Her talent will sorely be missed. See more Nov 24 Moving & inspirational. Highly recommended. See more George L. F Nov 24 Absolutely amazing movie. By the end I guarantee you will be in tears. See more Glafira Regina O @Glafira_Regina Aug 3 If 90-year-old Sir Michael Caine does indeed retire after this film—based on a true story—as he recently promised, then he’s certainly going out on a high note. Yes, the story is simple, but this film doesn’t aim to impress with flashy artistic twists or a convoluted plot. It moves the audience through its heartfelt tone, lyrical melancholy, warmth, and stellar acting performances. Visually, the film is beautifully shot and pleasing to the eye. Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson (who sadly passed away this year, just months before the premiere) are both wonderful and incredibly harmonious. They truly feel like a couple who’ve spent decades together. With just their eyes, they stir up a storm of emotion—but Caine undoubtedly leads the way here, delivering moments of emotional catharsis that bring tears to the eyes. Over its 90-minute runtime, the film gently draws you in, offering warmth and flashes of joy, almost like a spiritual cleansing. The aftertaste it leaves behind is lovely. As a farewell to his acting career, Sir Michael couldn’t have chosen better. A good, kind, sorrowful, and radiant film. See more Simon D 12/10/2024 A brilliant movie, beautifully acted and so heartfelt. As a former member of the military the way we carry the burden of some of our experiences is well portrayed in this film too. Beautiful connection to the characters and their lives and stories. I will put this in my top 10 movies of all time! See more Read all reviews
The Great Escaper

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the summer of 2014 -- the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings -- octogenarian Bernie Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He'd staged a "great escape" from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world -- Bernie seemed to embody the defiant, "can-do" spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. But of course, it wasn’t the whole story. It was the story we all tell ourselves to make war and old age bearable. The bitter-sweet script explores the reality with wit and a very big heart. Bernie's adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Irene (Glenda Jackson) -- the story celebrates their love without sentimentality and with an eye to the lessons we can all learn from the Greatest Generation.
Director
Oliver Parker
Producer
Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae
Screenwriter
William Ivory
Distributor
PBS Distribution
Production Co
Pathe UK, Ecosse Films, Ingenious, BBC Films
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 23, 2025
Runtime
1h 36m