Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British biopic shows effects of war; language, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Great Escaper
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE GREAT ESCAPER finds Bernard (Michael Caine) living in a care home on the English coast with his wife, Irene (Glenda Jackson). Though told to remain local when out for a walk, Bernard ignores that advice and sets off to France, to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Hoping to pay respects and find closure for a friend he lost on the battlefield, this unlikely journey throws Bernard into the spotlight, as he becomes a nationwide celebrity -- whether he likes it or not.
Is It Any Good?
In different hands, this true story of a World War II veteran's unlikely journey to France to join in the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations could have veered into mawkish sentimentality. It's to director Oliver Parker's credit that The Great Escaper avoids these pitfalls, yet remains both moving and effective. Parker never patronizes central character Bernard, nor does he lean into any over-the-top patriotic nonsense, something so often found in movies that cover similar territory. But where this film should be celebrated most is for its two leading stars; Caine and Jackson. For Jackson, the movie proved to be her last appearance before her passing in 2023, with The Great Escaper providing a final chance to see her talents on-screen.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Great Escaper showed the effects of war. How did his time as a soldier impact Bernard? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
What character strengths did Bernard display? Can you think of a time when you've shown these traits in your own life?
The movie is based on a true story. What other films have you seen that are based on real life? What advantages/disadvantages do you think there are to using this kind of source material?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it add to the story?
How was drinking and smoking depicted in the film? Were they glamorized? Were there consequences?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 6, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : December 11, 2023
- Cast : Michael Caine , Glenda Jackson , John Standing
- Director : Oliver Parker
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Perseverance
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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