Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Authentic 3-hour WWII D-Day drama; no graphic violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Longest Day
What's the Story?
Based on a respected book of the era, THE LONGEST DAY is June 6, 1944, when Allied troops invaded France by air and sea in a massive effort to make their way into German-occupied territory, which threatened all of Europe. Shot by three directors, responsible for the three countries involved (America, Britain, Germany), the film was the vision of producer Daryl Zanuck, who hoped to deliver the definitive World War II epic. Countless movie stars (John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Robert Ryan, Eddie Albert, Richard Burton, Red Buttons, and Peter Lawford, along with many of England and Germany's finest actors) joined Zanuck to ensure that the film would be a stellar event. The movie's first two hours deal with the Allies' critical decision-making and preparations before sunrise, as well as with the Germans' suspicions about and fear of an attack. During this portion, a wide variety of characters is introduced; rooting interest is developed; initial skirmishes take place in the dark; and the stakes are highlighted. The final third shows the relentless battle, the destruction, and the death, culminating in the Allied forces' initial success that would lead them to victory.
Is It Any Good?
The Longest Day is a solid, engaging introduction to a heroic chapter in recent world history. A marvel in its day -- imagine re-creating authentic battle sequences without the help of computer-generated special effects or any of the technical advances of the last 50 years -- the film remains an artistic achievement and must be seen as a sincere effort to bring authenticity to a momentous historical event for moviegoers in 1962.
There's a decided simplicity to the story. The characters, as is the film itself, are black and white. The heroes have pure motives, uncompromising values, and steadfast allegiances. Most of the villains are desperate and ferocious in their efforts to hold back the Allied tide or glorify their Führer; some effort was made, however, to humanize at least a few of the German military elite. Though the film is certainly a vivid portrayal of combat, unlike many later battlefield movies, it does not focus on the graphic horrors of death and injury, nor is war depicted with brutal savagery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the portrayal of war has evolved since this movie was made in 1962. Considered violent and realistic when it was made, how does The Longest Day compare, in terms of both tone and on-screen brutality, to more recent combat films (Saving Private Ryan, Lone Survivor)?
Why do you think filmmakers sometimes choose to make black-and-white films? Do you see the artistry in the many shades and shadows revealed using this technique? Does the absence of color make it seem more or less real?
Why is it important to know how truthful a historical film actually is? How would you find out about the film's accuracy? Do you favor more authenticity or a "better" story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 1, 1962
- On DVD or streaming : November 2, 1999
- Cast : John Wayne , Robert Mitchum , Eddie Albert
- Directors : Ken Annakin , Andrew Marton , Bernhard Wicki
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Run time : 179 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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