David Hughes

To say that Tom Hanks is outstanding in this film is an understatement but... like so many American movies that deal with poignant themes it was served up with generous helpings of apple pie smothered in treacle and lashings of cream. I stayed with it to the end by which time I felt distinctly sticky all over. It left me thinking how much better the film would probably be had it been made here in the UK with a British cast though I would definitely have kept Mr Hanks in the lead role; quite possibly his finest performance and unlike anything he's done previously....

Overall I enjoyed the film although I thought the battle atmosphere was a tad on the tame side and could have done with a some oomph to make things more realistic. However, in my view Michael Palin was miscast, wholly unconvincing in his role, far and away the weakest player.