Kelly's Heroes [Blu-ray] [1970] [Region Free]

There are some films that need little introduction. ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ is one of them. However, in today’s Hollywood, movies about the Second World War are few and far between, so some may question the relevance of an ensemble piece set in the dying days of Nazi-occupied Europe. First of all, I’ll probably stick my neck out and say that it’s probably not that ‘historically accurate’ (or at least not to my knowledge!). By that, I don’t mean that Allied forces are fighting zombies or abducted by vampires. From the little I know of the period, all the uniforms, military language and techniques look genuine enough to fool a layman like me. When I say it’s not ‘historically accurate’ I mean that, whereas most films of this era concentrate (naturally) on the struggle between German and Allied forces, ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ offers more of a ‘crime caper’ set during the conflict. If I could compare it to anything, I’d almost say it felt like an ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ in the middle of World War II.Clint Eastwood plays the titular ‘Kelly’ – a war-weary soldier who’s had enough of potentially dying any day without anything to show for it personally. So, when he learns of a bank full of gold behind enemy lines, he puts together a group of equally ambitious troops all willing to risk their lives for a slice of the bullion. As I mentioned, it’s a bit of an ensemble cast, the two most notable additions are Telly Savalas and Donald Sutherland, both who vie for position of the cast member who’s trying to steal every scene they’re in. However, just because the film is largely about the quest to blow open a bank vault, doesn’t mean that it’s not a war film. The setting alone means that our ‘heroes’ come up against all the perils associated with the period and there are some pretty impressive set-pieces when it comes to the action.I think the best thing about ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ is that it has a pretty broad appeal. Obviously fans of war films will enjoy it, but you have the added bonus of having Clint Eastwood in the lead (and in his prime, no less) supported by some amazing acting talent. Then throw in the action element and the engaging crime plot and you’re really going to invest your time into caring whether these (not so heroic) heroes get the gold or not. Don’t be put off by its age. It’s as good – and more importantly fun – today as it ever was. I will never grow tired from watching a tank freak out the opposing forces by playing music loudly as it comes into battle!

I hadn't seen this since it's initial release many moons ago. The trouble with re-viewing after such a long period is that some films just don't age well and are probably best left to age gracefully in the memory.However this is not one of those films, and is just as bright and cheerful and cooky as I remember it.Donald Sutherland's portrayal of "Oddball" is just as crazy as I remember him, and he steals the show in every scene he's featured in. Clint Eastwood and Telly Savalas are the other main characters, backed by an excellent cast. There's even a cameo from "Stavros" who was one of the main characters in Kojak with Telly Savalas (and who I think was his brother in real life). A gem.

First off, the DVD is great. Both sound and picture are very good and there are subtitles for those who may need them. The runtime of the film is 138 mins (which appears to be a cut version since elsewhere the film is listed with a runtime of 144 mins).I remembered this film first and foremost because of Donald Sutherland's scene stealing performance as the pot smoking tank driver Oddball. And it was for this reason I bought the DVD. Now here's the thing. Sutherland still made me laugh. He is fabulous in this. As is his character. But (and I know others will disagree) I found the laughs fewer and further between than I seemed to remember. Maybe it's because I'm not much one for war films. There are lengthy shootouts, buildings are blown up, bridges are destroyed and rebuilt - WW2 stuff. Of course, the war is only the backdrop for a daring gold heist here, and that is good. Still, I must admit that for me the film was a lot longer than it needed to be.Then again, it kept me entertained on a long rainy afternoon and it was fun to see a WW2 film with a decided 70s comedy/caper spin put on it. And I did enjoy seeing Telly Savalas as the officer shouting his commands, Clint Eastwood as Kelly who thankfully isn't another inspirational war hero, but the leader of a gang of soldiers who wonder what they are doing there, in a far away country in a war that isn't really theirs, and who decide that from now on they are in it for themselves. And Sutherland still steals the show. Loved seeing him again as Oddball. Oh yes, and hearing that fabulous theme song "Burning Bridges" by Mike Curb once again.

Is this one of the best war films ever made? Possibly. Is it serious? No. Does it take itself seriously? No, but if you want top drawer entertainment then you'd have to go a long way to beat this. Clint Eastwood is Kelly, who puts together an 'outfit' to go behind enemy lines and steal gold from the German army before the 'real' US army get hold of it. Enter a who's who of A listers from the late 60's and early 70's. Best for me was Donald Sutherland, who plays a hippy tank commander. Sounds unbelievable, but it works, it so works.Books you might like to read Cold Steel on the Rocks We Are Cold Steel Kalter Stahl auf den Felsen

This is an uproariously funny read from a really brilliant author.The adventures of the hero, on an epic journey through the highways and byways of Somerset are truly mind-boggleing. This book could rightfully find a place in the philosophy section as the hero asks the kind of insightful questions that many of us have pondered in a modern and ever changing World.The wisdom found in his wanderings is unmistakable. Where else could you read that:“They don't get very fit but they do find Universal Peace, which is more important than a six pack in this troubled world.”A real gem of an observation from a very funny book.Highly recommendedMichael