'Cross of Iron' is obviously a product of the post-Vietnam era in its themes and sensibilities. Peckinpah chooses to set his anti-war film on the Russian Front in World War II instead of in the jungles of Southeast Asia. The only connection the film makes to Vietnam is at the end of the film in a sequence of horrific, real life photographs.

Peckinpah deserves credit for portraying the horror of World War II when most of his predecessors and peers merely lauded the heroics of the “Greatest War”. In spirit, 'Cross of Iron' is much more akin to 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Band of Brothers' than films like 'Guns of Navarone' and ‘The Dirty Dozen’. War is hell, no matter which war you’re talking about.

‘Cross of Iron’ is an early attempt (1977) to make a more realistic war film. This is Peckinpah’s only war movie but his visual tropes and conventions like balletic slow-motion kill scenes are featured plentifully. ‘Cross of Iron’ is no ‘Wild Bunch’ but it’s still a pretty good movie.

Unfortunately, the film shows signs of age. Some of the cinematography distanced me from the story. Perhaps ‘Saving Private Ryan’s’ stylized footage will have the same effect on viewers some day, but I doubt it. I think Spielberg nailed how war scenes are supposed to be shot with his exemplary Omaha Beach sequence in ‘SPR’.

‘Cross of Iron’ should have spent more time developing the rivalry between Coburn’s working-class warrior sergeant and the pompous “Prussian” captain who is sent to take over command on the Eastern Front. Like a lot of 㣪s flicks, the movie loves to play around with reality and a fifteen minute portion of the movie is dedicated to Coburn’s character dovetailing into madness. I highly recommend ‘Catch-22’ if you enjoy this movie.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age