The Great Raid (2005)

“The Great Raid” is a compelling war film based on a true story from World War II. Set in the Philippines in 1945, it follows an audacious rescue mission by the U.S. Army 6th Ranger Battalion. The Rangers, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci, embark on a perilous mission to liberate over 500 American prisoners of war from the notorious Cabanatuan Japanese POW camp. The narrative skillfully interweaves the perspectives of the prisoners, the Filipino resistance fighters, and the Rangers, highlighting the courage and camaraderie that underpin their daunting task. This gripping tale of bravery and heroism avoids delving into overly graphic war violence, focusing instead on the human aspects of this remarkable rescue operation.

Length: 2h 12m
Genre: War, Drama, History
This Title is: Inspiring and Heroic

“The Great Raid” IS STREAMING TODAY ON Prime Video IN CANADA!

Trailer

Cast

• Benjamin Bratt as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci
• James Franco as Captain Robert Prince
• Joseph Fiennes as Major Gibson

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: R for war violence and brief language

Includes scenes of war violence and some strong language.

Trivia

• The film is based on two books: “Ghost Soldiers” by Hampton Sides and “The Great Raid on Cabanatuan” by William B. Breuer.
• Real veterans of the raid were consulted during production to ensure accuracy.
• Some scenes were filmed on location in the Philippines, adding authenticity to the setting.

Our Review

“The Great Raid” is a deeply moving and meticulously crafted film that captures a lesser-known yet significant episode of World War II with realism and sensitivity. The performances are solid, particularly Benjamin Bratt’s portrayal of Lt. Col. Mucci, which anchors the film with gravitas and determination. The director, John Dahl, does an excellent job balancing action with character development, allowing the audience to connect with the individuals in the story. While the film avoids sensationalizing the war, it successfully conveys the horror and the humanity in equal measure. It’s a fitting tribute to the bravery of those involved in the raid and a reminder of the sacrifices made during war.

Critic Scores

Critic Scores aggregate ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. (Click on any score for a detailed review.)