"There are countless horrible things happening all over the world and horrible people prospering, but we must never allow them to disturb our equanimity or deflect us from our sacred duty to sabotage and annoy them whenever possible." -Auberon Waugh
I think "Cross of Iron" ranks right up there with "Paths of Glory." and "Hamburger Hill" (and maybe the mini-series "Band of Brothers") for capturing the unique camaraderie that arises among men in combat. It also showcases the sometimes bitter cynicism that is bred in such environments. Watch the credits roll until the very end when Steiner finally stops laughing at the absurdity of war and sort of sighs his final comment.
"Cross of Iron" is excellent -- although I never thought Steiner sighed his comment. Heh!
That scene is also a classic example of the idiocy of sending tanks against infantry without support. All the years I trained to blow those suckers up, I never thought about throwing landmines on top of the treads, and let the tank roll along to it's self-destruction.
The Wehrmacht had really good troops, even if they couldn't stand the Nazi Germany; they fought like demons.
I think "Cross of Iron" ranks right up there with "Paths of Glory." and "Hamburger Hill" (and maybe the mini-series "Band of Brothers") for capturing the unique camaraderie that arises among men in combat. It also showcases the sometimes bitter cynicism that is bred in such environments. Watch the credits roll until the very end when Steiner finally stops laughing at the absurdity of war and sort of sighs his final comment.
ReplyDeleteNash: I haven't seen the movie, but I have read the book, which was excellent.
ReplyDelete"Cross of Iron" is excellent -- although I never thought Steiner sighed his comment. Heh!
ReplyDeleteThat scene is also a classic example of the idiocy of sending tanks against infantry without support. All the years I trained to blow those suckers up, I never thought about throwing landmines on top of the treads, and let the tank roll along to it's self-destruction.
The Wehrmacht had really good troops, even if they couldn't stand the Nazi Germany; they fought like demons.