First, perhaps we need to get the hokey aspects of the film out of the way, such as the interpersonal relationships between the soldiers - it's a little too "hollywoodish" (this happens in Private Ryan, Platoon, etc. Only Kubrick makes the relationships unsappy).
That being said, this is a marvelous film that I always watch when it's on. It looks fantastic, has great action and tells a magnificent story. If you saw pictures of the real Col. Shaw, you'd understand why they had Broderick play him (I believe the real Shaw was also under 25).
Despite the nit picking, it's historically very good (it is often shown in history classes) and truly inspirational. Two hours well-spent.
That being said, this is a marvelous film that I always watch when it's on. It looks fantastic, has great action and tells a magnificent story. If you saw pictures of the real Col. Shaw, you'd understand why they had Broderick play him (I believe the real Shaw was also under 25).
Despite the nit picking, it's historically very good (it is often shown in history classes) and truly inspirational. Two hours well-spent.