7.0/10
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175 user 22 critic

To End All Wars (2001)

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1:21 | Trailer
A true story about four Allied POWs who endure harsh treatment from their Japanese captors during World War II while being forced to build a railroad through the Burmese jungle. Ultimately ... See full summary »

Writers:

Ernest Gordon (book), Brian Godawa (screenplay)
Reviews
3 wins & 4 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ciarán McMenamin ... Capt. Ernest 'Ernie' Gordon
Robert Carlyle ... Maj. Ian Campbell
Kiefer Sutherland ... Lt. Jim 'Yankee' Reardon
Mark Strong ... Dusty Miller
Yûgo Sasô ... Takashi Nagase
Sakae Kimura ... Sgt. Ito
James Cosmo ... Lt. Col. Stuart McLean
Masayuki Yui ... Capt. Noguchi
John Gregg John Gregg ... Camp Doctor Coates
Shû Nakajima Shû Nakajima ... Nagatomo (as Shu Nakajima)
Greg Ellis ... Sgt. Roger Primrose
Pip Torrens ... Lt. Foxworth
James McCarthy James McCarthy ... Norman
Brendan Cowell ... Wallace Hamilton
Winton Nicholson Winton Nicholson ... Duncan
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Storyline

A true story about four Allied POWs who endure harsh treatment from their Japanese captors during World War II while being forced to build a railroad through the Burmese jungle. Ultimately they find true freedom by forgiving their enemies. Based on the true story of Ernest Gordon. Written by Anonymous

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

In war, you have to survive See more »

Genres:

Action | Drama | War

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for war violence and brutality, and for some language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The opening prologue states: "The following account is based on actual events during World War II, when 61,000 Allied POWs were forced to build the Thailand-Burma Railway." See more »

Goofs

During the funeral scene for the Colonel, a piper begins to play a rendition of "Amazing Grace". While this hymn was published in 1779, it was not performed on bagpipes until 1972 by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. See more »

Quotes

Lt. Jim 'Yankee' Reardon: Take a look around you! Take a look in the eyes of these men. You tell me what you see. That's right, Ernie, they're dead already. You know it and I know it. At least with escape, you gave us one thing. Hope. Hope, Ernie. Because without that, we might as well be sitting in there with our thumbs up our ***** waitin' for the end to come! Is that what you want?
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Soundtracks

YANKEE DOODLE BOY
By George M. Cohan
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User Reviews

 
powerful story
6 March 2004 | by FilmLabRatSee all my reviews

In a Japanese POW camp, a Scottish band of soldiers learns about a very different culture - the hard way. They also learn from the more refined and educated among them the meaning of serving each other and their enemies, to the point of self-sacrifice.

The film begins rather slowly (and overly-sentimental) but becomes an incredible story with great acting and characters, powerful philosophy and imagery. Many gripping moments of self-realization, facing reality and appreciation for life and death. The depth of relationships, self-sacrifice and lessons learned leaves the audience with a lot to process. Overall, very inspiring and well-made.


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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Japanese

Release Date:

14 September 2001 (Canada) See more »

Also Known As:

To End All Wars See more »

Filming Locations:

Kaua'i, Hawaii, USA See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$14,000,000 (estimated)
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Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (TV) | (TV)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color | Black and White (archive footage)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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