A mismatched collection of conscripted civilians find training tough under Lieutenant Jim Perry and Sergeant Ned Fletcher when they are called up to replace an infantry battalion that had suffered casualties at Dunkirk.
Despite a framework which stresses regimental traditions and military valour, the film's celebration of the ordinary man as soldier leaves a residue of radicalism.
– ,
Time Out,
26 Jan 2006
fresh:
A warm and touching tribute to the British Army infantryman.
– Bosley Crowther,
New York Times,
25 Mar 2006
fresh:
Direction by Carol Reed is competent, and undoubtedly accounts for the underlying genuineness of the picture as a semi-documentary.