Watch The Long Day's Dying

The Long Day's Dying, released in 1968, is a gripping British war film directed by Peter Collinson. The story is set in the backdrop of World War II and explores the psychological struggles of a group of soldiers who are trapped behind enemy lines in the wilderness of Norway. The film boasts of an impressive cast that includes David Hemmings, Tony Beckley, Tom Bell, and John Ronane.

The movie's opening scene shows a group of soldiers taking shelter in a cabin amidst the snow-covered mountains of Norway. The group comprises Corporal Adams (David Hemmings), Lieutenant Ellis (Tony Beckley), Lance Corporal Franklin (John Ronane), and Private Wilkins (Tom Bell). They have been left behind by their platoon and now face the daunting task of surviving in the wilderness, evading German patrols, and making their way back to the British lines.

The first half of the movie establishes the characters and their relationships with each other. Adams is the stoic and experienced leader, while Ellis is the greenhorn who struggles to cope up with the harsh realities of war. Franklin is the quiet and introspective one, while Wilkins is the sarcastic and rebellious joker of the group.

As the days pass and their rations run low, the soldiers begin to crack under the pressure. Hunger, fatigue, and the constant threat of being hunted down by the Germans take a toll on their mental health. Adams tries to keep them focused on survival, while Ellis begins to question the futility of it all. Franklin's thoughts wander to his wife and child back home, while Wilkins lashes out at everyone in frustration.

The second half of the movie picks up pace as the soldiers encounter a German patrol and are forced to engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The tension is palpable as the soldiers try to outsmart their enemies while keeping their own fears and doubts in check. The climax of the movie is intense and unexpected, leaving the viewers at the edge of their seats.

One of the striking aspects of The Long Day's Dying is its realistic portrayal of the physical and psychological challenges faced by soldiers in war. The stark contrast between the beauty of the snow-clad mountains and the brutal nature of war only adds to the impact of the movie. The haunting musical score by John Scott complements the somber tone of the movie and lingers on in the mind long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, The Long Day's Dying is a gripping war movie that portrays the psychological struggles of soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. The outstanding performances by the cast, realistic depiction of war, and haunting music make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The Long Day's Dying is a 1968 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.