Directed by Sam Peckinpah and written by Julius J. Epstein, Walter Kelley and James Hamilton, German commander Hauptmann Stransky places a squad in extreme danger after Sergeant Rolf Steiner refuses to lie for him. Starring: James Coburn, Maximilian Schell, James Mason, David Warner, Klaus Löwitsch, Vadim Glowna and Roger Fritz.

With such an insanely huge catalogue of films that explore World War II, they can start to meld into one, so when you find one that stands out, it’s impressive, Cross of Iron is one of those films. The opening is almost surreal, using children’s style music over images of the war. It’s a very strange choice which works remarkably well. The film as a whole feels both quintessential of its time and ahead of it, it taps into that classic melodrama so well but it’s also packed with action sequences. There’s a gigantic use of pyrotechnics, gunfire and conflict scenes, to the point that there’s too many, it’s something a modern audience will love but it does take away from the dialogue.

It’s a shame because in those sporadic moments where it becomes still and focused, the writing is excellent. If there could have been a better ratio of time spent on the physical conflict versus battle of wits between the men, Cross of Iron could have been even more impressive. The quieter moments are reminiscent of Kubrick’s Paths of Glory, they’re clever and dripping with tension and meaning. At its foundation there’s a genuine conversation about glory and sacrifice, or lack there of. Having two diametrically different men butt heads, principle versus privilege.

James Coburn as Steiner, our man of principle and dedication to the cause and his men, creates a mix of strength and recklessness. He manages to capture the damage that war does to the psyche, subconsciously seeking death in the thirst for doing what’s right. Whereas Maximilian Schell’s Stransky creates a persona completely unsuited to war, out for the medals while planning to throw other men onto the fire to claim them. It’s a classic battle between the elite and everyman, giving you someone to root for and to root against.

Cross of Iron is gives you everything you could want and expect from a war film but also has a unique style to add into the mix. There are elements to the editing and movement than even feel sci-fi-esque at times, in their quick pace and bluntness. You can see how it potentially had a big influence on films like The Ninth Configuration or Apocalypse Now but it does lean too heavily on the fighting sequences. The dialogue is fantastic and meaningful, the film just needed to strike a better balance with the action to do it justice.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

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