Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant, And Bittersweet
Review: Sergeant York is one of the great films of all time. Justly heralded for the performances -- especially the superb Gary Cooper -- and writing, direction, Max Steiner's score, etc. What isn't often mentioned is how bittersweet is the ending. Prior to going to war, Alvin York had been too poor to purchase a piece of bottom land for farming. Called to war, he resisted. He was a pacifist, against killing. However, in a stunning scene on a mountain ledge, York finally agrees to fight the German enemy. He single-handedly captures 132 prisoners, and kills dozens of others. For this, he is hailed a hero and becomes America's most-decoarated WW I soldier. And finally gets his bottom land. However, he has only earned this bottom land because he went against his pacifist beliefs -- "thou shall not kill". The land is given to him for the very act of killing. How ironic and bittersweet. How apt is Cooper's closing line: "The Lord sure does move in mysterious ways." Don't miss this film.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: OK, let's get this out of the way. This film is what I would call "hokey". The bad woods stuff, the perfect marksmenship, the (I assume) exagerated military exploits all create an atmosphere of something that's a bit hard to believe in this cynical age of ours. That aside, this is one terrific movie and one that I have enjoyed watching a number of times. It IS inspiring as it portrays a real individual who "overcame" many things to become the biggest US hero of WWI. There are many scenes that will brings tears to your eyes as Sergeant York (exceptionally portrayed by Gary Cooper) sets a quiet, simplistic example for all. His ability to overcome personal short-comings and analyze every situation that befalls him, makes most viewers proud to say they're from the same country. Well, watch the movie and you'll see what I mean. The rest of the cast is more than adequate. Joan Leslie previews her similar role a year later in "Yankee Doodle Dandy". Walter Brennan shows the abilities that got him several oscars over the years. The lady who played Ma York, Margaret Wycherly, gives a performance sure to stick in the back of your minds. The music is good and supports the mood of the film. This is a great overall production. The movie came out in July, 1941 and was no doubt a boost to enlistment when the country went to war less than half a year later. What an interesting analogy the film makes as the US entered another global war. The isolationist (back woods) US (York) reluctantly takes on a sophisticated enemy (The Wehrmacht) and surprises everyone with its skill, tenacity, and eventual victory. Enjoy this movie if you haven't seen it yet. It's worth it.
Rating:
Summary: A classic, but with small technical errors
Review: I have to rate this movie as a true classic with the likes of Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, and The Longest Day. People may think it corny or outdated but for me it just gets better each time I watch it. My only complaint, if you can call it that...more of a comment, are 2 small technicalities: 1) York was not issued and did not use a 1903 Springfield rifle as he did in the movie. He was issued a Pattern 1917 Enfield rifle and used this in the battle where he won the Medal of Honor. When the US entered WW1 there were insufficient quantities of '03 Springfields for every serviceman. The US had been making Enfield rifles for the British in caliber .303 and had a large number of them on-hand when we entered the war. So the government took them, rechambered them for caliber .30-06 and issued them to the US servicemen. 2) York did not use a captured German Luger pistol to shoot the german troops charging down the hill. He used a US Colt 1911 .45 caliber pistol, but during filming the Colt 1911 pistol would not cycle properly when firing blanks and the Luger was substituted. Other than that, a movie that will remain timeless.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting piece of propaganda
Review: Sergeant York is a colourful tale of a simple and modest man from Tennessee who raises above and beyond the call of duty in WWI. The movie contains some good music and is well acted, except for the female love-interest and the younger actors, and is also well shot, but a bit obvious in its' studio scenes. While this movie is entertaining, don't look for anything seriously deep here, except the depth it give into the times themselves and the attitudes of most of the people of those times. It is quite interesting as a piece of propaganda (of course it was released just when America entered the WWII so probably was a good recruiting tool). Also the movie does go against the mould of most war movies (which are strongly anti-war) and is instead pro-war, which is good, as it is always interesting to hear the other side of story. If you're the type of person to salute when you see the American flag or if you're religious and looking for a way to reconcile your Christian and Nationalistic believes or if you like stories of simple and down-to-earth folks or just looking for a piece of historic cinema, then this movie is for you, otherwise I'd advise you look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars only because...
Review: I can't give it 6. This is probably one of the top 5 movies ever! Cooper is phenomenal. The real Alvin York, probably America's least known hero, told Hollywood that he would allow them to make the movie if Cooper portrayed him, they told the whole story, and no glamour girl portrayed the women. This movie hits the mark. While it does show how President Wilson abused the rights of the religions that are against fighting and war, I believe the message of a man's convictions and how he must kill to save other lives is powerful and applicable in today's society. Believable presentation of York's life before, during, and after the war is the hallmark of the movie. A classic for generations to come.
Rating:
Summary: I'm not an American and still think this Movie is the best.
Review: I think this is the best Movie I have ever seen! I watch it all the time when I'm bored and it never fails to lift me. I shed tears of joy at the morals of the man. I think Gary Cooper was one of the best actors from the black & white period and own this and other movies made by him. I cry, I laugh, I think, what more can a movie do for you?
Absolutely Brilliant.
PS I live up in the outback on mountains too!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Sergent York
Review: This is one of those movies they "don't make anymore". An excellent story, an excellent cast, excellent set design, excellent dialogue, and great music. Faith in God and Country. A movie that teaches us how we should all act. When I am feeling low I'll watch the first half and be lifted up and inspired. In my opinion the best movie ever made. Thanks Alvin.
Rating:
Summary: One of the all time best!!!
Review: This is one of my all time favorite movies...yes there are parts that you out and out laugh at... but the actors are down to earth and believable... Alvin York's true life story is inspiring and conficts me over and over again about how I stand up for what is right, my morals, my ethics and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Alvin York knew he was following God's path, and after watching this movie, you can ask yourself this question... Am I following God's will for my life?
Rating:
Summary: Are there more stars?!?!
Review: This is one of our favorite movies. Please, someone, bring it out on DVD before this wonderful film is lost to the next generation. Everyone could glean something positive from watching this movie. I just can't say enough about it. We especially love to watch it around Veteran's Day or the Fourth of July. Reminds us of how we got this far. Love it! Love it! Love it!
Rating:
Summary: Terrific movie
Review: A stirring, gripping tale of a man who performed one of historys greatest acts of Heroism. Gary Cooper is excellent as Alvin York going from his tennesee roots all the way to France and showing his marksmanship and heroism. A well deserved academy award for both Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan. An absolute must see.....truly one of the greats. Go see it!!
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