The Bridge (Die Bruecke)

Rating:
Summary: Not my favorite
Review: ... The one thing that truly upset me was the seemingly obvious attempt to make the Americans look as stupid as possible. The uniforms and equipment they were clad in were truly insulting. There were enough Americans in Germany at the time the movie was made that authentic gear would have been as close as a call to any American base. I realize this was a German film and was not intended to make the Americans look good, but come on. If the intent was to make the Americans look foolish--it worked. An effort to show the boys fighting a well equipped American force would certainly would have honored the boys efforts more effectively than showing them fighting the bunch of oafs portrayed. Save your money.

Rating:
Summary: BRILLIANT!
Review: As you watch the boys preparing "play war", you can not help but feel the same anxiety as the adults around them. Incredible. I saw this for the first time last night on the History channel. There were some poor editing jumps in the film which leads me to believe the television release must have been cut. I envy those of you who have found a video copy or have watched the first run.

Rating:
Summary: Great Picture, but watch out!
Review: I agree with all the previous reviews. However, I recently bought a German language/English dubbed version of this film in the red trimmed box displayed above. All the battle scenes at the end of the film were flawed by the reproduction process to the point of "unwatchability". I have no idea whether or not all such copies were as flawed as this one was. My suggestion is to check any copy you buy for quality, or wait for a new production run.

Rating:
Summary: Hard hitting and heart breaking.
Review: I read the novel this film is based on in High School (class of '70). With Vietnam still going on, and me with no deferment, I was much affected. I'd looked in tv listings, and later, video stores for the film, but with no luck. All this is to say, that when I tell you I've waited 30 years to see the movie, I'm not exaggerating. It was worth the wait. While not as slick as 'Das Boot' it proves to be just as effective in showing the horrors of war. One day these boys are playing soccer in short pants, struggling in relationships with girl-friends and parents, and the next (literally) they are in uniform. I strongly recommend it to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Great Anti-war film!
Review: I saw it only once in 1959! I'll never forget it

Rating:
Summary: Unique West German WW2 Film
Review: I saw this film as a high school kid in the 60s. It's set in a small boys' boarding school in Germany during WWII. As part of their training, the boys are told it is their responsibility to defend the little bridge next to the school. They drill with surplus helmets and other war-play gear, and practice vanquishing imaginary invaders. At the end of the war, with the German army in full retreat, the kids believe it is their sober duty to defend the bridge. They take their positions with their token weapons as the unsuspecting Allies cross. Tragically, they fight bravely, but are overcome.

Rating:
Summary: This is the most powerful anti-war film I've ever seen.
Review: I saw this film as a high school kid in the 60s. It's set in a small boys' boarding school in Germany during WWII. As part of their training, the boys are told it is their responsibility to defend the little bridge next to the school. They drill with surplus helmets and other war-play gear, and practice vanquishing imaginary invaders. At the end of the war, with the German army in full retreat, the kids believe it is their sober duty to defend the bridge. They take their positions with their token weapons as the unsuspecting Allies cross. Tragically, they fight bravely, but are overcome.

Rating:
Summary: A highly charged anti-war film.
Review: I saw this film many years ago on late night television. I have been trying to find a copy ever since. It made a deep impression on me...especially the scene with the rocket launcher. This single scene brings the folly of war into crystal clear focus.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent war movie concerning the German side.
Review: I saw this movie when I was real young, sometime in the early '60s, and have never forgot about it. The movie probably helped foster my interest in WW-II and nazism. From the knowledge I have gained over the years since. The movie is "a must see" for all who also have an interest in the Third Reich. Where can I get a copy?!?!

Rating:
Summary: Not my favorite
Review: I seem to be an exception to the other reviewers here, but I found the movie to be a poor rendition of a supposedly true event. The one thing that truly upset me was the seemingly obvious attempt to make the Americans look as stupid as possible. The uniforms and equipment they were clad in were truly insulting. There were enough Americans in Germany at the time the movie was made that authentic gear would have been as close as a call to any American base. I realize this was a German film and was not intended to make the Americans look good, but come on. If the intent was to make the Americans look foolish--it worked. An effort to show the boys fighting a well equipped American force would certainly would have honored the boys efforts more effectively than showing them fighting the bunch of oafs portrayed.