Rating: 
Summary: Much more to it than the critics claim
Review: The majority of critics are right by saying that it is not very exciting. I think that they expect to much of it, and are probably reading 'Cross of Iron' wrong. Maybe they expected more action. I see myself as a good movie critic, and consider the movie a classic. The human element and interaction by soldiers in the German ranks, toward the end of WWII on the Russian front, takes more concentration to appreciate, but it is there. Also, if you consider that the movie was made in the mid-seventies, you cannot help but to appreciate the war scenes (explosions for example), which exposes many other later war movies for the smut that they are. I rate it with movies like 'The Fisher King' for never having received what it was realy worthy of.
Rating: 
Summary: Realistic war movie
Review: The most realistic account of the war on the eastern front in WWII yet filmed. One of Coburns best and memorable performances. Peckinpahs use of slow motion and realistic action sequences pioneers this form to a new height. Use of original weaponary comendable. A must see.
Rating:
Summary: WWII on the eastern front...from a German perspective
Review: Most Americans have no idea what the level of ferocity of combat was like on the eastern front. Fully 3/4 of the German Army was kept decisively engaged by the Soviet Army. This film very graphically displays what was taking place at the squad and platoon level. Coburn, and others, did such a good job of portraying German Wehrmacht soldiers that, unfortunately, neo-nazis and ultra-rightists in Germany have fastened onto Coburn and this movie as what they would like to be like as Germans...never realizing most of these actors were not German. But this shouldn't be held against this phenominal movie. When you view this movie look for the most basic of reasons as to why men fight when there's no hope of winning -- they depend on one another simply to just stay alive. That's the central theme of this movie. People in an impossible situation, which they don't believe in, just trying to live to see tomorrow. This is the most accurate and awesome movie on combat made. Saving Private Ryan may be more patriotic and appealing to Americans, and it is accurate to a degree. But it doesn't equal Cross of Iron in terms of total accuracy of portrayal. Definitely not for children. If you want to begin to get an idea of why the Russians and Germans feel the way they do about WWII then most definitely see this video.
Rating:
Summary: THE uttermost realistic WAR-MOVIE!
Review: Splendid actors,realistic story combined with a different angle in war movies-the germans. Very interesting experience!!!!!!!!!!! That Coburn-what an actor!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Compelling...WW2 from a different perspective.
Review: I recall seeing this movie on TV when I was much younger, and aside from the excellent battle scenes - which were, until I saw "Saving Private Ryan" the best battle scenes I had ever seen, the movie is a very moving experience. James Mason and James Coburn play their roles as German soldiers who know the war is lost for them, but who continue to do their duty to the end. Maximillian Schell's inept, glory-hunting captain is a little too Hollywood, however. By and large, German veterans had mostly good things to say about the officers who commanded them. What I thought was one of the more compelling parts of the movie was the beginning sequence. While an innocent-sounding child's song plays in the background, the scenes alternately show Hitler being fawned upon by the happy, prosperous people of the German nation, and the sufferings of young German soldiers on the Eastern Front.
Rating:
Summary: This is by far THE best war film, PERIOD!!!
Review: First off, I had an uncle who was in the German army during WWII and he spent 2+ years on the Russian front. He told me when he saw this film he had never seen anything like it before or since. The accurate use of dialogue, equipment, and locations made the film so believable, it was as if he was watching actual footage. Since I myself am a Peckinpah fan, it made it that much easier for me to see the film. I was stunned at the use of the actual Russian T-34 tank in the movie. How many times have we seen a Sherman or some other tank passed off as a Tiger or Panzer? Or how about small details, such as the use of actual German dog tags? We are also shown how Russia used women on the front lines and the obvious psychological impact it can have on men in a war zone. All this attention to detail is what makes this a great film. Even battle scenes are just as amazing. Here Peckinpah uses his trademark slow motion and massive intercutting between scenes to immerse us into the confusion of battle like no other war movie ever has, And because of this we treat the main characters as friends and we begin to fear for their lives. Sometime during the film these same friends throw a small birthday party for their Lieutenant. This only draws us closer to them and into their world. James Coburn, James Mason, David Warner and Maxamillian Schell are all superb in their roles, but I have never before seen a supporting cast as powerful as the group of actors that portray the members of Coburn's platoon. Since they are all german themselves this adds to the realism of the films atmosphere. Of particular interest is the use of the same boy to play a number of different Russian soldiers. It may be that Peckinpah was using him as a symbol of unrecognizable innocence lost in the midst of war. To sum things up, this is a war film like no other you will ever see. One thing is for sure though. When it's over you will gain a greater respect for any man who ever fought on the front lines in any war, on either side.
Rating:
Summary: An epic tale of courage from the WWII German viewpoint.
Review: Cross of Iron is a story of courage and manliness of German soldiers fighting a losing battle on the Russian Front. A must see for war movie buffs, and the movie provides lessons in bravery and fortitude.
Rating:
Summary: Best War Movie Ever Made!!
Review: Did you find 'Saving Private Ryan' to be the usual overblown Spielberg ? Did you like the war scenes in it but wish the actors would just stop trying to FORCE you to identify with them? If so, 'Cross of Iron' is you bag. The battle scenes are as good as 'Ryan' (not too shabby, given it was made 20 years earlier) and the characters are simply great. While portraying the hells of war, Steiner manages to dig deeper and find some meaning into what's going on. He has the most poignant one-liners in movie history, IMO. Definitely a must-see.
Rating:
Summary: An Entertaining and Powerful Movie
Review: This movie is set on the Crimiean penisula during wwII. It is told though the viewpoint of a german seargent and his reconisance platoon. All the weapons, tanks, and uniforms are exact down to the smallest detail. The battlescenes are the best I have ever scene. James Coburn plays the stonefaced Sgt. Steiner brilliantlly! Without a doubt the best easternront movie made and maybe the best wwII movie for its use of the actual weapons and vehicles of the time period. A must see for wwII buffs.
Rating:
Summary: WAR HAS NO GLORY!
Review: A fantastic, gripping film. No glory here, although that is what our fine Prussian captian has come to Russia to find and return with an Iron Cross.But instead of glory, there is fear, death, filth, and hopelesness. This film clearly shows the true heros. The common foot soldiers that fought not for Hitler, National Socialism, or Germany, but for each other. You see them laugh, cry, fight, and die. Sam Peckinpah did great job showing great detail to uniforms, equipment, weapons, etc. But I think the best thing he did was NOT to show this as the Nazi army, but as a platoon of wehrmacht (regular army) soldiers who dont want to be there and would much rather be at home. There are several scenes where the soldiers show obvious contempt for "The Party". The anti-war message is very clear and put forth in an unique way. I highly reccommend this film.
| 
