Cross of Iron (DVD, 2006, Widescreen Special Edition)

Director Sam Peckinpah's movie tend to be on the bloody/action side (i.e-The
Wild Bunch, etc), and this WWII movie is in that mode. It takes an unflinching
look at the war and stars James Coburn as Corporal Steiner, the leader of a
German platoon in 1943. A contest of wills develops between the courageous
Steiner and his new commander, Captain Stansky (Maximilian Schell) who plays
the part of a Prussian aristocrat, who believes his leadership is his bloodright. Stransky has his sights set on earning the Iron Cross, Germany's
highest onor for valor, but he is a complete coward at heart which soon leads
him to take desperate measures. A GREAT movie for WWII buffs and history
students, and Peckinpah takes great tasks in providing plenty of fighting and
killing of both the German defenders of Steiners platoon and the attacking
Russian forces. Plenty of reality too in the scenes. You will enjoy this one
if you like war action.

This is of of two Sam Peckinpah movies that will leave a lasting impression. The other was The Wild Bunch. A good plot accentuated with graphic realism and violence that were the hallmarks of Peckinpah direction.

Incredible War movie set on the Russian Front of WW II, James Coburn actually makes you feel sorry for German soldiers faced with the brutallity of war and incompetance of their leaders.

Excellent movie, great actors and realistic war action. Must see for WWII movie buffs. Very real life experiences throughout the movie and attitudes about the war effort from the German perspective. I saw this in the theater the day it was originally released and the DVD is just as great!!!