Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

Reach for the Sky is one of many flag waving war films to come out of the UK in the 50's and 60's which include 'The Cruel Sea' - 'The Colditz Story' - 'Sink the Bismark' - 'The Malta Story' and many others. All thankfully free of the obligatory American who could never have been there anyway (didn 't often stop them crowbarring one in somewhere to enable a sale to the USA). I am a big fan of these films, the British were much better at that time of making war films, we didn't need John Wayne or anyone like him.The war was still very foremost in the minds of the British public and these films were often sugar coated. That included the character of Douglas Bader who was known to be arrogant at the very least and difficult to be with, not the wonderful chappie portrayed in this biopic. Granted Bader was still alive when this was made so it was probably politic to show him as mister nice guy despite being difficult on set. Having said that I can't take away his courage if not for Bader and others like him we would be speaking German now.So I wish there would be a remake with a more accurate portrayal of the subject, bad language and all. This time get someone closer in age to Bader than Moore (that's no criticism of his performance which, as ever, was excellent) he was far to old to play someone in their 20's. There are many young actors who could fill these boots, check out Matthew Winters, he has the right stuff.

From director Lewis Gilbert (Alife, You Only Live Twice, Educating Rita), I had seen bits and pieces of this British war film from clips shown on two countdown shows, so I was certainly interested. Based on the true story, it is 1928, where the young and hyperactive Douglas Bader (BAFTA nominated Kenneth More) is joining as a cadet for the Royal Air Force of Cranwell, where despite not caring for rules he succeeds in training and is posted to No. 23 squadron at Kenley. Next he starts learning how to fly a plane, and has a very promising few turns, but then in 1931 he makes a wrong move and ends up accidentally crashing his plane and is in a near-death state, and unfortunately he has both his legs amputated. During recovery Douglas starts learning how to use a new pair of artificial legs, first wooden and straight, and then ones that can bend, and during this he meets and often goes out with Thelma Edwards (Muriel Pavlow), who he later marries. He is frustrated that he cannot find a job back in the RAF as a pilot, he would be forced to work behind the desk, so while he tries to get back into the sky he works for Shell Oil. World War II begins and Douglas does manage to talk himself back into being a pilot for the RAF again, taking part in the Battle of Britain, being made commander for a squadron of mostly Canadian men. Then his plane is shot down, but he managed to parachute to safety, only to be taken as a POW (prisoner of war), and after managing to escape a few times he ends up in Colditz Castle, and the Nazis threaten to take his legs away if he keeps trying. In the end, Douglas, after being released, succeeds in taking down many enemy planes, and the film ends in 1945 when he leads a team of pilots for a celebratory flyover. Also starring Lyndon Brook as Johnny Sanderson, Lee Patterson as Stan Turner, Alexander Knox as Mr. Joyce, BAFTA nominated Dorothy Alison as Nurse Sally Brace, Michael Warre as Harry Day, Sydney Tafler as Robert Desoutter, Howard Marion-Crawford as 'Woody' Woodhall, Jack Watling as Peel, Nigel Green as Streatfield, Anne Leon as Sister Thornhill and Batman's Michael Gough as Flying Instructor Pearson. More creates a very amicable character, the most interesting scenes are him learning to walk, but the flying scenes and occasional battles are good viewing too, it is a film that makes you proud to be British, a most watchable Second World War biographical drama. It won the BAFTA for Best British Film, and it was nominated for Best British Screenplay and Best Film from any Source. It was number 78 on The Ultimate Film, and it was number 59 on The 100 Greatest War Films. Very good!

The story of the British air ace Douglas Bader,an inspiring film after all these years.Douglas Bader was an extremely fit sporting young man,who at the peak of his physical prowess lost his legs in a plane crash.The first part of the film establishes his determination not to be beaten by his handicap.Golf proves away to challenge himself,he also finds a wife.Bored with his life in an office,the out break of WW2 gives him the chance to fly again.Determined to get in the RAF he has medicals and gets back in.Bader is given a squadron of disillusioned flyer's,initially they oppose him, but having seen him fly they are won round.A difficult man Bader takes short cuts to get the equipment he needs for his squadron upsetting some of his superiors.However his tactics are brilliant and before long he is in charge of five squadrons inflicting heavy losses on the German air force during the battle of Britain.On one flight his plane is shot down,Bader escapes by leaving one of his false legs behind.The RAF drops of a spare,in spite of all his difficulties he manages to escape three times .Bader never let a chance go to bait the German guards even inspecting them before heading to Colditz castle.The performance from Kenneth More in the title roll is excellent,given good support from Muriel Pavlov and Nigel Green.I would like a remake,as after all these yeatrs it could be more honest,brutal and would make a big star of the leading actor.

This is one of the films that I got bought as a youngster and wore out the VHS tape. The film is absolutely brilliant and the directorship is second to none. With not knowing Bader, but knowing of his reputation, it has been very well played by More. The film itself is not only about world war two but more about a persons determination that, no matter what is thrown at him, for him or against him, there is nothing quite like the human spirit of not giving in. This is well portrayed. I am only 34 and after watching all the films like terminator and star wars, this is just leagues ahead of the game. I always say, there is nothing like sitting down and watching an old black and white flick, because you know it has a story line and it doesn't have to involve sex and violence. I want more of these films please.