It has been called one of the ‘greatest war films of all time’(Image: FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images)
Boasting relentless action, outstanding performances, and no shortage of twists and turns, an all-time classic war film has firmly cemented its place within the war-action-adventure genre.
Although the war epic often finds itself overlooked in the packed war drama category, the film has stood the test of time and emerged as one of the best in the genre, if audience and critics’ reviews are to be believed.
The Guns of Navarone is a 1961 epic war drama and best known for being an excellent action-adventure offering. It was billed as a massive commercial success when it released, having grossed $28.9 million globally against an estimated budget of $6 million.
Directed by J Lee Thompson with a story written by The Bridge on the River Kwai writer Carl Foreman, The Guns of Navarone has been hailed as ‘one of the greatest war films of all time’ by viewers.
Adapted from Alistair MacLean’s 1957 novel of the same name, The Guns of Navarone features characters and storylines that are entirely fictional. However, MacLean’s book itself was inspired by the Battle of Leros during the Second World War’s Dodecanese Campaign. Foreman’s screenplay did however make several major changes to the original novel’s story.
The war action drama stars the who’s who of the film industry(Image: Getty Images)
The Guns of Navarone features a star-studded cast comprising certified A-listers like Gregory Peck, David Niven and Anthony Quinn alongside Gia Scala, Irene Papas, Stanley Baker, Anthony Quayle, and James Darren.
The war drama’s official plot states: “In 1943, a small commando team is sent to destroy huge German guns on the Greek Island of Navarone in order to rescue Allied troops trapped on Kheros. Led by British Major Franklin (Anthony Quayle), the team includes American Mallory (Gregory Peck), Greek resistance fighter Stavros (Anthony Quinn) and reluctant explosives expert Miller. Facing impossible odds, the men battle stormy seas and daunting cliffs.”
The adventure drama was filmed in the Greek island of Rhodes, with some scenes being shot in the Maltese island of Gozo and certain sequences taking place in Tino in the Ligurian Sea.
With a near-perfect 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Guns of Navarone has proved to be a hit with critics and audiences alike.
One glowing critic’s review reads: “The Guns of Navarone has long been a big-time favourite of the war-movie aficionados, and the film still holds up resoundingly well today.”
While another reviewer said of the film: “The finale is a touch overdramatic, but the film is nonetheless a first-class war epic.”
The epic war drama is available to stream on Netflix(Image: Getty Images)
A third critic bestowed high praise on the war drama: “One of the best WWII action-adventures, with an all-star cast headed by Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, and David Niven, this Oscar-winner (in special effects) is stirringly directed by the vastly underestimated J. Lee Thompson.”
Audiences were left equally spellbound, with one fan writing: “Classic war film that ranks as one of the best ever produced, thanks to a top notch cast and direction that doesn’t shy away from the harsher side of war. The actors are a who’s who of stars, from Gregory Peck to David Niven to Anthony Quinn, all who shine in their roles and could have easily been the leads by themselves but actually make an epic ensemble.
“Behind the camera, director J. Lee Thompson crafts a first rate adventure epic, with plenty of brilliant action set pieces and exotic locations. All in all, a first rate adventure film like no other.”
A user review posted to IMDB reads: “One of the greatest movies I’ve ever seen. Everything in this film is perfect, the actors, the story and the music of Dimitri Tiomkin. I saw this film 29 times in the theaters between 1961 and 1979.”
While one fan of the war epic said: “The Guns of Navarone is one of the best war-action films ever made by the cinema industry. The suspenseful plot is engaging from the very beginning, with witty dialogs. The direction of J. Lee Thompson is superb and the cast is a dream team. The action scenes are impressive even in the present days and after watching this film several times. The viewer does not feel the 2h 38 min running time. My vote is ten.”
Another positive audience review reads: “Led by the intense Gregory Peck, this movie manages to stay relevant despite the years that have passed, making it an unknown masterpiece!”
The Guns of Navarone is available to stream on Netflix.
