Escape to Victory (1981)

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Really Surprised!

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Victory is unique in that star football players pretty much play themselves in a World War 2 setting, up against the ruthless efficiency of the Nazi football machine. Pele is for me one of the recognizable superstars, and you see others from Western Europe (sans Germany of course) that constitute the Allies.One stomach churning scene was when one of the players allowed his arm to be broken by his fellow teammates, so Sylvester "Rocky" Stallone's character could return to the team. The sound effect for the arm breaking scene is something I'll never forget.If Victory is remade, they've got a whole suite of stars from Europe and Asia to join a stellar cast. As for the German/Nazi team, if the German football players aren't available (for fear of offending their fan base I guess), then they can get the British and American actors who portrayed the Nazis in Valkyrie.

Although it's a well-remembered film – particularly here in the UK – I found watching ESCAPE TO VICTORY to be a hollow experience. It actually turns out to be a hollow, rather soulless viewing experience. Yes, it's a feel-good film about a football match between an international team and the Nazis during WW2, but in truth? The script isn't very good. The prison drama stuff just kinds of happens without the viewer ever getting too involved or emotionally attached to the plot, and none of the characters have a great deal of sympathy, either.Perhaps it's one of those movies where there are so many characters, we don't have time to care about them. So we get Michael Caine as the token movie-star hero, Max Von Sydow as the token sympathetic Nazi, Sly Stallone as the token macho American idol, and a bunch of real footballers like Pele and Bobby Moore doing their bit on the pitch.The football scenes themselves are great. They're portrayed humorously, with maximum drama and skill. The final few minutes of the final match are truly nail-biting, and all this is from a guy who typically hates football. But other than pride, what's the film all about? The prison escape drama strives to be on the same level as the one in THE GREAT ESCAPE, but I never cared about whether the characters made it or not. Well-remembered it might be…but unlike other well-remembered movies, this one's no classic.

ESCAPE TO VICTORYThis film was recommended to me by my parents. My Dad is a fan of this movie... and I can see why. It is a good film.I am not a football fan at all, but I did really enjoy this film.It is about a group of people being held captive by the Germans during World War II. They start to play football whilst being held, and the German soldiers challenge them to a game. The game becomes a big thing and ends up being played in Paris. The whole time they are arranging this game, the inmates are arranging to escape during the half time break.The film stars a young Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine. I am a fan of both of there guys. They are both legendary actors. This is neither of their best film... they have both made better movies. But this is still very good. The legendary footballer, Pele, also stars. Pele makes a great shot in the final match. :)The story is a typical war escape movie. It's not as good as the classic Great Escape, but still is similar in ways.The acting is not bad. There are some bits that were not brilliant, but you hardly noticed it really.There were a few bits that I thought were just a little too unrealistic. For instance, a German soldier sees one of the prisoners escaping, and he just smiled and sat down. Hmmmm... not overly likely.I will give this film 7 out of 10.Very entertaining, but not really realistic. :)For more reviews, please like my Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ordinary-Person-Movie- Reviews/456572047728204?ref=hl

what a fantastic soccer movie.. I mean if we keep aside some of the visible glitches, then it sure is a good watch. The players keeping their possible escape half the way down the match and putting forward their morale ,their self esteem ahead to give an eventful 2nd half amidst some nasty ploys adapted by the Germans!!! Its heartening watching PELE dribble around with 1 of his hands supporting his injured chest n that last goal off his feet is a treat to watch.I am surprised how come this movie is not even in all time gr8 sports movies lists of IMDb. Max Paine as always has given good performance too.. Some actors do sound a bit wooden but considering that most of them were not actual players....Highly recommended...