Atttenborough's adaptation of Cornelius Ryan's book is a masterclass of action cinema, a testament to his power to attract every major star of the day, and a fitting tribute to Montgomery's greatest military blunder.
Monty, stung by growing criticism at his slow progress through France after D-Day went overboard in his reaction. Recklessly he planned to drop 3 airborne divisions behind German lines to secure a succession of bridges to speed up the invaision of the Reich.
Attenborough doesn't shirk from showing the ignorance and arrogance of the top brass-most notably in Bogarde's portrayal of General Browning. He is also even handed in his treatment of both Allied and Axis combatants; each side equally inhabited by heroes and incompetants.
Moreover A Bridge Too Far has set piece after set piece that are simply breathtaking and heart-wrenching. The Allied aerial amarda, XXX Corps initial battle, the Polish Brigades river crossing, and the wounded troops of 1st Para singing "Abide With Me."
It may seem tame in the wake of the violent realism of Saving Private Ryan, but pound for pound Attenborough's film is little short of a cinematic masterpiece.

in my opinion the best second world war film. A great cast delivered a great performance and the setting was made to be as authentic as possible. A must see film.

The true story directed by Richard Attenborough who somehow once again manages to arrange a star studded cast of actors to play reasonably small parts in his films for him. At the time that this was made just about everyone who was anybody and was available appeared in this film. All of them give fantastic performances although Gene Hackman's accent is perhaps one of the things that leaves a little to be desired.
Excellent location shooting and a great deal of effort going in to recreate the way that it possibly was at the time. If you like decent war films then this is the one for you to watch.