|
The Young LionsRating:
Release Date: 21 May, 2002 Retail Price: $14.98 OUR Price: $12.99 You SAVE: $1.99! Cast: Complete Cast (13 total) |
The Young Lions Reviews
Young Lions
A long and rambling adaptation of Irvin Shaw's novel, THE YOUNG LIONS tracks the World War II career of three soldiers - young American recruit Montgomery Clift, who battles anti-semitism in the army; Dean Martin, who battles his cowardice, and German army officer Marlon Brando, who battles his conscience.
There's more to it than that, of course, but not much more. I haven't read Shaw's novel, but it's clear that he wrote the story from three separate points-of-view. Interior monologues are one of the great strengths of the novel and a great weakness of big-screen movies. Unless thoughts and emotions are translated into interesting action most - not all - movies quickly grow stagnant.
Which is more or less what happens here. Director Edward Dmytryk had an interest in and a solid reputation with this type of material. One of the first movies to deal with anti-semitism head-on was his film "Crossfire," which preceded "Gentleman's Agreement" by a few months. In "Crossfire" Dmytryk hedged his bets by wrapping the message around an engaging murder mystery. In THE YOUNG LIONS it seems Dmytryk is trying to bring life to an internalized story by casting the two great Method actors Clift and Brando. It kind of works in Clift's case and fails with Brando, who remains a cipher throughout. Oddly enough, good old singer-turned-actor Dino Martin comes across the best. A tepid endorsement for this low-key war flick.
Outstanding War DRAMA (Interlaced with Some Action)
"The Young Lions" is a black & white 1958 WWII drama featuring Marlon Brando, Dean Martin (in his film debut) and Montgomery Clift.
THE PLOT: The film attempts to show the German, American and French sides of the war. Brando stars as a young German officer who becomes increasingly disillusioned with Hitler's regime and the world war he caused. Martin plays a worldly Broadway musician who struggles with cowardice. Montgomery Clift's character is a poor, naive Jewish American who falls in love with Hope Lange and fights the anti-semitic guys in his platoon.
VARIOUS HIGHLIGHTS: I'm a huge fan of Marlon Brando and his outstanding performance in this film illustrates why. Brando is utterly captivating! 'Nuff said. Most reviewers note that Brando's German storyline is far more interesting than the two American storylines, and this is true, yet repeat viewings grant the viewer more appreciation for the latter.
There are three incredibly gorgeous women featured in the picture: Barbara Rush, May Britt and Liliane Montevecchi. Rush is Martin's marriage-minded gal, who flirts with Brando early on, Britt plays the luscious sexpot wife of Brando's captain (Maximilian Schell), and Montevecchi performs as a French girl who initially insults Brando (because he's a German occupant) yet ultimately falls for his charm.
CLOSING WORD: "The Young Lions" is not a war action film, it's a powerful war DRAMA. Yes, there is quite a bit of action (France, Northern Africa, etc.), but the emphasis is on the characters and their stories. The climax involves a horrified and utterly disillusioned Brando, leaving a strong impact.
If you're looking for a mindless action flick this is not the one to see. This perhaps explains some of the less-than-stellar reviews. Yet, make no mistake, "The Young Lions" is without a doubt a WAR film. It's also a masterpiece of cinematic art, not to mention one of Brando's most mesmerizing performances.
More Customer Reviews (15 total)
You like The Young Lions?
|
