Film Review – The Great Escaper

Two years ago, Michael Caine announced his retirement from acting, electing to exit the business with “Best Sellers,” a passable but unremarkable comedy largely supported by the iconic performer’s skill. Apparently, such a decision was premature, as Caine is back on screen in “The Great Escaper,” which is based on the true story of Bernard Jordan, an elderly man who elected to leave his care facility and attend a D-Day commencement ceremony in France in 2014. It's a peculiar tale well suited for Caine’s thespian gifts, and he does exceptionally well in the part, portraying a determined man dealing with scars from the past. It’s a more appropriate farewell for Caine, joined by the late Glenda Jackson, who’s also marvelous in this study of guilt and aging, finding director Oliver Parker (“An Ideal Husband,” “St. Trinian’s”) wisely staying out of the way when it comes to the grace of his leads. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com