Simply Perfect

Simply A Masterpiece

People are voting emotionally.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

'How I Won the War' ('HIWtW', 1967), is a largely forgotten & maligned film that may have the distinction of being both an 'Anti-war Film' film & an 'Anti-war' film. 'HIWtW' unfolds in an unconventional plot structure formed by a series of narrated episodes/vignettes that are franticly-paced, dark, stirring, & above all surrealistic. A basic premise has Lt Goodbody (Michael Crawford) & the ever-dwindling survivors of his unit (featuring John Lennon with limited, but incredibly poignant, screen time) given orders to set a cricket pitch in open desert & behind enemy lines during the Allied invasion of North Africa. Marked by biting satire, brilliant performances, & excellent cinematography (shot in Andalucia, Spain), 'HIWtW' also boasts first rate writing, editing & cast, while experimental direction & production (the dead become tinted ghosts that continue on screen with the living & the use of authentic war footage) are dynamic. 'HIWtW' will likely be a unique film viewing experience without the gritty/gory realism of the modern day war genre films, but no less poignant. This war narrative with British humor/slapstick makes for a challenging (particularly on the opposite side of the pond), but greatly rewarding/entertaining film, & is a must for WWII genre enthusiasts & Crawford & Lennon fans. 'HIWtW' is also recommended for casual war/drama/action/humor viewers & those interested in cinematic social commentary. For similar themes consider: 'Dr Stragelove' (1964); 'MASH' (1970); 'Duck Soup' (1933); 'Catch 22' (1970); 'What Did You Do in the War, Daddy' (1966); 'Two Men Went to War' (2002); 'Kelly's Heroes' (1970); 'Castle Keep' (1969); '1941' (1979); 'Lawrence of Arabia' (1962); 'The Good Soldier Schweik', Pts 1& 2 (1956/7); & 'Sand Pebbles' (1966). Also consider: 'Signs of Life' (1968); 'Mediterraneo' (1991); 'I Was Nineteen' (1968); 'Help' (1965); 'Hell in the Pacific' (1968); 'Magical Mystery Tour' (1967); 'Big Red One' (1980); 'The Bed Sitting Room' (1969); & 'Stalag 17' (1953).

I saw this film on FLIX today (20 March 2006) for the second time, and appreciated it a lot more than I did when I first saw this in Syracuse, NY around 1981 or so. Not only do I see a parody of war films (such as Lawrence of Arabia, whose theme is used), but it seems oddly appropriate for America in 2006. By that, not only do I refer to the war in Iraq, but also the corporate mentality that pervades many quarters.John Lennon does steal the movie! Indeed, he had a better chance than Elvis Presley did when it came to a movie career, but Mr. Lennon declined the chance to do so. The rest of the cast is fine, particularly Michael Crawford, Roy Kinnear and Alexander Knox as the US General. This is one brave and prophetic piece of film-making.

It has been reviewed; it has been explained. For almost forty years now this movie has been a mystery to a vast audience because the viewers and reviewers miss the obvious: "How I Won The Won" is comedy. When one has the opportunity to enjoy this movie one will find that the director and writer worked well together to bring us a movie that one can enjoy again and again. Much like "Duck Soup" thirty-four years earlier made a mockery of the Great War, "How I Won The War" mocks the "good" War (The Second World War.) Richard Lester's directing style brings this movie to his audience in a similar way that Brecht brought "The Three Penny Opera" to his stage audience. Lester has an ability to force you to laugh at times when you wished you hadn't laughed. Now circa 2005, it is a movie that has been re-discovered for its vitality and its humor. Let yourself go, relax and enjoy a classic movie experience.

Although (unfairly) ravaged by critics at the time and so generally dismissed ever since, HOW I WON THE WAR is both a brilliant anti-war film and anti war film film (much more so than the usually heralded M*A*S*H). Filled with biting satire and brilliant performances from Michael Crawford, John Lennon, Roy Kinnear, Ronald Lacey, Michael Hordern and, well, the entire cast, HIWTW was perhaps a bit too odd for 1967 audiences who expected perhaps a more madcap adventure, but today it deserves not only a rethink - but a reissue on DVD. (Why this wonderful movie is not available on DVD (at least in the US) is yet another slap in its face.) Richard Lester and writer Charles Wood (who also wrote HELP! for the Beatles) have crafted a brilliant black comedy that easily stands with Dr Strangelove. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, granted, but if you forget your preconceptions and let it wash over you, you will be richly rewarded. RELEASE IT ON DVD!