Peckinpah's only war movie is also one of his best. James Coburn stars as the anti-authoritarian German sergeant, looking out for his men on the cold Eastern Front, while his imbecilic superior (Maximilian Schell) chases the elusive Iron Cross. Beautifully shot and filled with the violence and camaraderie synonymous with the director's work this rarely gets the praise it deserves as one of Hollywood's most profound meditations on the futility of war.

Typical Peckinpah movie with all the slo mo shots and graphic action.The cast are superb as they are all playing out of their usual comfort zone by essentially all playing bad guys.It shows that even in war the will to fight is stronger than the will to surrender.

Given the problems surrounding the production (the budget running out and Peckinpah's excessive drinking) it's a wonder this makes any sense at all, let alone be as accomplished as it is. Schell is brilliant as the cowardly Captain so desperate to win the Iron Cross he'll betray his own men to do it and Coburn is also great, despite doing a weird semi-accent. Anyone that thinks Peckinpah glorified violence should watch this, it's one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made.

Typical Peckinpah movie with all the slo mo shots and graphic action.The cast are superb as they are all playing out of their usual comfort zone by essentially all playing bad guys.It shows that even in war the will to fight is stronger than the will to surrender.

I may not have seen every war film ever, but Peckinpah is pretty damned good at this business of film making. Why this was panned God only knows, this should be in the dictionary under 'sublime' - i.e. it transcends any notion that it may be terrible (overbearing message) to become awesomely absorbing

A film that doesn't live up to its reputation and cast. Why is it famous for then?

With well-orchestrated action (and a few clichéd ‘war is hell’ diatribes aside) this is a decent WWII film, unusually from the German perspective.

seen on TV…

A relentless look at the horrifying nature of war. A bit jarring with some bad dubbing and weird accents, and runs a tad long, but still a remarkable picture from one of the greats.

Sam Peckinpah directs a ww2 action drama from the German perspective fighting the Russian front, a entertaining war film throughout with some great action going on when needed and moments of drama concerning the horrors of war, a interesting intro and outro to film also which has comments to say.

Given the problems surrounding the production (the budget running out and Peckinpah's excessive drinking) it's a wonder this makes any sense at all, let alone be as accomplished as it is. Schell is brilliant as the cowardly Captain so desperate to win the Iron Cross he'll betray his own men to do it and Coburn is also great, despite doing a weird semi-accent. Anyone that thinks Peckinpah glorified violence should watch this, it's one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made.

Peckinpah has never been one to shy away from violence or controversy. In Cross of Iron James Colburn plays the least conviencing German soldier in movie history. Peckinpah puts his troops and audience through the ringer with his signature slow-motion violence and expolititive subject matter. This is isnteresting to think of in the context of the the shadow of the Vietnam War. I wonder what Peckinpah thought of war? He is too subtle...