Everyone is captivated by this Netflix drama
Even his wife knew nothing
Films about World War II always touch me. This was no different with the Netflix drama ‘The Great Escaper’. Not the big battles, but the lasting impact of the war that is still felt years later makes this film so moving. Especially when you consider that the story is based on true events.
The Escape
War veteran Bernard (Bernie) Jordan (Michael Caine) lives with his wife Rene (Glenda Jackson) in a nursing home in southern England. As a twenty-something, he was part of the Royal Navy during World War II. Now, despite his 89 years, he is still fit enough and wants nothing more than to go to Normandy one last time for the D-Day memorial. Without the staff knowing, he leaves the home for the trip to France. While his ‘escape’ becomes world news, Bernie struggles with his traumas and the guilt he still feels after all these years. The film painfully shows how war leaves a lasting impact; not only on those who fought, but also on those who were left behind.
Bernard Jordan
The story of ‘The Great Escaper’ is the true story of Bernard Jordan. In 2014, at the age of 89, he made the journey to Normandy unseen, hiding his medals under his coat. Unlike in the film, his wife knew nothing either. It was only in the evening that a call came from a fellow veteran that everything was fine and that Bernie would return after the memorial. Media worldwide wrote about his ‘escape’ and called him a hero. He saw his journey as something he simply had to do: “My thoughts were with my friends who had fallen. I crossed over (to France) to pay my respects. It took some effort, but I managed it.”
Their Last Film
For both Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson, this was the last role they played. Glenda passed away nine months after filming at the age of 87. Michael decided at the end of 2023 that, now that he was 90, it was time for his retirement. With more than 130 films to his name, he said goodbye to acting.
Tissues are certainly not superfluous for this film; ‘The Great Escaper’ is available on Netflix.
Image: ONE Media // Netflix
