Movie critique of The longest Day

In my first viewing of this heart-pounding war thriller--which much to my suprise--had me on the edge of my seat for most of the movie. This international star-studded film, is packed with a great range of emotion from feeling excited to feeling inspired to feeling sad. The Longest Day truly brings out these inner emotions by having mind-blowing battle scenes and spine-tingling amounts of men who lost their lives on this faithful day. In this epic re-enactment of the day of, and leading up to D-Day (June 6th 1944) this movie excellently captivates the German, British, and American experience. The American Paratroops are led by Lt. Col. Vandervoort, a pillar of strength played by John Wayne. His assumed leadership role makes the movie have that key component of a character, through his role of being the backbone of the Paratroops. Another member of this huge cast, Robert Mitchum, assumes the Brigadier General position of the American forces on Omaha beach whom retains a very determined role. Mitchum creates an orderly setting in the troops with his composed personality and keen reactions as a Brig. General. The German side is presented by the very mono-toned, emotionless role of Maj. Gen. Gunther Blumentritt played by German national Curt Jürgens, who throughout the entire movie is scripted with his native language, adding a very realistic effect. Other stars in this all-star international cast include Eddie Albert, Jean-Louis Barrault, Richard Burton, Red Buttons, Sean Connery, Henry Fonda, Gert Frobe, Peter Lawford, Kenneth More, Edmond O'Brien, Robert Ryan, Jean Servais, Rod Steiger, Irena Demick and Robert Wagner. Aswell, Paul Anka, who wrote the film’s title song, shows up as an army Private. Somewhat unique to The Longest Day the four major parts of the story: British, American, German, as well as the parachuting scene, all were directed by different individuals. Ken Annakin (director of British exterior episodes) made sure of the thoroughness in the