Cross of Iron

Cross of Iron is a 1977 war film directed by the master of action cinema, Sam Peckinpah. The movie stars James Coburn, Maximilian Schell, and James Mason in pivotal roles. The film is set in 1943 during World War II on the Eastern Front, with the characters being German infantrymen who are fighting against the advancing Soviet forces.

The narrative pivots around Sergeant Steiner (James Coburn), a hardened Wehrmacht soldier, whose fighting skills and bravery are highly valued by his comrades. Steiner is a realist who holds no illusions about the German cause, fighting not out of ideological conviction or for Hitler, but out of a profound sense of duty and survival instinct, keeping his squad alive despite the immense odds. Steiner is wary of the aristocratic and politically ambitious Captain Stransky (Maximilian Schell), who has been transferred from France and has never seen real combat before. Stransky hopes that by capturing a Cross of Iron, Germany's highest military honor, he can ensure his family's noble reputation.

Stransky's desire for personal glory sharply contrasts with Steiner's cynical, survivalist perspective, creating a tension that is as palpable as the front line battles against the Russian forces. Steiner is the embodiment of the weary but competent frontline soldier, while Stransky represents the elitism and ambition emanating from rear echelon officers, leading to strategic miscommunications and internal discord, all the while dealing with the ferocious Russian onslaught.

Peckinpah's vision focuses on the ugliness and atrocity of warfare and the moral ambiguity and complexity of people caught up in its vortex. When Captain Hauptmann (James Mason), who empathizes with Steiner’s outlook, is sidelined with an injury, the tension between Steiner and Stransky escalates, driving the plot forward. The movie paints a vivid picture of deep-seated insecurities, political motivations, and the savagery lurking within each soldier, undeniably affected by the brutal environment they find themselves in.

Although it's a war film, Cross of Iron isn't limited by the norms of its genre. The film delves deep into the psyche of its characters, stirring up a raw, emotional experience that goes beyond battlefield action. The authentic depiction of warfare, the dynamic power struggles, and the subtle complexities of human relationships give the movie its depth, placing it in a unique niche within the genre of war films.

Coburn perfectly brings the world-weary Steiner to life, his natural charisma bringing a sense of believability to the character. Schell is equally impressive as the ambitious and career-driven Stransky. Mason's Captain Hauptmann is yet another memorable character, providing a moral center to the narrative.

Technically, the film is noteworthy for its skillful editing, acute cinematography, and convincing battle sequences, displaying Peckinpah's celebrated ability to orchestrate elaborate scenes of chaos and violence. The movie's cinematography effectively captures the grueling realities of war, with some truly harrowing sequences that effectively portray the madness and chaos of combat.

Cross of Iron is a distinctly powerful war drama that dares to delve into complex character studies while serving up heaping helpings of intense, brutal battle scenes. While it doesn't shy away from the ugliness of warfare, it also doesn't glorify it. Instead, it shines a light on the humanity of its characters, even amid the inhumanity of war.

In summary, Cross of Iron stands as a powerful anti-war statement, underlining the absurdity and horror of war. It remains an authentic vision of men in combat, delving deep into the human experience within warfare; presenting the complex facets, tensions, and struggles of soldiers caught in the middle of the historical enormity that was World War II. For fans of war films and those who appreciate intricately drawn characters placed in high-stakes, tangibly real scenarios, Cross of Iron is everything a war film should be-- and more.