After the last film “The Greatest Show on Earth” Oscar returned to honoring films that were actually good with “From Here to Eternity.” Released in 1953, the film returns to what is still one of the most popular subjects for Oscar films to this very day, World War II. No war is more represented by movies that have won the best picture Oscar. The reason is simple, the majority of stories about World War II end up being about good vs. evil. It’s a black and white depiction that allows for little controversy over why were fighting or why people had to die. Removing that, people can focus on the characters and stories that are being told.
The story focuses on several soldiers that are stationed in Hawaii during late December 1941. Obviously there is a high level of alert going on, but that stays in the background while we deal with the problems that the soldiers are having. The main plot focuses on Private Prewitt who has transferred to the company and refuses to fight in an upcoming boxing match. The company leader continuously tries to punish him until he agrees to box. Eventually this drives Prewitt to go AWOL, he eventually returns on December 7th where he is killed in battle. The attack also cancels the upcoming boxing match. During this story two love stories take place, including one that gives us the infamous love making scene on the beach with the waves crashing around them. The plot is much deeper than what I’ve described here and is full of layers that can keep anyone interested.
From a production standpoint the movie doesn’t miss a beat. Director Fred Zinnermann filled the movie with some great shots. Cuts were clean and he brought out a lot in his actors. Of course he also helped create one of the most memorable and mocked shots ever put on the silver screen, the beach love making scene. The acting is full of people that really know how to act featuring Burt Lancaster, Donna Reed, Deborah Kerr and Ernest Borgnine. Also featured was Frank Sinatra, he did a fine job in the film, but it is rumored that the way he got this role is what inspired the horse head in the bed scene of “The Godfather.” This is only a rumor and Sinatra puts in a fine performance.
This is the classic movie that you expect to win Oscars from back in the 50’s. It has classic Hollywood leading men and ladies. With an epic story and beautiful cinematography this could easily go toe to toe with many movies released today. It gets 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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