Curapedi I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Loui Blair It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Freeman This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

LeonLouisRicci What if the Nazi's Executed a Surprise Land Invasion and what would happen in a Small Sleepy Village? What would be the Result and Impact on the Unprepared Citizens, especially Women and Children.It was a Nightmare Scenario put forth in this Wartime Thriller and the Film Pulls Few Punches in its Portrayal of the Events that were Not Far from the Minds and Concerns of the British Population.The Bleak and Brutal Occupation from the Germans sets in Motion an All Out and Rousing Retaliation from the "Good Folks" of the Village on the "Evil Invaders" and with Not a Second Thought the Civilians Take Up Arms against the "Godless" Foe. Utilizing Everything from Captured Machine Guns to Garden Tools.Women and Children Battle on the Front Lines and are Injured and Killed in the "Line of Duty". Using Their Wits and Determination, it's a Fight to the Finish and what Ensues On Screen was Not for the Faint of Heart in 1942 or any Year for that Matter. The Violence Shown in this Low-Budget Propaganda Piece is Visceral and there are Scenes of Up Close Carnage Never Before Seen in British Cinema.There is a Final Battle Siege that is a Wow with Adrenalin Inducing Action, Music/Sound, and Mayhem. Overall it is an Extremely Effective Evocation of Patriotism and Pride and as a Movie it can Stand Up to most War Films of its Era.

peter-woodhart Although the film was made at the height of WW2 and clearly aimed at keeping up British morale, it is an immensely impressive film. At its heart, it's the story of very normal people doing extraordinary heroic things. A typical middle-age post-mistress, clubs a German to death with an axe. Middle aged men (who had presumably fought in WW1) face and kill German soldiers. A sailor, on leave to get married, leads the fight against the German infiltration. The 'lady of the manor' throws herself onto a hand grenade to save the children. Although this may sound blood thirsty, it's handled in a typically low- key manner. Whether today's population could do the same is questionable.

dougdoepke No need to recap the plot.When I first saw the film some 60-years ago, I was so enthused, I told all my little friends. Unfortunately, they could have cared less. Despite that initial impression, the movie slowly faded from memory, never showing up again on TV, at least that I saw. Then, I caught it once more on TCM the other night. After all, that poetic title is unforgettable.Beyond the years, the sheer drama still impresses-- the sudden jarring violence, the boldness of concept, a general sense of unpredictability. I'm sure this is what captivated me the first time around. Too bad these were generally not features of American movies at the time. But now I recognize the propaganda aspects, particularly the Nazi stereotypes. The Germans are one and all, cruel, ruthless, and harsh sounding, except for the Quisling (Banks). The British, on the other hand, are selfless, brave, and thoughtful. Of course, it was wartime 1942, so what can be expected. Still, propaganda remains an effective way of dehumanizing an enemy, regardless of the cause, and dates this production.Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the movie a second time around, especially seeing the country village and rolling countryside. Otherwise, I tend to think of England as being wall-to-wall cities, so that was refreshing. True, a part of me changed over the years, as it does for most of us. But there's still a part that enjoys good drama, and good drama the movie is.

pingshar Combine wooden acting, an improbably plot, a flashback spoiler and caricatures for the enemy, and what have you got? A boring movie.I'm not sure which is more annoying, the stilted ladies' voices, the deafening din of chirping birds (are British birds always louder than human voices?), the sneering German soldiers, or the absurdity of assembling a bunch of German soldiers in a British country village who, all but one, speak perfect British English, complete with British military trucks and gear.There is some brief mention of German parachutists being sighted earlier. So why isn't the military out searching for them? Yes, they are going to get tripped up, but do you seriously expect them to bring Austrian chocolate bars with them? If the purpose of this film was to make the British public suspicious of anything and everything, then it did a fine job. But if you are looking for an entertaining wartime movie set in England, you would be far better off with "Mrs. Miniver." Frankly, I've seen more interesting public service announcements. The only way someone could view this as a great movie is if they are British, and praising British war movies was a required.The prospect of a German invasion was real for awhile, primarily after Dunkirk. The British government prepared detailed written plans for what to do if the Germans invaded successfully -- and these plans were made into a detailed re-enactment documentary. The possibility of a single German dropping in was entirely real. Private Schulz tells the fictional story of what happened to one -- he was spotted almost the moment he walked into a pub.It was wartime, and it was OK to turn the German soldiers into detestable caricatures. But did they have to turn the British women into caricatures, too? The only one that seemed human was Nora.I'm glad this movie is still available, as a historical document. But it seems almost like amateur hour. Perhaps the best British filmmakers were in war service. Unless you are very interested in WWII or are British, you can skip this and you won't have missed a thing.