Actuakers
One of my all time favorites.
Claysaba
Excellent, Without a doubt!!
Lachlan Coulson
This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.
Mccadoo
I watched this mini-series in my youth when it was first run and remembered it fondly. I recently purchased the DVD for my wife and I to watch and, not having seen it since it's original broadcast I wasn't sure what to expect. Some old TV shows age well...some don't. We had just finished watching QBVII and that had held up very well, other than the awful 70's musical soundtrack, so we had high hopes for Winds of War.We weren't disappointed, this was, and still is, one of the best mini-series ever produced for the small screen. It was filmed all over the world at great expense and it shows on the screen. The love stories tend to take up too much screen time (I thought so anyway) but overall it paints a very good picture of a world on the brink of the insanity of a world war. I highly recommend it for those who saw it back in the day and have fond memories, or those who have never seen it and are interested in that era of history. I'm not in any way saying that this film accurately portrays what was happening in the time leading up to the war, but it comes as close as you'll probably see on television. All that being said, a few pet peeves about the production (at this late date); I'm at a loss to understand how Ali McGraw kept getting roles back then, she has be to one of the worst actresses in the history of acting, truly. There were times while watching Winds that her acting was so horrific that it pulled you right out of the story. I can only assume that she was well connected, very well connected, in Hollywood, or she had some kind of dirt on someone high up in the industry. Nothing else can explain why she was hired for this, or any other role. The same goes for Jan Michael Vincent. The pensive, brooding, anger simmering just below the surface act got old by the third or fourth hour in. He would clench his jaw so much I kept expecting his head to just explode right on screen. I've read that he was dealing with a serious drinking problem during filming so that may explain it because I've seen him in other roles were he did better. Can't say the same about Ali McGraw!But if you can suffer through Ms. McGraw's horrific performance, and this film is well worth the effort, this is quality television from yesteryear that is as good, if not better than a lot of what is being broadcast today. Highly recommended.
slabihoud
Looking back at this series 30 years after it has been made it is easy to find many faults.Beginning with the casting of Mitchum and Ali MacGraw as the principal characters both too old for their respective role. But one has to admit that Mitchum is perfect as the duty-driven naval officer who wishes to get the command of a ship but continues to fulfill every other position to serve his country and his president.Ali MacGraw on the other hand plays Nathalie to the point, in fact her performance led me to buy the books and read the whole story through. I think it is a pity they did not let her play the part in the second series too.Many reviewers pointed out many other casting problems but overall the series clinks to the book as best as they can and this is very relieving. I had to order the DVDs again, first I had a German version but it turned out that it was severely shortened it ran only 5 episodes instead of 7! They had most of Hitler and the German officers scenes edited out!! I watched it now in English only DVDs.
norton27
Ms. Ali "should have called it day with Love Story" McGraw? Sorry but all I could see was the same whimsical, throw the head back, monotone replies through most of the movie. Reminiscant of her Love Story performance. It worked well there but not in the streets of Warsaw or D.C. Especially the scene with the embassy person while trying to get her Uncle's passport reinstated. Her attempt to change mood and win over the ambassador was laughable. Poor casting on some of the characters, especially McGraw. The actor playing Hitler? Worst Hitler I have ever seen. The guy was grotesque and over acted. Mr. Mitchum and his counterpart the German General did much to save the day. I rate the movie based on story line, history, etc. = 9. Ali and some of the other cast pull the rating down to more of a 7.Top billing stars like Ali, just not believable or memorable. Mitchum, Houseman and the supporting cast such as Kemp and Topol (minor parts) performed exceptionally and made the movie. Characters like the Jewish businessman who rented his home to Pug...now that was acting...powerful. You look for those memorable moments in a movie that make you want to watch a second, third or more times. This one is a toss up for me and unfortunately not a first pick for as a "watch over".
mvc113
I first watched this miniseries when it was broadcast on TV and I videotaped it at the time. When it came out on DVD, I rented it several times from my public library. Finally, I bit the bullet and purchased the DVD set for myself. Needless to say, I have watched the 'Winds of War' many times. I also own the book, which I read before I ever watched the miniseries. Of course, there are some differences between the book and the miniseries, but nothing that matters. Robert Mitchum is perfectly cast as Pug Henry. Can't think of anyone else for that part. Polly Bergen is perfect as Pug's wife Rhoda, too, and the rest of the cast seems true to their characters. Bergen's wardrobe is gorgeous. Rhoda is a fashion plate in every scene. Victoria Tennant shines as the much younger Pamela Tudsbury. Very beautiful. Contrary to some other reviewers,I really liked Ali McGraw as Natalie Jastrow and was disappointed when she was replaced by Jane Seymour in the sequel 'War and Remembrance.' One thing the book didn't have that the TV series has is the great background music. Awesome. Don't miss 'The Winds of War' if it is ever rebroadcast or try to borrow it from your public library. Don't miss
