The Great Escaper - Seniors morning tea preview
Thursday 15 February from 10am to 12:35pm
Be the first to see the uplifting new British drama starring Academy Award winners Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson in their final film roles. An inspiring true story of one man’s unlikely quest to honour D-Day and his fallen comrades, this classical narrative explores the horrors of war and reality of aging with charming wit and a very big heart.
The summer of 2014 marked the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings – octogenarian Bernie Jordan (Caine) made global headlines as he staged a "great escape" from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world. Bernie seemed to embody the defiant "can-do" spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. Bernie’s Big Adventure only spanned a mere 48 hours, but it also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene (Jackson, who passed shortly after production concluded) – the story celebrates their love with a touching sincerity.
“A moving and surprisingly nuanced drama offering far more than flag-waving nostalgia.” – Empire
“Caine and Jackson and their ineffable class give this film some real grit.” – The Guardian
“A salute to a generation who we should cherish.” – The Sun