‘Masterpiece’ war film that’s ‘supremely underrated’ streaming now on Amazon Prime | Films | Entertainment

A “masterpiece” film set during World War 2 that’s hailed by one fan as “supremely underrated” is streaming now in the UK. To End All Wars (2001) focuses on four Allied prisoners of war who have been captured by Japanese forces and are made to build a railroad through the Burmese jungle.

It was based on Through the Valley of the Kwai, an autobiography by Ernest Gordon, who spent three years in a Japanese POW camp. The gritty drama stars Robert Carlyle, Kiefer Sutherland, Ciarán McMenamin, Mark Strong, Sakae Kimura, Masayuki Yui, and James Cosmo, and was directed by David L. Cunningham.

The film is relatively unknown in the canon of war movie epics, but fans have flocked to IMDb to shower it with praise.

One called it a “masterpiece”. “Highly recommended, especially for anyone considering maturing beyond the comic book/video game/action hero brand of “heroism” regularly served up by Hollywood,” they said, adding: “Try some REAL heroism for a change.”

Another added: “Very powerful movie with what seem to be realistic scenes. Unbelievable feeling. It reminded me of Platoon in the way it blows you away. Afterwards, it’s hard to go back to real life. Thoroughly enjoyed the movie!”

A third said called it “brutally realistic” but also an “amazingly hope-filled picture of humanity”.

A fourth said: “I watched it twice and think maybe it is the best war or antiwar movie I ever saw. It is highly recommended for watching.”

A fifth described it as “supremely underrated”.

Another said To End All Wars “invites the viewer into a powerful exploration of humanity… from obvious evils to the subtle shades of beauty and reconciliation even in the darkest, most painful moments”.

The film has a 15 certificate and contains strong bloody violence and injury detail, so viewer discretion is advised.

To End All Wars is streaming now on Amazon Prime. It’s also available to watch on Plex, or rent or buy on various platforms, including YouTube, Apple TV, and Sky Store.