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I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Thanks for the memories!

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

Reach for the Sky is one of many flag waving war films to come out of the UK in the 50's and 60's which include 'The Cruel Sea' - 'The Colditz Story' - 'Sink the Bismark' - 'The Malta Story' and many others. All thankfully free of the obligatory American who could never have been there anyway (didn 't often stop them crowbarring one in somewhere to enable a sale to the USA). I am a big fan of these films, the British were much better at that time of making war films, we didn't need John Wayne or anyone like him.The war was still very foremost in the minds of the British public and these films were often sugar coated. That included the character of Douglas Bader who was known to be arrogant at the very least and difficult to be with, not the wonderful chappie portrayed in this biopic. Granted Bader was still alive when this was made so it was probably politic to show him as mister nice guy despite being difficult on set. Having said that I can't take away his courage if not for Bader and others like him we would be speaking German now.So I wish there would be a remake with a more accurate portrayal of the subject, bad language and all. This time get someone closer in age to Bader than Moore (that's no criticism of his performance which, as ever, was excellent) he was far to old to play someone in their 20's. There are many young actors who could fill these boots, check out Matthew Winters, he has the right stuff.

While perhaps too long, but just a tad, Reach for the Sky is a very compelling, moving and inspiring movie, that treats its subject matter with dignity. The story is always compelling and paced very nicely, the music is stirring, the dialogue is thoughtful with a bit of humour, the film is wonderfully made with beautiful cinematography, costumes, sets and scenery and Bader at the end despite any faults character-wise he has is one to take inspiration from. Gilbert's direction is masterful, seamlessly making the drama equally as good as the action sequences, and I think Bader is Kenneth More's best ever performance, he is just marvellous. All in all, compelling, beautifully shot and just not a movie to miss really. 9/10 Bethany Cox

The story of the British air ace Douglas Bader,an inspiring film after all these years.Douglas Bader was an extremely fit sporting young man,who at the peak of his physical prowess lost his legs in a plane crash.The first part of the film establishes his determination not to be beaten by his handicap.Golf proves away to challenge himself,he also finds a wife.Bored with his life in an office,the out break of WW2 gives him the chance to fly again.Determined to get in the RAF he has medicals and gets back in.Bader is given a squadron of disillusioned flyer's,initially they oppose him, but having seen him fly they are won round.A difficult man Bader takes short cuts to get the equipment he needs for his squadron upsetting some of his superiors.However his tactics are brilliant and before long he is in charge of five squadrons inflicting heavy losses on the German air force during the battle of Britain.On one flight his plane is shot down,Bader escapes by leaving one of his false legs behind.The RAF drops of a spare,in spite of all his difficulties he manages to escape three times .Bader never let a chance go to bait the German guards even inspecting them before heading to Colditz castle.The performance from Kenneth More in the title roll is excellent,given good support from Muriel Pavlov and Nigel Green.I would like a remake,as after all these yeatrs it could be more honest,brutal and would make a big star of the leading actor.

'The channels are blocked? Then we'll ruddy well UNblock 'em!' This is the point in the film where I feel like cheering, as it perfectly sums up Bader's 'can do, will do' approach. It's the true story of Douglas Bader, a young flying enthusiast who went on to be a fearless WW2 Spitfire pilot, losing both legs in the process. His struggle to walk again, his courting of a pretty girl and his later formation of 'the big wing' in the fight against the Nazi invasion are laid out here with gusto, verve and a little humour. Kenneth More is excellent as Bader, using his natural, relaxed acting technique to give the part a free-wheeling energy. The very pretty Muriel Pavlow plays his wife who grows increasingly concerned at his derring-do, and there is a solid cast of British regulars of the time. The music is stirring, the direction brisk and the story itself is straight out of a Boys' Own comic. What more could you ask for? A perfect Sunday afternoon film.