This film definitely needs to be added to the list of the most absolutely stunningly photographed films, a story that is as familiar as any movie plot is. Robert Culp's wife, Susannah York, and son, are kidnapped, and held hostage high above the ground in a mountainous monastery, and Culp joins forces with her ex-husband, James Coburn, to rescue her. With the aide of hand gliding equipment, the two men go into action, resulting in some of the most stunning effects and vistas I've ever seen on film. This results in a truly amazing action packed second film, and the results may have the audience dropping their jaw.
There is absolutely no wasted footage in this movie. Every scene is plot related, and as everything is developed, it just gets more and more exciting. Filmed on real Greek landscapes in Meteora, this definitely had me wanting to take a trip to see the grand real sights, and yet, for just the cost of a dvd, I was able to travel there through the comfort of my own home. The film is not about the acting, even though everybody does a professional job, but the special effects and musical score are sumptuous enough to garner top praise.
This is one of those films that you wonder why it was not a box office smash when it came out because it's certainly is cinematic in every way. The monastery, high atop a very thin slice of granite (surrounded by other high thin slices of granite), is truly a Greek Shangri-la, although it's obviously not a peaceful place for a wife and mother to be held captive against her will. York of course is stunningly beautiful, and Culp and Coburn have a shared interest which is all the more touching because both men, in different ways, are in love with York, yet it's clear as to what the goal of the mission is, with absolutely no rivalry between them. Charles Aznavour has a scene stealing flamboyant cameo, and legendary character actor Harry Andrews is excellent as well. Definitely a top notch action film in my book!
There is absolutely no wasted footage in this movie. Every scene is plot related, and as everything is developed, it just gets more and more exciting. Filmed on real Greek landscapes in Meteora, this definitely had me wanting to take a trip to see the grand real sights, and yet, for just the cost of a dvd, I was able to travel there through the comfort of my own home. The film is not about the acting, even though everybody does a professional job, but the special effects and musical score are sumptuous enough to garner top praise.
This is one of those films that you wonder why it was not a box office smash when it came out because it's certainly is cinematic in every way. The monastery, high atop a very thin slice of granite (surrounded by other high thin slices of granite), is truly a Greek Shangri-la, although it's obviously not a peaceful place for a wife and mother to be held captive against her will. York of course is stunningly beautiful, and Culp and Coburn have a shared interest which is all the more touching because both men, in different ways, are in love with York, yet it's clear as to what the goal of the mission is, with absolutely no rivalry between them. Charles Aznavour has a scene stealing flamboyant cameo, and legendary character actor Harry Andrews is excellent as well. Definitely a top notch action film in my book!