Cross of Iron Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Germans try to retreat from Russia, but keep getting distracted by shiny medals and slow-motion explosions.

🍿 Cross of Iron: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Eastern Front, 1943

The film opens on the Eastern Front in 1943, with the German army in retreat following the Battle of Stalingrad. Sergeant Rolf Steiner, a cynical and battle-hardened veteran, leads his platoon through the brutal landscape. Steiner is respected by his men for his combat skills and his disregard for the traditional military hierarchy. The arrival of Captain Stransky, a Prussian aristocrat obsessed with earning the Iron Cross, disrupts the platoon’s dynamics. Stransky’s ambition and inexperience clash sharply with Steiner’s pragmatic approach to survival, setting the stage for conflict.

Ambition and Cowardice

Stransky’s desire for the Iron Cross leads him to make reckless decisions, endangering the lives of his men. After a successful counter-attack led by Lieutenant Meyer, who is killed in action, Stransky falsely claims credit for the victory. He nominates himself for the Iron Cross and pressures Steiner to corroborate his fabricated account. Steiner, disgusted by Stransky’s deceit and disregard for the truth, refuses to support the captain’s lies. This sets off a chain of events that further escalates the conflict between the two men and puts Steiner’s platoon in increasing danger.

Betrayal and Survival

As the German army continues to retreat, Stransky uses his position to exact revenge on Steiner. He deliberately withholds orders, leaving Steiner’s platoon isolated and vulnerable to attack by Soviet forces. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Steiner and his men fight valiantly to survive. They navigate through enemy lines, engaging in brutal close-quarters combat and facing constant threats. The film highlights the resilience and camaraderie of the soldiers as they struggle to make their way back to friendly territory.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Unteroffizier Feldwebel (Sgt.) Rolf Steiner (James Coburn): A cynical and experienced German sergeant who prioritizes the safety of his men and clashes with authority.
• Hauptmann (Capt.) Stransky (Maximilian Schell): An ambitious and cowardly Prussian captain obsessed with earning the Iron Cross, regardless of the cost.
• Oberst (Col.) Brandt (James Mason): A war-weary colonel who recognizes the futility of the war but maintains his sense of duty.
• Hauptmann (Capt.) Kiesel (David Warner): Colonel Brandt’s adjutant, representing the hope for a more enlightened post-war Germany.
• Leutnant (Lt.) Triebig (Roger Fritz): A lieutenant who is blackmailed by Stransky to corroborate a false claim.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Colonel Brandt: “What will we do when we have lost the war?” – Reflects the growing sense of despair and uncertainty among German officers as the war turns against them.
• Captain Kiesel: “Prepare for the next one.” – This darkly humorous line highlights the cynical and fatalistic attitude of some characters towards war.
• Sergeant Steiner: “I hate all officers.” – Expresses Steiner’s deep-seated distrust and resentment towards the military hierarchy and authority.
• Sergeant Steiner: “And I’ll show you where the Iron Crosses grow!” – Said sarcastically to Captain Stransky, indicating the cost of seeking glory in war, just before the final battle.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $201

💥 Cross of Iron Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by ‘Cross of Iron.’ The raw depiction of war from the German perspective was something I had never seen before. The battle scenes were chaotic and brutal. The scene where Steiner confronts Stransky about his cowardice left me with chills. This movie is a must-watch for any fan of war films. It changed how I view war movies forever.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of war movies”
  • “Those interested in World War II history”
  • “Viewers who appreciate anti-war films with complex characters”
  • “Sam Peckinpah fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “War themes”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Peckinpah’s brutal vision of the Eastern Front is unflinching. Coburn delivers a career-defining performance. It is not just about war, but the failure of humanity.
• RogerEbert.com: “Cross of Iron is a powerful anti-war statement, despite being told from the German perspective. The film explores the universal themes of survival and disillusionment. Maximilian Schell is fantastic, making the viewer hate him intensely.
• Variety: “A controversial and violent depiction of war, Peckinpah’s direction and the cast create a disturbing, visceral experience. Coburn and Schell create a captivating dynamic.

Audience Reactions

Coburn’s stoic portrayal of Steiner resonated deeply.: Viewers frequently praise Coburn’s performance, the gritty realism, and the unflinching anti-war message.

The unflinching depiction of violence was both shocking and thought-provoking.: The film’s brutal honesty about the horrors of war is a consistent point of praise.

Overall Consensus: A brutally honest and unflinching anti-war film, showcasing the horrors of the Eastern Front from the German perspective, with standout performances from James Coburn and Maximilian Schell.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in Yugoslavia with funding from a West German porn producer, highlighting the unconventional production circumstances.”
• “Sam Peckinpah struggled with alcoholism during filming, which influenced the raw and chaotic style of the movie.”
• “The movie’s ending wasn’t the original ending in the script due to budget, Sam Peckinpah got James Coburn to improvise.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cross of Iron?

Cross of Iron is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential streaming availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cross of Iron, you might like these similar films:

• All Quiet on the Western Front (1930): Shares a similar anti-war message and portrays the brutal realities of war from the perspective of soldiers.
• Das Boot (1981): Offers a claustrophobic and intense depiction of war from the German perspective, focusing on the psychological toll on the crew.
• Paths of Glory (1957): Critiques the incompetence and corruption of military leadership during World War I, similar to Cross of Iron’s portrayal.
• Enemy at the Gates (2001): Like Cross of Iron, focuses on the brutal and unforgiving Eastern Front during World War II, highlighting the desperation of both sides.

🛒 Cross of Iron Related Products

• Cross of Iron [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray release with restored picture and sound quality, allowing you to experience Peckinpah’s vision in stunning detail. Includes bonus features like director commentary and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Willi Heinrich’s The Willing Flesh: The original novel that inspired the film ‘Cross of Iron,’ providing deeper insights into the characters and the historical context of the Eastern Front during World War II. Includes maps and historical photographs.
• Revell German Soldiers: A set of highly detailed model soldiers with accurate World War II German uniforms and weaponry, for recreating scenes from ‘Cross of Iron’ or engaging in historical wargaming.
• German Military WWII Poster Set: A collection of authentic reproduction posters from World War II, including propaganda and recruitment posters, adding a historical and artistic touch to any fan’s collection. Printed on high-quality, archival paper.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cross of Iron features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hänschen klein” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

David Niven Explains How He Got An Iron Cross in WWII | The Dick Cavett Show

Ever wondered how a British actor ended up with a German Iron Cross? David Niven tells a hilarious story about his WWII experience on the Dick Cavett show. It’s a surprising and funny anecdote!

The Iron Cross and Knight’s Cross

Want to know the history behind the Iron Cross, the iconic medal featured in so many war movies, including Cross of Iron? This video gives you the lowdown and is genuinely fascinating!

MISCAST? James Coburn in Cross of Iron

Was James Coburn the right choice to play Sergeant Steiner? This video dives into the casting decision and offers a strong argument for why he both fit and didn’t fit the role.

The Bulgarian Stand in Helmets used in the Film “Cross of Iron”

Did you know that the German helmets in ‘Cross of Iron’ were actually Bulgarian? This quick video reveals a cool and easily missed fact about the film’s props!

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