LastingAware The greatest movie ever!

AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

DipitySkillful an ambitious but ultimately ineffective debut endeavor.

L P The Mckenzie Break' ('TMB' 1970)--a somewhat overlooked film in the WWII POW genre--is a dynamic & well paced production that has been digitally transferred (DVD; currently lacks Blu-ray/HD, as of 12/13) in remarkably good condition. 'TMB' is recommended for only the die-hard fans of the POW genre & perhaps the curious WWII genre viewer. Another alternative film in the mold of 'TMB', as well as, 'Stalag 17' (1963), 'The Great Escape'(1963), 'Hart's War' (2002), 'Empire of the Sun' (1987), 'The Hill' (1965), 'Blood Oath' (or 'Prisoners of the Sun', 1990), 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' (1957), 'King Rat' (1965), & 'Victory' (1981), is 'The Good War' (2004) with Roy Scheider & Luca Zingaretti, and written & directed by Giorgio Serafini, pales slightly in comparison, but offers another view of an Axis POW camp in the US (Texas). For similar themes also consider: 'The Colditz Story' (1955); 'Escape to Athena' (1979); 'So weit die Fusse tragen' (TV 1959); 'Paradise Road' (1997). Also consider: 'What Did You Do During the War Daddy' (1966); 'Empire of the Sun' (1987); 'Ivan, Marie og verdenshistorien' (1992); 'Victory' (1981); 'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence' (1983); 'POW' (TV, 2003); 'As Far As My Feet Will Carry Me' (2003); 'The Secret of Blood Island' (1964); 'The Great Raid' (2005); 'Von Ryan's Express' (1965); & 'Andersonville' (1996).

Robert D. Ruplenas I'm always interested to see neglected movies that appear to have good credentials, but in this case the film's neglect appears justified. Evidently based on some actual incidents during WWII, the film just doesn't connect with the viewer for some reason that it is not quite clear to me. One very likely reason is that - in the print I saw on TCM, anyway - none of the scenes where the Germans talked among themselves were given titles. This interesting directorial concept - to let the non-German speaking viewer just guess from "context" what the Germans are saying to each other - is, in my book, an utter flop and helps to lock the viewer out. Also, the way the movie begins - just dropping us into a very confused situation without much setup - is disorienting. Brian Keith is pretty good here, but the reputations of "The Great Escape" and "Stalag 17" will not be challenged by this flick.

dogdouk a movie i would highly recommend. is ¨the mckenzie break¨ starring brian keith. and helmut griem. its about german pow's held in scotland in ww2. the german pow's dont want to do as they are told so they rebel. the pow's are plotting to escape to get back to the u-boats to help the war effort. helmut griem gives a great performance as the ringleader and as a loyal nazi. theres a rousing song by the germans that has everyone foot stomping with jackboots everywhere.

bobster66 This is a rare movie about German POWs planning an escape from from their British prison camp. The only movie of a similar plot I'm aware of is "The One That Got Away", another rarely seen film and one I recommend.Brian Keith is a Captain for Army Intelligence sent to a POW Camp in Scotland after a riot occurs to discover what the prisoners are really up to. Naturally, he and the German Kapitän are soon at odds, both providing good performances in their battle of wills.Military historians would be happy to see that this movie incorporates some real events into the story. As in the film, there actually was a break out of 28 Germans from a camp in Canada, and there were some real cases of riots, and Germans murdering Germans as well.There are many very good POW movies and it is too bad that this one pales in significance to them. There is not much that is original or spectacular but Brian Keith and Helmut Griem make it a very watchable movie. I give it a 6 out of 10.Bob