Reach for the Sky

Dir: Lewis Gilbert

1956

***

I think it is important to remember that Reach for the Sky, the story of Douglas Bader, was made in 1956 and Bader himself was only 46. In later life Bader remarked that people who met him after the watching the film were rather surprised, thinking he would be more like Kennith More, and were often disappointed with the real him. He was outspoken, brash, rude and said some shocking things in his lifetime, things unbecoming of a national hero but what he did for the disabled community is undeniable. It is easy to say that he wouldn't have done those things had he not become disabled himself after losing both legs in an aircraft crash but his actions were certainly an inspiration to many and something to celebrate. He was also had a prominent role during the Battle of Britain and many millions owe him and thousands of others, a huge amount of gratitude. He was part of the old school, a hero no question but one with controversial and rather negative views with a misguided feeling of entitlement. That said, I can't help but love the story of when he was invited to Munich by Adolf Galland, many years after the war, and walked into a room full of ex-Luftwaffe pilots. Without pause he barked "My God, I had no idea we left so many of you bastards alive". Lewis Gilbert's film starts with a written acknowledgment that certain events had been exaggerated, fabricated and sugar-coated and that anyone involved with any of the turn of events shouldn't be offended by any change of fact. It's an odd way to start a film if you ask me, needless to say the 'Based on a true story' line was adopted soon after. Bader's story was strong enough to be told honestly but I guess many truths were best left unsaid. He was known for his colourful language and the truth was he wasn't always a nice man, not the sort of thing an audience wants to know about their national hero I'm sure. However, Kennith More's depiction is great and Bader did act as an adviser and there is much to enjoy. Kennith More's performance carries the film and he is brilliant in the lead role. The aerial scenes are superb and the parts of the film dedicated to Bader's rehabilitation and learning to use his prosthetic legs were fascinating, it's just a shame they are so short. At 136 minutes long, there was plenty of time to cover much of Bader's story but I felt they focused too much on the unimportant bits. He was a POW at the infamous Colditz Castle and yet this was given just 2 minutes of screen time. I can't help but think a new, true and updated story of his life should be made but doubt they ever will. Much like The Damnbusters, the myth has overtaken the truth and no one will touch either story. Watch it for the great Kennith More, the action sequences and for Lewis Gilbert's wonderful direction but if you're after the truth, you may want to look elsewhere.