Watch The Passage

The Passage is a 1979 war movie directed by J. Lee Thompson and starring a stellar cast that includes Anthony Quinn, James Mason, and Malcolm McDowell. The film is set during World War II and follows the story of a group of French Resistance fighters who attempt to smuggle a scientist and his family out of occupied France to safety in Spain. The Passage, however, is not your typical war film or WWII drama, but rather an action-packed thriller with a unique perspective on the war. The film begins as a German officer, Major Von Sturm (Mason), arrives in France looking for a scientist, Professor Bergson (Christopher Lee), who has developed a vaccine for typhus. The Germans need Bergson's vaccine to protect their own troops from the deadly disease, and are determined to either persuade or coerce the scientist into working for them. However, Bergson is being protected by a group of French Resistance fighters, led by the formidable Captain Michelis (Quinn), who are equally determined to smuggle the scientist and his family out of the country and into safety in Spain. As the two sides engage in a game of cat-and-mouse, with both trying to outwit each other, we're introduced to the other key characters of the film, including McDowell's character, Paul, a young German soldier who views the war with a naive and idealistic perspective. Paul's life intersects with that of the Resistance fighters in unexpected ways, forcing him to question his loyalties and beliefs. The action in The Passage is explosive and unrelenting, but the film also takes time to explore the personal and psychological tolls of war on its characters. For instance, McDowell's character, Paul, is not portrayed as a stereotypical Nazi villain, but rather as a complex individual who's wrestling with his own humanity and morality as he finds himself drawn to the Resistance fighters. Moreover, the film is notable for its visuals, particularly the stunning landscapes of Spain, which provide the backdrop for the climactic showdown between the Germans and the Resistance fighters. Thompson's direction is taut and energetic, and the performances by the cast members are solid throughout, particularly Quinn, who imbues his character with a strong sense of purpose and moral clarity. Overall, The Passage is a unique and gripping war movie that offers a fresh perspective on a well-worn genre. With its strong performances, thrilling action, and nuanced characterizations, the film is a must-watch for fans of the war movie genre.