the great raid

okay, so after a couple of years, miramax is finally showing 'the great raid,' a story about the 'most daring rescue mission of our time.'

search to involve pilipino americans (sipa), a los-angeles based grassroots organization is sponsoring a special screening which will be held at the East West Players at the David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso in Little Tokyo. Tickets are $35 and $50 and include a 6:30 PM merienda (snack) reception before the 8 PM screening. For more information, call (213) 382-1819, ext. 123.

the film recounts a rescue of more than 500 POWs from a prison camp in Cabanatuan [my hometown!] during world war II. it is inspired by true events and based on two books -- William Breuer's "The Great Raid on Cabanatuan" and Hampton Sides' "Ghost Soldiers."

i can't wait to see this film, despite the fact that Variety slammed it and called it a 'lost opportunity.' according to the reviewer, "This overlong march will bore all but the most nobly patriotic." Ouch!


even the acting of benjamin bratt, james franco and joseph fiennes were not spared. at least, the reviewer somehow praised the acting of cesar montano.

thanks to a colleague, winston, for bringing a copy of variety where the review came from. photos via miramax.