Iron Cross

The film reflects on a bloody experience on the Eastern Front in 1943 from the perspective of the German army, centering around a battle-weary veteran and a noble officer whose life goal is to earn the Iron Cross. The confrontations between the two represent two mentalities within the German army at the time, while also revealing the ultimate trajectory of war...In 1943, on the German battlefield, Captain Stranski has just been promoted to squadron leader. He is determined to earn the highest honor of the German army, the Iron Cross. The captain wishes to promote the capable and battle-tested Steiner, but Steiner looks down on the idea of promotion and honor. Infuriated, the captain sends him to the front lines, allowing Steiner's men to slaughter each other in the chaos. Steiner, enraged, risks enemy fire in pursuit of revenge against the captain...The film recreates the bloody battlefield from a human perspective; in moments of extreme madness, human nature reveals its most beautiful or most despicable side. The Germans are no exception; the war brings immense suffering and sparks profound reflection. War is instigated by people, and we need not forget its cruelty and destructiveness!Comment: Although this film is the only war movie by American filmmaking master Sam Peckinpah, known for 'The Wild Bunch', it manages to capture the essence of a Western-style story.