It's fine to keep this film around. Castle Keep, with Sydney Pollack at the helm and a screenplay by Daniel Taradash and David Rayfiel based on William Eastlake’s novel, features Burt Lancaster, Bruce Dern, Patrick O’Neal, Jean-Pierre Aumont, and Peter Falk in its cast. Michel Legrand composed the music, and Henri Decae handled the cinematography. The film certainly aims high and initially holds some interest, but it ends up being a flawed and overly self-important mess! It presents itself as an allegory set during WWII where Lancaster commands the protection of both a medieval castle and its artwork from German forces. The battle sequences are brutal and visually striking, and Lancaster’s character, a one-eyed Major, provides some entertainment; however, the rest feels like it's attempting to be a psychedelic anti-war statement combined with European philosophical musings. There are attempts at conveying “war is hell” sentiments, whether intended as satire or genuine commentary—it’s difficult to discern which—but ultimately it comes across as artificial and uncomfortable until the explosions finally arrive in the final portion of the film. 3/10

On September 22, 2026
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