During World War I, a German soldier of modest background, Bruno Stachel (played by George Peppard), moves from the trenches to become an air officer. He feels out of place among his more privileged colleagues, but this doesn’t really concern him because he's focused on one goal: shooting down twenty enemy aircraft to earn the Blue Max, Germany's highest military honor. He is so determined that he will do whatever it takes to achieve this, regardless of whether his actions are honorable or not. His skill as a fighter pilot leads a general in Berlin (James Mason) to use him for propaganda purposes – presenting him as an ordinary man who has risen to prominence. Some critics have noted that Stachel is difficult to like and isn’t a very admirable hero. While he may seem unfriendly, how friendly would you be with upper-class “gentlemen” after enduring years of brutal trench warfare? It's also true that he is selfishly ambitious and disregards the team spirit of his squadron, not to mention direct orders; additionally, he struggles with alcohol and infidelity. However, as the General observes, he possesses bravery, ruthlessness, and determination – precisely what Germany needs during a critical point in the war in 1918. Stachel isn't intended to be a hero; he’s an antihero. The story should simply be accepted for what it is without searching for heroic qualities. One of the most memorable scenes occurs early on: Stachel believes he has been unfairly denied credit for a kill because the destruction of the enemy plane couldn't be officially confirmed, prompting him to force a corporal to search for the wreckage in rainy conditions for several hours. Later, while escorting an enemy aircraft back to its base, he shoots it down when a wounded tailgunner wakes up and starts firing. Stachel then lands near the downed plane alongside other German soldiers; he removes the emblem from the fuselage and throws it at his superiors' feet, insisting, "Confirmed." This is one of the most impactful moments in film history. The movie receives widespread praise for its visually impressive and exciting air combat sequences, although some inexplicably criticize the scenes that take place on the ground. Personally, I found the story unfolding outside the cockpit just as engaging as the aerial action; after all, how interesting would constant, uninterrupted action be without the contrast of compelling character development? Other noteworthy aspects include a brief appearance by the Red Baron, Ursula Andress in a captivating role as the general’s wife who is having an affair, and a wonderful musical score composed by Jerry Goldsmith. The film's cinematography and Irish locations are superb. The overall atmosphere is somber, dark, gloomy, and wet; essentially, it’s quite depressing. But that’s fitting, considering World War I was anything but a pleasant experience. BOTTOM LINE: "The Blue Max" is an expansive and realistic depiction of air combat during World War I, and it stands among the greatest war films ever created. Despite being released in 1966, it doesn't feel dated. The film runs for 2 hours and 36 minutes. GRADE: A

Source on TMDB