Is The Great Raid Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Great Raid is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 132 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Great Raid Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2005, The Great Raid emerges as a significant entry in the Action, History, War domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of As World War II rages, the elite Sixth Ranger Battalion is given a mission of heroic proportions: push 30 miles behind enemy lines and liberate over 500 American prisoners of war. Unlike standard genre fare, The Great Raid attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Great Raid features a noteworthy lineup led by Benjamin Bratt . Supported by the likes of James Franco and Connie Nielsen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Great Raid (2005) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Great Raid Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Great Raid is a Action, History, War film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Great Raid Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Great Raid concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Great Raid reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Great Raid Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Great Raid draws heavily from documented historical records. As a action, history, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Great Raid adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Great Raid?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
The Great Raid Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $80.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $10.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Great Raid Budget
The estimated production budget for The Great Raid is $80.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Great Raid
- Benjamin Bratt – Lt. Colonel Mucci
- James Franco – Captain Prince
- Connie Nielsen – Margaret Utinsky
- Logan Marshall-Green – Lt. Paul Colvin
- Joseph Fiennes – Major Gibson
Top Highlights
Benjamin BrattLt. Colonel Mucci
James FrancoCaptain Prince
Connie NielsenMargaret Utinsky
Logan Marshall-GreenLt. Paul Colvin
Joseph FiennesMajor Gibson
Marton CsokasCaptain Redding
Robert MammoneCaptain Fisher
Max Martini1st Sgt. Sid "Top" Wojo
Mark ConsuelosCpl. Guttierez
Cesar MontanoGuerilla Leader Juan Pajota
Where to Watch The Great Raid Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
The Great Raid is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Great Raid stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great Raid movie hit or flop?
The Great Raid has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Great Raid worth watching?
The Great Raid is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, History, War movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Great Raid online?
The Great Raid may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Great Raid
**_The most successful rescue mission in American history_** On January 30, 1945, the United States Army Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and Filipino guerrillas saved more than 500 POWs in the Japanese camp in the Philippines from certain death as the Japanese were ordered to "liquidate" all prisoners before evacuating in the face of MacArthur's advance. Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, Max Martini, Joseph Fiennes, Connie Nielsen and Marton Csokas star. "The Great Raid" was based on the books "The Great Raid on Cabanatuan" and "Ghost Soldiers." I've read the latter and it's interesting seeing the film for live-action visuals of what I saw in my head. The rescue, along with the liberation of Camp O'Donnell the same day, allowed the POWs to share the truth about the Bataan and Corregidor atrocities. While the raid had no strategic value, as far as winning the war goes, it sparked a new wave of resolve in the war against Japan. Not to mention, it remains the most successful rescue mission in USA history. Although the movie was shot in 2002, it was pulled from release schedule on several occasions before finally having a limited released in August, 2005, with little-to-no marketing. Was it any wonder it failed to garner an audience and box office success? Be that as it may, this is a solid WW2 flick based on a true story. The prisoners of the camp are the survivors of the infamous 60-mile Bataan Death March of April, 1942. The movie's not politically correct in that it shows the truth of the brutal savagery of the Japanese military. The actual raid doesn't take place until the 95-minute mark, but it's worth the wait; the build-up is informational and keeps your attention. While I wouldn't call it great, it's a well-done and informative war flick for those interested in the subject. It's even better if you've read either of the books on which it's based. The film runs 2 hours, 12 minutes, and was shot in Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia, with the Manila sequences shot in Shanghai, China. GRADE: B
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
