Brady's Escape (1983) User Reviews

a beautifully filmed movie.

[trevillian · 7/10 · 9 May 2005]

This movie was made in Hungary i think. anyway,the countryside is gorgeous,the people who play the farming folks were totally fascinating. their horsemanship is awesome. I got more into the native people, the farm life, and how heroic they were trying to hide Brady from the evil Nazis who where looking for these parachutists. They even sacrificed their life in several instances. the young orphan lad that Brady befriends was a sweet kid. you will marvel at the riding i think, and the action of trying to evade the Nazis. it is entertaining and comic in some spots and very tragic in others. Ladies have hankies handy, as you will be devastated at the end. i own it, and have watched it several times. in other words, not just a one time around flick. its a keeper....

A rarely explored facet of an immense war

[tmcdaniel1 · 7/10 · 7 March 2012]

If you like war movies or horse movies or just something different, this could be for you.

There is more depth here than in most bigger budget and more recent films. Lots of the dialog is in the Hungarian language (with subtitles) but more than half is in English. However, it is not hard to follow the story at all. It is simple but, emotionally powerful.

It probably helps if you know something about the terrific suffering of Hungary under the Nazis ("rescued" later by Stalin, HA!). The willingness of the almost hopeless common people to give their all against a hated enemy is a serious theme here. The American, a decent enough guy, (but mainly ordinary except perhaps for his toughness in facing danger to help his new friends)becomes a welcome (although fatally dangerous) focus for the anger and resentment of the Hungarians against the Germans occupiers and their puppet government.

I didn't mean to concentrate my comment entirely on the political side but, it should explain better to the viewer why the "good guys" were so very willing to risk everything to help the downed flier, he is as much a symbol for them (and a chance at self respect) as he is a militarily valuable person. There is also a good moment of a sort of fairness to the German Officer hunting "our hero" listen closely for it and the word "Dresden".

Genuinely touching and noble story

[chriskooter · 8/10 · 12 February 2005]

Really enjoyed this little movie. It's a moving film about struggle, sacrifice and especially the bonds of friendship between different peoples (the child actor who plays Miki is especially good). There's so many large scale impersonal films set around WW2, that this convincingly told little story is a real break from the norm, and an original one at that. I'll also add that this film is far from boring, very far!! Of course the Horses are wonderful and the scenery breathtaking. To anyone who really treats their animal as part of the family (I do), you'll find this film especially rewarding. Recommended to movie fans who look for something a little different.

Not great, but very good movie

[gbosak · 8/10 · 16 December 2004]

Given the low budget and production limitations, this movie is very good. It is plausible, realistic, and shows how the Csikos (Hungarian horsemen who lived on the plains (puszta) risked their lives to save a downed American pilot from the ruthless and savage Nazis. We are drawn into strong feelings for the young, impressionable, yet highly courageous boy--who admires the American pilot. If you're looking for special effects, superman heroes, and magical endings--this movie is not for you. If you want to feel what it must have been like to dodge the persistent, amoral Nazis and their lack of compassion, then you will be enthralled by this movie. I truly enjoyed it and for those who love horses, dogs, and humble, helpful people who value freedom and those who aspire to that end, this movie will be one you'll remember for a long time.

Hungarian Horses

[TrueStory · 10/10 · 13 February 2005]

This movie is why I found this website. I couldn't find this movie anywhere else! I am so glad we found it here! We have seen it on TV before and wanted desperately to find it and buy and have several friends interested in buying it. One other poster commented that it is was boring, though I must say that it is NOT. Especially if you are a horse person, you will love this movie. The horses are awesome, well trained and the movie is well done. It is certainly one we will be purchasing for our home DVD library. We will be recommending it to our friends. The bond made between man and horse in this film was so inspiring and made you want to spend more time with your horses. This is certainly a movie that we will watch several times.

If viewed as other than a war flick, it was good.

[DaisyMay-2 · 20 June 1999]

I heartily disagree with the evaluation of the movie as boring. It was, in my humble opinion, a movie which inadvertently became a wonderful horse story. From the opening scene to the very end, I was entranced with the bonding of the horse and rider. The movie may have been intended to be a war time adventure, but in the eyes of someone who rides and enjoys a solid relationship with her own mount, it was a very moving story. I enjoyed this movie tremendously and have recommended it to many other horse people who have watched it and enjoyed it as much as I did.

not that bad, kept me interested

[FesterSam · 8/10 · 26 September 2002]

Sad story of a downed B-17 pilot. Brady is shot down over occupied territory. The local ranchers extended him kindness and protection at the cost of their own lives. I had never heard of this movie and it snagged me for two hours. After the film is over, I'm glad I took the time. It's an entire story told to explain the look on Brady's face at the start of the film.

US Airman relives his past as he comes to terms with the death of his WWII buddy; a Hungarian Horse on his Wyoming Ranch.

[aphill57 · 8/10 · 28 July 2007]

A beautiful movie, especially if you like horses,WWII films and the austere Hungarian Plateau.A story of courage, compassion and loyalty that transcends generations. The horsemanship is spectacular as well as the main characters' horse in his own training.

I will buy this movie and watch it again. This is a family film and I recommend it highly.A good ''Family Nite'' movie. Although there are some violent scenes, it was the Nazi occupation of Hungary.The native people were very interesting in the way they stood their ground even in the face of certain death from a Nazi officer who had his own personal reasons for hunting down Brady.A hauntingly beautiful film.