i first read the book and when i be a young teenager and then saw the film late one night . about a year ago i check it out on imdb and discover no copy available . i then hit the web and find a site that offer war film and soooo glad that i do and order a copy and sit back and be able to confirm why i want to see it again . in my opinion to really enjoy the film i suggest you read get a copy of the book and then watch the film . the book be no longer in print but i do track a copy down via e bay and the author alan white be a commando or paratrooper during the 2nd world war take part in disparate clandestine operation and this be his first book . it be write by someone who know and this fact i believe give the book and film authenticity . i have not give the film a ten only because of the nature of the end of the film and not as good a the book . there be a couple of plot line that differ from the book also and which be strange a the book be not about the large scale nature of war but about the individual in war . the film illustrate this exceptionally well . i have the copy of the book to let my son read and then the film to let him watch and in that order . if you can track it down the book and the film then it be definitely worth it and i only wish that it be more readily available for more to read and see and one of my all best war film and ever .