THE GREAT RAID
An inspiring, harrowing war drama for discerning adults.
Should You Watch It?
This is a powerful celebration of courage under nearly impossible circumstances. THE GREAT RAID honors American soldiers who risked their lives to rescue fellow servicemen, while also recognizing the Filipino underground that helped the POWs and the moral evil of the Japanese army’s treatment of prisoners.
The film’s four-star entertainment quality comes with a serious cost. Its violence is intense and sometimes graphic, including point-blank executions, men burned alive, and other cruel acts. The handful of obscenities is mild for a war movie, but three profanities are stronger.
If you are a discerning adult who can engage with harrowing wartime violence, this is worth seeing; it is not appropriate for children or young teens.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESDuring World War II, 500 American POWs have been stranded for three years, their hope for rescue fading. As a ruthless Japanese commander prepares to torture and kill them, American forces send a squad of Rangers on a perilous mission.
Led by Lt. Col. Henry Mussi, the Rangers must sneak into a camp guarded by several hundred enemy soldiers. The Filipino underground also risks everything to help the prisoners.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is a highly effective film. THE GREAT RAID is realistic, harrowing, and engaging, with a dazzling rescue mission at its center. Its portrayal of teamwork, bravery, and fearlessness gives the story emotional and patriotic force.
The movie also succeeds by widening its focus beyond the Rangers. It shows the suffering of the American POWs, the courage of the Filipino underground, and the cruel government trying to crush them all. The result is an inspiring reminder of what a team can accomplish and what service may cost.
The Worldview
THE GREAT RAID presents a strong, very patriotic moral worldview. It increases respect for the military and demonstrates the sacrifices made by those who serve. The American soldiers act morally and value life, while the Japanese army is shown treating prisoners of war cruelly.
The film also includes explicit Christian elements. A priest helps the anti-Japanese resistance. One fearful soldier reads his Bible and gives a card with the Virgin Mary on it to another soldier who does not know God. These details place courage and sacrifice alongside faith and concern for another person’s soul.
The movie’s central moral vision is that brave people should risk themselves to protect the vulnerable and rescue those facing death. That aligns with Jesus’ words: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Strong, very patriotic moral worldview that increases respect for military and demonstrates their sacrifices, plus a priest helps the anti-Japanese resistance and a soldier reads the Bible; 11 obscenities, including one slang term for a body part, three strong profanities, and a recurring slur against Japanese soldiers; strong war violence includes many point-blank executions, soldiers burned alive, many men shot in battle, man flogged and hanged, burned corpses, and minor torture; and, people steal from Japanese troops to help captured American soldiers, and the Japanese army treats its prisoners of war cruelly.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
What makes the Rangers’ mission an example of sacrificial courage rather than mere daring?
John 15:13 · Philippians 2:3–4The film shows soldiers risking their lives for prisoners who cannot rescue themselves. Who in your life may need protection, advocacy, or practical help?
Proverbs 31:8–9 · Galatians 6:2One fearful soldier reads the Bible and gives a religious card to another soldier who does not know God. How can fear lead us toward faith and toward care for others?
Psalm 56:3–4 · 1 Peter 3:15How should Christians respond to stories of military sacrifice while also grieving the cruelty and suffering of war?
Romans 12:18 · Matthew 5:9The Final Word
THE GREAT RAID is an inspiring, patriotic portrait of courage, sacrifice, and rescue. Its graphic violence and strong language make it unsuitable for children and young teens, but discerning adults may find the journey worthwhile. The answer is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For a gentler family choice, see.
