Amazon.co.uk Review
This wartime family saga deserved the touch of a composer who could suggest period and geography amid an emotional tale. The Frenchman Maurice Jarre has endlessly proven an affinity with all these qualities (
Dr Zhivago perhaps crowning most achievements). Through the latter decades of the 20th century, much of his music seemed swamped by electronic intrusion. Here, finally, was a movie that allowed (demanded) a symphonic approach of some size. The result lasts a joyous 36 minutes. Lesser counter-melodies may hearken back to the style of
Ghost, but in the main theme lies something ranking among the best of material he wrote predominantly in the 1960s and 1970s, including
Lawrence of Arabia,
The Man Who Would Be King and
The Night of the Generals. Top and tailing the album, you'll be left with an unforgettable tune for days. --
Paul Tonks