Ike: Countdown to D-Day

Director Robert Harmon (The Hitcher, Gotti) breathes life, and more importantly emotion, into the strategic planning of the 1944 Normandy Landings in this quality Second World War drama. By focusing on the key decisions of Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D Eisenhower, he benefits from an outstanding lead performance from Tom Selleck. The actor is almost unrecognisable without his trademark moustache, delivering an in-depth portrayal of the American general that captures both his military insight and his unpretentious charm. Enhanced by strong dialogue, Selleck's personality eclipses the otherwise adept supporting players, with only Bruce Phillips and George Shevtsov (as generals Montgomery and De Gaulle) holding their own. The end result is a thoughtful if subjective look behind the scenes of history that remains tensely compelling despite its predetermined outcome.