This movie is somewhat of a gem. On the surface it uses a metaphor of a military prison being a castle. The subtler theme is about honor. The movie itself might seem to throw the average viewer from watching. With the setting being a prison, everyone is either wearing a gray jumpsuit or drab camouflage. The buildings and even the sky is all gray. The commander of the prison is disrespectful to the prisoners. Out of this dark environment is the shining star (perhaps pun intended) Robert Redford. His character, Lt. General Eugene Irwin, does not take the easy way out but instead fights for injustice and upholds honor in the highest regard. The ending is surprising and somewhat uplifting. Having not been in the military, I cannot say for sure, but I feel that the movie presents what real soldiers are made of.