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Inspired by the true story of an 89-year-old former soldier who "escaped" from a care home on the south coast of England to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in northern France, The Great Escaper is both an uplifting salute to the Greatest Generation and a funny, touching portrait of a love undimmed by time.

Bernard Jordan did not intend to create a media sensation when he slipped out of The Pines nursing home in Hove and made his way across the channel in June 2014. Much to his surprise and that of his wife, Irene, his determination to join his compatriots and pay his respects to fallen comrades not only sparked a police alert but also struck a chord with the British public, turning this unassuming pensioner into a national celebrity.

Bernie Jordan took his newfound stardom with good grace while taking pains to point out he was only one of thousands who had served their country loyally. "I don't want people to think I'm trying to play a hero," he said on his return. "I went across because I felt it was the right thing to do."

For screenwriter William Ivory, though, there was more to Bernie's exploits than an attention-grabbing news item. "The more I dug into it, the more I started to realise it's about redemption and forgiveness," states the Made In Dagenham writer. "It's about humanity, in all its shapes and guises."

"This is a story about two wars: the conflict with other nations and the conflict with old age," remarks director Oliver Parker.

Indeed, The Great Escaper addresses both the harsh reality of armed struggle and the everyday trials of growing old with refreshing frankness. For while Bernie (Caine)'s time in Normandy sees him endeavour to come to terms with traumas from his past, elderly "Rene" (Jackson) is seen back home waging her own personal battle with he frailties of her present.

Small wonder, then, that the project proved an appealing one for Caine and Jackson, two acting giants who last co-starred together on screen in Joseph Losey's drama The Romantic Englishwoman (1975).

Caine for one came out of retirement to take on the role of Bernard, while Jackson, who sadly passed away in June at the age of 87, talked admiringly of its "wider relevance". ("It was the privilege of a lifetime to work with her," said Parker when her death was announced.)

Flashbacks enable a pair of young actors – Will Fletcher and Laura Marcus – to show how the young Bernie and Rene began their life together during World War II. John Standing, meanwhile, adds a familiar face as a retired RAF airman whom Bernard befriends. 

An inspirational film with cross-generational appeal, The Great Escaper is certain to encourage discussion and debate about how we view the elderly, glorify the military and fail to learn from the mistakes of the past.

That it manages to do so with such charm, wit and grace is a testament to the talents of everybody involved and the incredible real-life adventure from which it sprang.   Neil Smith

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The Great Escaper is in cinemas from 6 October — Book Now!