Breakthrough (1979 film)

Breakthrough is a 1979 war film directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, starring Richard Burton, Robert Mitchum, Rod Steiger, and Curd Jürgens. It is also known as Sergeant Steiner and Steiner – Das Eiserne Kreuz, 2. Teil (Steiner - The Iron Cross, Part 2).

The film is a sequel to Sam Peckinpah's 1977 film Cross of Iron, and continues the story of German Sergeant Rolf Steiner during World War II. However, Breakthrough is generally considered to be much less critically acclaimed than its predecessor.

The plot focuses on Steiner, who is tasked with blowing up a strategic bridge held by American forces. He clashes with his superiors, particularly a Prussian aristocrat, Captain Stransky (played by Helmut Griem in Cross of Iron, and by Michael Parks in Breakthrough). The film depicts the brutal realities of war on the Eastern Front and the internal conflicts within the German army.

While not a direct continuation of the narrative of Cross of Iron, Breakthrough attempts to explore similar themes of disillusionment, the futility of war, and the corrupting influence of power. However, it is often criticized for its more conventional Hollywood style and lack of the stylistic flair and gritty realism that characterized Peckinpah's original film. The film also suffered from production issues and disagreements, which contributed to its diminished reputation.