Hamburger Hill (1987)

Absolutely brilliant

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

The film was still a fun one that will make you laugh and have you leaving the theater feeling like you just stole something valuable and got away with it.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Few films have managed to capture the horrors of the Vietnam War as accurately as Hamburger Hill in terms of real history. Inspired by an actual battle that in many aspects typifies the entire conflict, John Irvin brings to life the brutal realities of combat. Carefully weaving in social commentary while at the same time not shying away from gruelling scenes of battle, this film stands above many others in its genre.

In good ol 1987 it the was the trilogy of Vietnam' movies. As seeing the other two, I still steered away from this one, believing it just wasn't as good, or it would be like, I've seen it all before, you know. I know, I had read a couple of bad reviews, but they were mixed opinions on this one. Having just seen this film 29 years later, I'm glad I did. Yes, it is different from the other two, which I won't mention, and I must say I was really bowled over by some of the performances, especially Mc Dermott's, Courtney B Vance's and Stephen Weber, the guy who lost his head, practically in Single White Female. This story was based on the horrific 1969 battle of hill 437, where 241 vets died on this death hill, one would say, during a nine day hell fire, where during the explosions, rain and sludge, these poor soldiers had to keep their spirit alive, and continue to fight, among hardship, and obstacles, virtually undermined by Charlie who were picking them off like flies. The violence is raw and confronting, and this one is quite bloody. Irwin, an interesting director, who believe it or not, made the Arnie pic, Raw Deal, prefore, and also, that fine British actioner, Shiner, has so well shot and captured the horror and action, with some truly gripping moments, some feel a bit too close for comfort. One real CU shot near the start, featuring a village boy, bummed down as an Army jeep passes, is a nice touch. There is a lot of tension, a couple of fights, where Vance's edgy and tense, character, is so enjoyable to watch, how he never got some acting award, for this, leaves me blinded. One scene, that will linger with me, and I won't forget for years to come is that tape recording of a young vet's girl, telling him, she'll stay loyal, and some other stuff, that is so poignant and affecting, if a little eerie too, the writer has outdone himself, with this bit. We have some lighter scenes, with some nice nude Asian hotties getting cosy in a little R and R session with Mc Dermott, and Weber. Tasty. There are some things you won't expect like a teeth brushing session (don't worry, it has merit) plus a sneaking enemy illustration, partook, by a crawling, crazed looking gook. While this doesn't feel as mainstream as Platoon, or Full Metal Jacket, where may'be budget seems the problem, here's a story and part of Vietnam, which must be told, where at the end of this piece, like Mc Dermott and company, we really feel like we've been put through the ringer, witnessing their struggle and unbroken spirit, where inspiration and hope treads heavily in this true Nam' telling tale.

Somebody wanted to do a film about the War in Vietnam. Why? Because there are so many of them. Enough for a few to gain some big prizes. Next step was getting the funding for all this boom-boom extravaganza. And here we have another waste of some 100 minutes in the life of the viewer.At the end, I could not see any other reasons for this movie to exist than a list of me toos and the holy profit. This movie says nothing. I mean nothing. Not "nothing new" after all some two decades of War in Vietnam movies.The 60s was about social change. There is none. Probably the soldiers in that war were specially chosen to be purely ignorant about anything going on in the US. But how many stones had the recruitment officers to turn? The Civil Rights Movement? Zero. The army was perfectly desegregated and no racist ever went to that war. Sex? Some, but not too much. Drugs? As nonexistent. Massacres? Only of Americans.A whitewashing piece of propaganda with no personality.Contact me with Questions, Comments or Suggestions ryitfork @ bitmail.ch

Director Francois Truffaut famously said "There is no such thing as an anti-war film." People taking dramatic action, risking their lives, and doing noble deeds are the stuff of war films, even anti-war films. People rather like to see explosions and guns firing. The more terrifying and horribly war is presented, the more a purportedly anti-war movie feels like a recruitment film. Don't try to tell me that "Apocalypse Now" or "Full Metal Jacket" are truly anti-war when most people in the audience are getting revved up and excited during the action sequences. Hamburger Hill is an amazingly accurate film. In my opinion, it is the only truly anti-war film ever made. Of course, this means that not everyone will like it.