A brutal and realistic war film focuses on the lives of a squad of 14 U.S. Army soldiers of B Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infanty Regiment, 101st Airborne Division during the brutal 10 day (May 11-20, 1969) battle for Hill 937 in the A Shau Valley of Vietnam as they try again and again to take the fortified hill held by the North Vietnamese, and the faults and casualties they take every time in which the battle was later dubbed "Hamburger Hill" because enemy fire was so fierce that the fusillade of bullets turned assaulting troops into shreded hamburger meat. A very realistic interpretation of one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War. This is a battle driven film that you will either love or hate. The focus here is on the brutality of war itself, so this is not a character-driven film. Unlike Full Metal Jacket or Platoon, we are not allowed an opportunity to intimately know these characters, so we do not feel any personal sense of loss. <br/><br/>By most accounts, this film contains the most realistic depictions of Vietnam combat ever captured on film, and again, I think it's a great movie, but the story lies in the battle, not the soldiers fighting it. This will polarize some fans of the genre, but overall I think it is worth seeing to see up close the reality of warfare. Chances are if you like Platoon and Full Metal Jacket, you will enjoy Hamburger Hill as well. 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.
Defemm replied
368 weeks ago