The Big Red One (1980), is hailed in some circles, as one of the best war films ever made. I don't think it is, but what I like about it is, time has treated it well. It does translate into an understandable piece of art, when viewed today. Its grittiness and early modern-film charm seems to work better today. The soldiers in this film go through a grueling story in World War II. A journey that takes them from D-Day to Czechoslovakia.
Mark Hamill is not Luke Skywalker at all and it is a refreshing change to see him in this film, opposite the great Lee Marvin. One of the coolest parts of the film, is the fact that, Director Samuel Fuller. Could take Luke Skywalker and Lewis Skolnick from Revenge of the Nerds (Robert Carradine), and make them look really tough and cool and it is impressive.
This film was re-released in 2004 at the Cannes Film Festival in a completely new version. It was director Samuel Fuller's version he wanted it to be. If you have to watch the original 1980 theatrical version, that is fine, but the new reconstructed, 2004 director's version is the one you should see. The addition of some of the new scenes makes the plot and the overall film flow much better for a modern audience. The reconstruction fills in some of the gaps that made the original version confusing in some spots. It is definitely a required viewing for those interested in the sub-genre of WWII films.
7.7 (B- MyGrade) = 8 IMDB.
Mark Hamill is not Luke Skywalker at all and it is a refreshing change to see him in this film, opposite the great Lee Marvin. One of the coolest parts of the film, is the fact that, Director Samuel Fuller. Could take Luke Skywalker and Lewis Skolnick from Revenge of the Nerds (Robert Carradine), and make them look really tough and cool and it is impressive.
This film was re-released in 2004 at the Cannes Film Festival in a completely new version. It was director Samuel Fuller's version he wanted it to be. If you have to watch the original 1980 theatrical version, that is fine, but the new reconstructed, 2004 director's version is the one you should see. The addition of some of the new scenes makes the plot and the overall film flow much better for a modern audience. The reconstruction fills in some of the gaps that made the original version confusing in some spots. It is definitely a required viewing for those interested in the sub-genre of WWII films.
7.7 (B- MyGrade) = 8 IMDB.