*minor spoilers*
"Hamburger Hill" is probably one of the most realistic depictions of war on film. However, that is not to say it is one of the best. A recreation of an incident in Vietnam, it deserves respect for making such an honest attempt to do justice to its subject. Yet, as a whole, the film is not particularly special or memorable. There are some good combat scenes, but the parts in-between often slow down the movie. The material doesn't really offer any new insights into the combat experience, and pales in comparison to "Platoon," "Saving Private Ryan," or "Full Metal Jacket." It's an unremarkable experience. One that I can respect, but not one I can watch repeatedly.
At its best, it does a reasonably good job at demonstrating what war must be like. While graphically violent, none of it seems gratuitous or exploitive, except perhaps for the infamous head-exploding scene. Much of it feels more like a documentary instead of a feature film. Like "Platoon," it pays attention to the day-to-day experience of the soldiers. Some of it is good; this is one of the few films to address the issue of racism in the armed forces. However, at other times, we just get impatient and wish for some bombs to drop. None of the actors are big names, with the possible exception of a young Don Cheadle, but they all do their best. Courtney B. Vance, in particular, is good as a no-nonsense medic.
There is a good reason why "Hamburger Hill" is relatively unknown: it just doesn't add much to the war genre. In the end, I am reminded of an educational film; the subject is important, but this movie is not the best cinematic treatment it has received. It may be used as a stepping stone to other, more worthy books and films about Vietnam, but it must make way to its betters. It's too little, too late. However, there are moments of real power, such as the final image of a soldier's tear-stained face against the blood-red sky. That is an indication the filmmakers went into this project with the most honorable of intentions. For that, they are to be commended.
**1/2 (out of ****)
Released by RKO Pictures (thru Paramount)
"Hamburger Hill" is probably one of the most realistic depictions of war on film. However, that is not to say it is one of the best. A recreation of an incident in Vietnam, it deserves respect for making such an honest attempt to do justice to its subject. Yet, as a whole, the film is not particularly special or memorable. There are some good combat scenes, but the parts in-between often slow down the movie. The material doesn't really offer any new insights into the combat experience, and pales in comparison to "Platoon," "Saving Private Ryan," or "Full Metal Jacket." It's an unremarkable experience. One that I can respect, but not one I can watch repeatedly.
At its best, it does a reasonably good job at demonstrating what war must be like. While graphically violent, none of it seems gratuitous or exploitive, except perhaps for the infamous head-exploding scene. Much of it feels more like a documentary instead of a feature film. Like "Platoon," it pays attention to the day-to-day experience of the soldiers. Some of it is good; this is one of the few films to address the issue of racism in the armed forces. However, at other times, we just get impatient and wish for some bombs to drop. None of the actors are big names, with the possible exception of a young Don Cheadle, but they all do their best. Courtney B. Vance, in particular, is good as a no-nonsense medic.
There is a good reason why "Hamburger Hill" is relatively unknown: it just doesn't add much to the war genre. In the end, I am reminded of an educational film; the subject is important, but this movie is not the best cinematic treatment it has received. It may be used as a stepping stone to other, more worthy books and films about Vietnam, but it must make way to its betters. It's too little, too late. However, there are moments of real power, such as the final image of a soldier's tear-stained face against the blood-red sky. That is an indication the filmmakers went into this project with the most honorable of intentions. For that, they are to be commended.
**1/2 (out of ****)
Released by RKO Pictures (thru Paramount)