Men in War

Tough Korean War film about a platoon of US soldiers led by Robert Ryan who have to fight their way up an occupied hill in order to escape the encircling enemy. It looks like it was made in a dry canyon somewhere in Southern California, but, in spite of that, the excellent B&W photography help make this as gritty a Korean War film as you're likely to see. The film's emphasis on the characters is perhaps laid on a bit too much. Everyone seems to be a bit on the philosophically existentialist side, bringing the audience men in war rather than try to overly focus on battle scenes. In any event, the taking of the hill nicely combines both action and character along with staggering losses. Recommended for Ryan's part as the lieutenant who keeps the men as a viable fighting force up to the end.

Anthony Mann directs this low budget, but realistic glimpse of the men that crawl, scratch and lay their lives on the ground to accomplish their military objective. Lt. Benson(Robert Ryan)and his platoon find themselves surrounded in enemy territory during the Korean War. The battle-worn outfit is assigned to take command of one more hill infested with snipers. Plenty of action with eye catching camera shots and close-ups. Also featured are: Aldo Ray, James Edwards, Phillip Pine and Vic Morrow. Robert Keith plays the shell-shocked Colonel. Really worthwhile.

It had the gritty in the trenches documentary look. Robert Ryan was said to look like he crawled all through the movie. It was about a chaotic retreat gone bad during the initial assault of the North Korean Army into South Korea. It was a little melodramatic, with the confused teenage act from Vic Morrow. Aldo Ray as Sgt. Montana was too gritty, like a Mad Max or Clint Eastwood type freewheeler as he tries to shepherd his mentally broken Colonel to safety. He is dragooned into Ryan's little column against his will. Very rough ending for the brave little band. Lot's of action but no Hollywood heroics!

A squad of G.I.'s, separated from their division, begin a trek of many miles trying to re-group with their comrades on a distant hill. They are harassed by snipers, sappers, and artillery barrages, but manage to reach their objective. After reaching the hill, a vicious firefight breaks out with the enemy. Excellent portrayal of the fear and horror of war.

Men In War was directed by Anthony Mann,who was really more known for his big budget westerns. This, his first and last attempt at a war film, stands out with its realistic battle scenes involving stylish camera angles and innovative editing. Robert Ryan as Lt Benson and Aldo Ray as "Montana, are outstanding as their characters are at odds from the very beginning. Look for James Edwards, who was one of the first black actors to rise above the general sterotypes, even before Sidney Pottier came along. Men In War is worth seeing, especially the last half of the film as it builds to an intense conclusion.