When someone sees this movie they should remember that movies during World War II had one of two purposes: either show the U.S./Allies as gallant heroes or provide a escape from the war itself. That being said Gung Ho is a prime example of this.
In the applicant scene many of the Marine said their prime reason for joining is because as one marine put it "I just don't like Japs." A Filopino joined to avenge his sister kidnap by Japanese and not doubt raped and murdered by them. Other guys just want to prove themselves. Of course when you consider the movie takes place after Pearl Harbor their reasons should not be surprising.
The movie makes every point to show the Marines as victorious heroes while the Japanese as murderous villains, even shooting at their men in an American trap.
Gung Ho also makes an odd attempt at diversity. One leiutenant is a Greek promoted from the enlisted ranks. A "no good" kid trying to prove himself. Two half-brothers competing for the same girl. A Filipino and a Mexican (though they only are only seen in the beginning are barely get mentioned again). Their unorthodox skills were adopted from the Chinese (enemy of the Japanese).
The film is not politically correct but it is entertaining especially if you want a pure action flick.
In the applicant scene many of the Marine said their prime reason for joining is because as one marine put it "I just don't like Japs." A Filopino joined to avenge his sister kidnap by Japanese and not doubt raped and murdered by them. Other guys just want to prove themselves. Of course when you consider the movie takes place after Pearl Harbor their reasons should not be surprising.
The movie makes every point to show the Marines as victorious heroes while the Japanese as murderous villains, even shooting at their men in an American trap.
Gung Ho also makes an odd attempt at diversity. One leiutenant is a Greek promoted from the enlisted ranks. A "no good" kid trying to prove himself. Two half-brothers competing for the same girl. A Filipino and a Mexican (though they only are only seen in the beginning are barely get mentioned again). Their unorthodox skills were adopted from the Chinese (enemy of the Japanese).
The film is not politically correct but it is entertaining especially if you want a pure action flick.