I don't know why I like this depressingly bold war feature, as much as I do. Maybe because it basically stripes any sense of profound meaning to the bone, but to only focus on the men and their simple ask. And what an ask it was! The Vietnam War seemed to be a popular movie device around this time ('Platoon (1986)' and Full Metal Jacket (1987) '), but this one wasn't as spectacular as those other efforts. However while not as showy and consisting of star power, director John Irvin magnificently cooks up a raw, tough, gritty imprint of a war-torn country that's painted with drab and dank locations caught by doco-like filming. Just looking at these images, can pretty much drain the life right out of you because of the authentic styling. The vigorously random action set-pieces are grimy, bloody and covered with dirt, as nothing about it is glorified and it takes no prisoners. The final battle is powerfully engaging, but psychically demanding. Characters (which are notably characterised) come and go, with established relationship building to the rigid army orders and rather intense racial digs. Was this the act of desperation, confusion and fear? As they knew they were on a suicidal mission. But this conflict is a way they come to terms and learn how alike they are. What makes the dry, low-key material good is that it brings up many issues, without the need of pushing its own thoughts upon you. Because even so, it still manages strikes an emotional chord about the well written subtext. The performances are excellent with the likes of Dylan McDermott, Steven Weber, Don Cheadle, Anthony Barrile, Michael Boatman, Tegan West, Michael Dolan, Michael A. Nickles and Courtney B. Vance. Expert scorer Philip Glass' barnstorming score is pure ecstasy when it enters the frame, as it's deliberately sparse. Irvin soundly paces the story and cinematographer Peter MacDonald fittingly lenses the action. Irvin's Nam story is a honest and punishing look at war.
Review of Hamburger Hill
