In this war movie two years after 'The Dirty Dozen' Robert Aldrich interferes in heroism a notch better than before. 'Too Late the Hero' has been left maybe too much in the shadow of 'The Dozen' and it is a pity, because it does seem much more cohesive and stronger picture. Filmed in the jungles of the Philippines it brings forward the harsh realities of warfare towards ordinary soldiers so heavily that it might have been Coppola's 'Apocalypse. Now.' and Oliver Stone's 'Platoon' which next time showed such madness as convincingly.
The restless and quarreling group of soldiers appear at first like an odd sports team in their military camp near the Japanese enemy. Returning patrols are forced to cross a large open field between the jungle and their camp and to become running targets for the enemy fire. Watching this seems like some twisted game or a mad sports event. The next mission to the jungle almost instantly turns into hell for a group of British and a yank. Thanks to the strong cast, Aldrich's direction and an astounding soundtrack one fully feels the heat, the jungle and the tension of the men caused by fear and fatigue. We are shown intensely what war can bring out in soldiers. The weariness of the reluctant group is increased even more by their pompous leader who disobeys original orders for his blind ambition and stupidity. And the continuing general pickering between the men instead of belonging doesn't help either. The final solution for any significant succession or benefit from the mission is set on two soldiers; Michael Caine as a jokey but sensible cockney and Cliff Robertson as the yank. While the enemy is closing in, their final run through the jungle and the field becomes a sort of "touchdown of a lifetime", literally.
Made during the era of Vietnam war this is one of the strongest films and statements about war in general that I have encountered for a long time. As the the Japanese officer states in the movie about "having to take desperate measures in war", we are not only made to see this but also very much to feel it. Take it as a film with a strong message or just a piece of merciless action, it delivers in every way.
The restless and quarreling group of soldiers appear at first like an odd sports team in their military camp near the Japanese enemy. Returning patrols are forced to cross a large open field between the jungle and their camp and to become running targets for the enemy fire. Watching this seems like some twisted game or a mad sports event. The next mission to the jungle almost instantly turns into hell for a group of British and a yank. Thanks to the strong cast, Aldrich's direction and an astounding soundtrack one fully feels the heat, the jungle and the tension of the men caused by fear and fatigue. We are shown intensely what war can bring out in soldiers. The weariness of the reluctant group is increased even more by their pompous leader who disobeys original orders for his blind ambition and stupidity. And the continuing general pickering between the men instead of belonging doesn't help either. The final solution for any significant succession or benefit from the mission is set on two soldiers; Michael Caine as a jokey but sensible cockney and Cliff Robertson as the yank. While the enemy is closing in, their final run through the jungle and the field becomes a sort of "touchdown of a lifetime", literally.
Made during the era of Vietnam war this is one of the strongest films and statements about war in general that I have encountered for a long time. As the the Japanese officer states in the movie about "having to take desperate measures in war", we are not only made to see this but also very much to feel it. Take it as a film with a strong message or just a piece of merciless action, it delivers in every way.