An unit of National Guardsmen commanded by officer(Peter Coyote) and various soldiers(Boothe, Carradine,Fred Ward,TK Carter,Carlos Brown among others)find on weekend exercises in the swamps of Louisiana. But the maneuvers go wrong but they are marked for death when steal canoes to the local Cajuns and run afoul from the hillbillies, though one of them is trapped(Brion James). Without ammunition and in a strange and moody landscape they're surrounded by numerous dangers and risks.
This is an exciting movie containing warlike action, spectacular shootouts, disturbing thriller, and lots of violence and blood. It's an entertaining movie for action lovers and the events are happening are a parable about the Vietnam experience. Magnificent duo protagonist: Powers Boothe and Keith Carradine and enjoyable secondary casting. Excellent musical score by Ry Cooder, Hill's usual(Long riders,Crossroads,Johnny Handsome)with folk melodies. Atmospheric, appropriate cinematography by the great cameraman Andrew Laszlo(Warriors,Steets of fire). The film is well directed by Walter Hill(Hard Times,Will Bill). Hill's skillful direction is assured and firm and occasionally quite inspired . This movie was followed, by his biggest hit to date, ¨ 48 hours¨ and with a sequel¨ Another 48 hours¨ . Since then, his movies have not made huge amounts at the box-office, though the best of them ¨ Streets of fire,Extreme prejudice,Geronimo¨ retain a certain primitive drive strangely to be found elsewhere . Rating : Good and well worth watching.
