Men in War (1957)

Solid Korean Warm movie from Anthony Mann

Dealing with a topic the war movie and western genres have often covered, the lost patrol/squad/unit, Men in War doesn't do anything spectacular but does everything really solid as director Anthony Mann delivers a hard-hitting, tense war movie. Following a disastrous North Korean attack that produces hundreds of American casualties, the sun rises on the remnant of Lt. Benson's platoon. Not knowing where battalion is or if headquarters has been wiped out or even where the lines are, the platoon begins the 17-mile march to their original objective, Hill 465. Along the way, they come across a sergeant transporting his shell-shocked colonel to an aide station, something A Bridge Too Far would do 20 years later. On the march, the platoon tangles with snipers, minefields, hidden artillery posts, all leading up to a bloody finale at the supposedly unoccupied hill. Director Mann puts a nice touch on this film overall, the camera work is very strong, making you feel like you're in the dirt with the platoon while also showing the chaos of the battle. The action scenes are quick and startling, made that much more effective that North Korean soldiers are rarely seen. They're more of a presence than anything. This isn't a hugely known movie, but it packs a wallop so give it a try.

The always reliable Robert Ryan delivers a strong performance as Lt. Benson, the platoon commander who must keep his men going and together as they march through the Korean countryside. It's the type of role Ryan was made to play, especially when he's got someone to go up against the caliber of Aldo Ray. Ray plays Sgt. Montana, the driven soldier determined to get his shell-shocked colonel (Robert Keith) back to safety. The scenes between Benson and Montana are tense and overall very believable as the duo wrestles with what they should do. Keith is good in a part that doesn't require him to talk, but you believe his performance. Phillip Pine as Sgt. Riordan, Benson's radio man, and Nehemiah Persoff as Sergeant Lewis, the vet who slowly becomes more unhinged, are good in supporting roles as the only other experienced soldiers remaining in the platoon. Some of the other members of the platoon include Vic Morrow as Zwickley, the cowardly soldier trying to redeem himself, James Edwards as Killian, L.Q. Jones as Davis, and a handful of actors who don't get more than a line or two apiece throughout the movie.

The DVD is an odd one, but not in a bad way. It offers no menus and therefore no special features. Pop the disc in and the movie starts right away, and when the credits roll the disc just stops. The black and white standard presentation is pretty clean and a good print overall. Not the best DVD presentation, but the movie makes up for it. So for a gritty Korean War movie with men's men Robert Ryan and Aldo Ray, give Anthony Mann's Men in War a try! September 2, 2008

Great War Film from the late 50's

I've loved this film since I was a kid. Always enjoyed it for what it was - A Film.

Ever get the feeling that [some] of these "vets" commenting on films such as this, take them a little too seriously; or literally. It's as if they (the "vets") are trying to tell us that soldiers in combat (heavens-never a Marine) can never crack, quit or be cowards. Well, I guess they've never read books by real veterans who say that soldiers can go "wacko," "bonkers," and do stupid things to get themselves killed. New flash - They have in the past, and they will in the future. With all due respect, "Grunts" aren't the most intelligent people in the service - That's why they're "Ground-Pounders" Get real! Even you so-called "tough, macho men" out there, are human. I mean, really.

This movie is a classic, for those who enjoy war movies. Robert Ryan (Lt. Benson) and Aldo Ray (Sgt. Montana) give First Class performances in this Anthony Mann film. The supporting cast of Robert Keith (Colonel), Nehemiah Persoff (Sgt. Lewis), Vic Morrow (Pvt. Zwickley) and James Edwards (Sgt. Killian) were excellent. You'll love this MOVIE. July 10, 2008

Good premise, but weak.

If Korea was this bad, we would have lost. Ryan and Montana (or is it Willamette) have a constant sparring match, then seeing Vic Morrow (SGT Saunders of "Combat!" acting like a sickly coward, was a bit much. There is the unbalanced and cowardly Platoon Sergeant (Nemiah Persoff). Oh well, Korea was tough, but these guys would never have survived. A good idea for a story carried off in a mediocre manner. November 24, 2007

Don't buy this "C" movie

Men In war is one of those films whose script was written by someone with no Military, let alone wartime experience. I feel the film was an insult to the men who fought and died in the Korean War, in that the author, screenwriter and director lacked any real-world knowledge of Military People (Men or Women). The total lack of discipline and Military organizational skills was more reminiscent of Corporate America than any Military organization I have ever served in. Cap all that off with bad costuming and acting that would embarass a High School drama club, and you come up with a screaming:"DON'T BUY THIS DVD!!!". It was also extremely BORING! Since I was a child I've made it a point to watch every war film I can find. I am a Combat Veteran, Former Marine, Former 101st Air Borne Division, former 1st Cavalry Division, seventeen and a half year Veteran who was put out on a Medical Discharge. I've seen it all, and this film is BAD, REALLY BAD!. I had never heard of it, so I bought it. Not worth the plastic it is burned into. It resides atop my DVD cabinet, as a reminder that: If I haven't seen it, it isn't worth seeing, certainly not worth buying. Next time I'll rent it from Netflix to see if it is worth owning. Do Not Buy This DVD unless you take joy in feeling like you got screwed. October 9, 2007

MEN IN WAR is not a bore

It seems reviews are divided on this movie so I thought I would weigh in on the side of liking it. In addition to all the fine comments made about the actors and action, I would like to add the cinematography (sic?) is ahead of it's time. The camera angles and lighting are not what are usually found in a 1950's war movie.
Also, please note a young Vic Morrow in the supporting cast 6 years before the TV series Combat! October 6, 2007

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