Bat 21 (1988)
Grade: 73
"Bat 21" is a different kind of Vietnam war movie. No, not from the Vietnamese perspective: that would be too much to expect from Hollywood. It does not focus on the young soldier, part of a platoon, but instead is about a middle-aged colonel (Gene Hackman) shot down behind enemy lines, and a pilot (Danny Glover) who is determined to rescue him.
War as horror rather than heroism is a successfully explored theme. The devastation of the Vietnamese countryside by the Americans is shown, as well as the fierce fighting spirit of the Vietnamese. There is much tension as Hackman is always in trouble of being discovered, and the Vietnamese stop several abortive rescue attempts.
The relationship between Hackman and Glover, who have never met and communicate through radio transmissions, develops to the point where Glover is risking his life and career to save Hackman. Their conversations are well-scripted and believable. Also well done are scenes with Hackman encountering Vietnamese farmers and children.
Perhaps is the weakest point of the film comes at the end. Hackman and Glover survive a Yankee carpet bombing that manages to wipe out a chasing band of Vietnamese soldiers. It's too bad they didn't play the lottery if they are going to be that lucky.
Still, this is yet another important movie about the Vietnam war, and the struggle to survive amid adversity. A humble film that wisely narrows its scope to Hackman's trials.
http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html
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