Customer Reviews

Retreat Hell [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Unfortunately too few movies were made of the Korean War. The battle at the Chosin Reservoir was one of the finest hours in the history of the Marine Corps as they fought and escaped entrapment by a vastly superior Chinese force. While this movie doesnt deplict the incredible hardships significantly it does give a general accurate picture of what took place there. Frank Lovejoy is believable as is the rest of the cast although some of the characters are portrayed rather lightly given the historic reality. You will probably find yourself singing the Marine hymn at the end if you get taken up with the obvious hype that the director obviously strives to put in the film. I liked it.

Joseph H. Lewis effectively directed this war film about the United States Marine Corps' withdrawal from the Changjin Reservoir. The Chinese entered the conflict on the side of the North Koreans in massive hoards but the Marines' walk-don't-run attitude cost the Chinese more than they bargained for. One time second-unit director Joseph H. Lewis' status as auteur is in evidence here. Frank Lovejoy, Richard Carlson, Russ Tamblyn and Lamont Johnson give grim performances.

Unfortunately too few movies were made of the Korean War. The battle at the Chosin Reservoir was one of the finest hours in the history of the Marine Corps as they fought and escaped entrapment by a vastly superior Chinese force. While this movie doesnt deplict the incredible hardships significantly it does give a general accurate picture of what took place there. Frank Lovejoy is believable as is the rest of the cast although some of the characters are portrayed rather lightly given the historic reality. You will probably find yourself singing the Marine hymn at the end if you get taken up with the obvious hype that the director obviously strives to put in the film. I liked it.

This is one of the best movies made about the Korean War. Unfortunately, the few movies made about this war are against the military, such as Sam Fuller's "The Steel Helmet". Despite a cast without the most famous names around at the time, they work well and the several battles in it are well staged and exciting.

An entertaining old film with a look at the Korean War albeit Hollywood style. This should be released on DVD before it is lost to the ages and the elements. Do it!!!!!

An entertaining 'in your guts' movie, but recorded at the slowest possible VCR speed, thus resulting in a poor quality tape. Shame on the production facility [...] for not mentioning the fact in their product description.