Drinker's Extra Shots - BAT 21

BAT 21, starring Gene Hackman and Danny Glover, is a terribly underrated Vietnam movie that nobody seems to remember these days. So I want to change that.

[@maybrick1888]

In the UK BAT-21 was the sort of word-of-mouth VHS rental hit- critics may not have mouthed off about it, but your mates at school would tell you to see it.

[@roseknightmare]

As it was in aussie land.

[@craigmacdonald7764]

You are spot on

[@HERITAGE12]

Yeah this ain't my type of film but I KNEW about it so word of mouth got it on peoples radar.

[@dougrobinson8602]

@@roseknightmare The same pretty much everywhere. Obviously the studio didn't GAF about this movie, but it's pure gold in my book. I'd bet nobody saw this in a theater, which is a shame, because it'd be awesome on the big screen.

[@mmyers6441]

Me too. Never heard of it before and took it from the rental shelf only because i didn't want to go with empty hands. Great Intuition, evening was saved! 😍👍

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

You had me at Gene Hackman and Danny Glover.

[@jonbaxter2254]

Had me at, "Drinker's Extra Shots"

[@ckmoore101]

I truly think Gene Hackman is the greatest actor of all time. No one has played such a varied # of roles, yet you never for a second didn't believe he was that character. Many of the other greats.... (ahem, R. Deniro...) are only great playing one type.

[@jonbaxter2254]

@@ckmoore101 C'mon, bit of a diservice to Mr Deniro. He is great at what he does. And he can branch out too like with Raging Bull

[@fuzztsimmers3415]

@@jonbaxter2254 deniro is overrated.

[@davidlacoste]

Danny Glover was not yet too old for this shit.

[@bedlamite42]

One point you missed: BAT21 was based on a true story of William Charles Anderson

[@DrBonely]

I read his book as a teen. Unbelievable! The reality in the book is even better than the movie.

[@themulletteer6839]

I have to agree. Read this book a year or so before film as a teen. Highly recommend.

[@tracywilkinson1820]

He was rescued not by helicopter, but by two men in a small fishing boat. A vietnamese commando and a US Navy SEAL named Thomas Norris, who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for it. As an aside, Norris was later rescued by another SEAL, Bob Thornton in a different operation- who earned the MoH for that.

[@krugtbifro6152]

Watched this many times with my dad as a kid Always loved it

[@hammyh1165]

I agree book is great , far better than movie

[@mr.s2005]

fun movie, but still would have preferred if it showed how he actually was rescued, It was a navy Seal and a south Vietnamese commando who snuck behind enemies lines to save him.

[@mmyers6441]

Yep there's a great docu at youtube about the real events.

[@jonbaxter2254]

Wait, it's real?

[@popuptarget7386]

@@jonbaxter2254 yes, its based on a true story. Birddog is a composite character based on several people who helped.

[@obsidianjane4413]

@@jonbaxter2254 Well... the book it was based upon was real. We all know what Hollywood does to real...

[@Jar0fMay0]

@@mmyers6441 what is it called?

[@federicovicente8116]

Such a great and underrated gem. One of my favorite movies about the Vietnam war.

[@lancet.346]

I met Tom Norris while I was assigned to 2/5 aboard Camp Pendleton. He gave a speech to all 5th Marine Regiment NCOs, and I had the chance to ask him about the Bat 21 op. An awesome opportunity that I'll never forget.

[@luciusvorenus9445]

Tom Norris is a bad ass.

[@Smashtacular01]

Plot twist: Danny Glover shows up at the end holding an antique flintlock pistol and tells Gene Hackman he is about to come up against some real shit.

[@mmyers6441]

Nice👍

[@hylianbatman3153]

Literally just watched that lmao

[@bugdrvr]

And says he's getting too old for this shit as he walks away.

[@Supervillain725]

@Luc Germain, it's a reference to most Danny Glover films.

[@ddegn]

@@Supervillain725 Come on guys, you're not going to give us normies a better clue? I'm lost.

[@josmo1363]

It was one of my favorites until I found out it was based on a true story and as usual, the *real* story was far more interesting and could easily have been shown instead of what we got For instance, "In April 1972, (Lt. j.g Thomas R) Norris was one of few remaining SEALs in Vietnam serving with MACVSOG Danang Naval Advisory Detachment. When Lieutenant Colonel Iceal Hambleton was shot down behind enemy lines, aerial combat search and rescue operations failed, leading to the loss of five additional aircraft and the death of 11 or more airmen, two captured, and three more down and needing rescue. Norris was tasked with mounting a ground operation to recover Hambleton, Lieutenant Mark Clark, and Lieutenant Bruce Walker from behind enemy lines. Assisted by Vietnamese Sea Commando forces, he and Republic of Vietnam Navy Petty Officer Nguyen Van Kiet went more than 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) behind enemy lines and successfully rescued two of the downed American aviators. Walker was discovered and killed by the North Vietnamese Army. Though Norris at first rejected the honor, he was recognized with the Medal of Honor in 1975. His actions were dramatized in the movie Bat*21." *Medal Of Honor citation:* "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a SEAL Advisor with the Strategic Technical Directorate Assistance Team, Headquarters, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. During the period 10 to 13 April 1972, Lieutenant Norris completed an unprecedented ground rescue of two downed pilots deep within heavily controlled enemy territory in Quang Tri Province. Lieutenant Norris, on the night of 10 April, led a five-man patrol through 2,000 meters of heavily controlled enemy territory, located one of the downed pilots at daybreak, and returned to the Forward Operating Base (FOB). On 11 April, after a devastating mortar and rocket attack on the small FOB, Lieutenant Norris led a three man team on two unsuccessful rescue attempts for the second pilot. On the afternoon of the 12th, a Forward Air Controller located the pilot and notified Lieutenant Norris. Dressed in fishermen disguises and using a sampan, Lieutenant Norris and one Vietnamese traveled throughout that night and found the injured pilot at dawn. Covering the pilot with bamboo and vegetation, they began the return journey, successfully evading a North Vietnamese patrol. Approaching the FOB, they came under heavy machine gun fire. Lieutenant Norris called in an air strike which provided suppression fire and a smoke screen, allowing the rescue party to reach the FOB. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, undaunted courage, and selfless dedication in the face of extreme danger, Lieutenant Norris enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service." Another good Vietnam flick is Flight of the Intruder

[@jbecket42]

Plot twist when 10yrs later, Hackman plays the BirdDog role to Owen Wilson who got shot down in Behind Enemy Lines

[@revdr13]

And switches branches to the Navy

[@dedcaesar2325]

Damn. Beat me to it.

[@bk109]

@@revdr13 Further plot twist - 3 years after Bat-21, Danny Glover switched branches to the Navy as well, got a squadron of all-weather strike planes... and still got shot down by the Vietnamese (and may or may not've been third generation mafia XD) in Flight Of The Intruder (which also kinda fits the "hidden gem" mould nowadays too)

[@EnsignRedshirtRicky]

I knew I had seen something that follows this basic setup. Thanks for the source!

[@jonbaxter2254]

Man, I really like that film but nobody ever seems to mention it. I like how its the Balkan Wars, so quite new to audiences

[@michaelpipkin9942]

I never knew this movie existed. Thank you Drinker.

[@treadstone1970]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/on_SY3SimNhqrMU

[@timo191]

Have you seen "Uncommon Valor"? (also with Gene Hackman)

[@tracywilkinson1820]

Another guy in this is Jerry Reed, who plays the CO of the fwd base. An absolute legendary songwriter and MONSTER guitarist. He wrote and sang "east bound and down" as well as acted in Smoky and the Bandit.. but youtube his work with Chet Atkins. Wow. A legend.

[@gregoryruff77]

Gene Hackman and Danny Glover. Two absolute fucking legends of their time and even that statement still gets no where close tovdoing them the justice that they deserve. I love those actors.

[@mmyers6441]

So true. I watched "Switchback" from 1997 a few weeks ago and enjoyed Glover on fire, together with Jared Leto and a serious! Dennis Quaid. Fantastic Movie. On some actors you can just rely 👍👌

[@nhmooytis7058]

Danny. Mel. Booby trapped toilet....

[@gregoryruff77]

@@nhmooytis7058 he's wasn't too old for his morning shit.

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@gregoryruff77 haha

[@darkman80723]

To be fair putting Danny Glover and Gene Hackman together in a flick is a pretty huge step towards success, regardless of the film.

[@nhmooytis7058]

Truth!

[@foxedrey622]

Drinker, I'm reminded of another Gene Hackman film entitled, "Uncommon Valor", which was a greater success at the box office. I'll have to look for this one that you showcased here.

[@mroctober3657]

Knowing Hackman was a real life Marine adds to his performance.

[@Atreus21]

huh, I didn't know he was.

[@Garrus1995]

Atreus21, There have been quite a few former Marines to make it big in Hollywood. Harvey Keitel, Drew Carey, Adam Driver (yep, Kylo Ren was a Devil Dog), Steve McQueen, George C. Scott, Sam Peckinpah, Lee Marvin and even Bea Arthur served in a Marine Women’s Auxiliary during WWII.

[@Mungstein]

Plus legends Dale Dye and R Lee Ermey of course.

[@insanejughead]

@@Garrus1995 Scott Glenn and Shaggy, too.

[@morningstar9233]

@@Garrus1995 Not a marine, but Jimmy Stewart served in the air force in WWII. Another reason to like him if one were needed.

[@captaindouchebag1703]

I almost forgot about this film, it's been 20 or so years since I saw it. Fuck me, I'm old. Hats of off to you, mr drinker, for reminding us of these underrated films.

[@doemacmonkey]

I love that film for many reasons but I just love that line “Let's get the basic relationship down... I'm the lifeguard, you're the drowning man. If you relax, I can bring you to shore. If you fight me, then I'll have to slap you around.”

[@rlpederson]

The crazy part is that this story is real. I met Hamilton once.

[@AdairCorbin]

Perfect timing, have a break and a video as well. Thanks Drinker!

[@johnbeauvais3159]

This movie made me love the “Oscar Deuce” or Cessna 337 such a neat looking plane

[@vincentkanowsky8052]

My friend died in a 337, flew into a mountain I'm told

[@Thane36425]

"84 Charlie Mopic" is another good one, if you can find it. It is low-budget and follows a seasoned recon team saddled with two-man film crew from HQ as they head out on patrol.

[@zacherinoiexist2977]

You should review a WW2 movie called Memphis Belle. It’s very underrated in my opinion.

[@morningstar9233]

'tis good.

[@petrowegynyolc7108]

Yup, it is. Alao based on a true story.

[@morningstar9233]

@@fspg3207 Yes it wad.

[@nepntzerZer]

it was a British plane not American as the movie tried to make out.

[@mttrnx]

Had forgotten about that movie. I watched it only once the year it came out.

[@agentstevehaines9164]

Your recommendations are always pure GOLD Drinker! The Movie "We Were Soldiers" is another good vietnam film that is badly underrated imo. It really deserves more recognition. I feel its partially because mel gibson is in it that it gets ignored i think.

[@christopherjm21]

I loved this movie as a kid. The part where the soldiers are forced to walk through the mine field was always so intense and scary to me.

[@Grift76600]

Maybe Stallone saw Bat 21 and used the same scene for the openning of John Rambo?

[@chemicalmix]

BAT21 is one of the greatest Vietnam War films ever made.

[@johnbeauvais3159]

“You're going to play 18 holes and you're going to get in the Swanee and make like Esther Williams and Charlie the Tuna.” Part of the actual code used, Swanee means the river, Esther Williams means swim across, Charlie tuna don’t get caught

[@KrillLiberator]

I'd have been surprised if the NVA didn't know who Esther Williams was though.

[@morningstar9233]

@@KrillLiberator Also isn't "charlie the tuna" ie "don't get caught" kind of unnecessary? Obviously you don't intend to get caught.

[@KrillLiberator]

@@morningstar9233 Ha, yeah I guess that is sort of redundant. Maybe it was just fluff to pad it out, a bit like "the world wonders" at the end of the message to Halsey at Leyte Gulf?

[@SpartacusColo]

@@morningstar9233 When doing special codes and ciphers, it is mostly a good idea to throw in redundant, or even useless information/communications. Even throwing out totally fake messages is a great idea. It gives enemy codebreakers and intelligence more material to have to sift through to understand what is actually important.

[@morningstar9233]

@@SpartacusColo Fair enough.

[@r.2499]

Well done once again Drinker. An incredible movie that inspired me to read about the real incident. The losses (11 killed, 2 captured ) were steep and LtCol. Hambleton's quote always sticks with me: ""I had to stand by and watch six young men die trying to save my life. It was a hell of a price to pay for one life. I'm very sorry."

[@michaelb6729]

Flight of the Intruder is another underrated gem ! 👌🏻

[@jasoncornell1579]

Flight of the Intruder is another great one

[@dougrobinson8602]

For sure. Willem Dafoe steals every scene he's in!

[@colinritchie1757]

@@dougrobinson8602 "Iron Hand , That's my thing" - not the line but the way it's said!

[@elonwilson9926]

That is true

[@mikavirtanen7029]

From lower budget Vietnam movies, The Siege of Firebase Gloria is worth checking. R. Lee Ermey from FMJ in his element.

[@colinritchie1757]

@@mikavirtanen7029 Hadn't heard of that one , thanks for the recommendation

[@rankojankovic2490]

Uncommon Valor, Platoon Leader, Hamburger Hill, Casualties of War... Remembering that i watched Bat 21 with my uncle Long ago and we loved it.

[@Supersharkman]

I loved Uncommon Valor and Hamburger Hill. They were movies about brotherhood and I consider Hamburger Hill a far better movie than Oliver Stone's Platoon.

[@rankojankovic2490]

@@Supersharkman agree

[@RazorFangs90]

I'm a simple man: I saw Gene Hackman and instantly liked it

[@anakinpalpatine8725]

At first I was going to comment discount gene Hackman and Danny glover. Then I realized it was real Hackman and glover... I bow my head in shame 😆🤣😂

[@harrysachs2274]

Honesty is good trait. I respect your post and you for posting it.

[@dmccoyny]

I remember watching this w/ my dad when I was a kid. It really stuck with me. The dynamic and chemistry between Hackman and Glover is great...not unlike a certain other action movie that came out the same year. And yet, no one talks about this one. Well done Drinker.

[@keithsweet9430]

It's also based on a true story. Hamilton's uniform and gear are on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio. Great review for a great movie, Drinker! You might also like "Uncommon Valor", a favorite of mine.

[@silvermane9370]

I saw this when it came out. I absolutely loved it and told everyone about it. No one bothered to watch it...

[@willerwin3201]

*The true story behind BAT-21 is even crazier than the movie, and I doubt they could have made it on their budget.* Dude got surrounded by NVA, called in scores of artillery/air strikes like a boss, saw five rescue attempts fail (he got shot down in the middle of the biggest combined arms NVA attack of the war), hid/evaded for a week, and then humped it as far as he could despite shrapnel wounds, a ripped finger, and a broken arm. He lost 45 pounds in the process. The SEAL, Lieutenant Thomas Norris and South Vietnam Navy Petty Officer 3d Class Nguyen who got him out broke orders to do so, going behind enemy lines and extracting him in daylight. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rescue_of_Bat_21_Bravo

[@RegisTraiter]

Knowing that movies like that were made once upon a time makes me all that more sad that nothing like this will, or even can be made ever again.

[@gwarlow]

@Regis Traiter With the increasing number of military conflicts being started by the U.S. government in countries around the world, you may yet get a chance to see another film of this caliber. (Sadly)

[@necroturky]

My Dad lived in Australia having moved from Italy and his command of English was poor, however he loved his action movies. If there was too much talking in it he would compline as he could not follow along. He, like me, loved Vietnam war movies and tv series (Tour Of Duty). Even though there was not a lot of action, he still watched in silence.

[@weeshock3480]

Platoon, BAT-21, Iron Triangle, man great movies! Thanks, Drinker, for showing the younguns what real movies are.

[@dalenvigil]

Iceal Hambleton retired to Tucson, Arizona, and used to play daily at the golf course on Davis-Monthan. Used to park his car, licensed "BAT 21," in the same spot outside the pro-shop. I was fortunate enough to play a couple rounds with him when I was a teenager, he was a super interesting guy.

[@scribbles1424]

Gems like this are overlooked because they're not seen as defining moments in cinema depicting the time period. It's sad because that kind of thinking keeps movies like this from the praise it deserves.

[@siradro]

There’s a Jet Li movie called Kiss of The Dragon; it gets few mentions in his career greats. But it’s a great movie.

[@richardhockey8442]

always the 'Apocalypse nows 'and the 'Platoon's, and never the 'Go tell the spartans' or the '84C MoPic's

[@Rockatanskiii]

Hamburger Hill always gets the short straw but for me its the best of the Nam films

[@grandmufftwerkin9037]

I knew someone who flew this kinds of missions in Vietnam. Absolutely insane stories about what it was like. These people flew through absolute insanity.

[@warplanner8852]

Mr Hackman only recently retired...at 90 years old! A brilliant actor deserving of accolades and a long-overdue rest!

[@dynamite_dynamite5954]

Didn’t know about this one! I Need to watch it now. Speaking of the Vietnam war, I wonder what the drinker thinks of Jacobs ladder.

[@robertiddon]

That's a real gem of a film, gave me nightmares as a kid!

[@akashahuja2346]

Great film

[@gutz1981]

My dad owned a VHS rental store in the 80s and we would get free promotional VHS tapes of making of's and trailers of movies we may have been interested in buying for our store (the stuff you would get later as standards mostly, on DVD's) and BAT 21 would catch my eye as the trailer and the theme score played a few times on one tape in particular. I like this film a lot and its sad its now forgotten and even back in the day was not more talked about.

[@DeltaV3]

Christ you just took me back years. I used to love this film growing up. It was always on the TV and is an absolute gem. Gene Hackman always delivers. Add Danny Glover and you have a classic.

[@darrenmarsh8830]

Probably my favourite film about the Vietnam war, superbly acted, , exciting, well written and seriously underrated.

[@JamesThomas-pj2lx]

Hackman is quite simply a master, this is just another jewel in his crown studded with them. Basically, if Gene is in it, I give it a watch.

[@mikavirtanen7029]

When you think how many movies Hackman made in 80's and 90's his batting average is unbelievable. Gene was a force of nature, both in starring or supporting roles.

[@hotrodriguez549]

@@mikavirtanen7029 100%!

[@smitb]

Thank You, Critical Drinker, for this one. BAT-21 was based on a real series of events, and LTC Iceal Hambleton (1918-2004) was a real person. Very cool, Mr. Drinker.

[@jackspleen79]

Thanks Drinker, I'd forgotten bout this one! It was a dandy of a movie.

[@petedraper5185]

I enjoyed BAT21 when I saw it years ago. I have never been a great fan of Apocalypse Now, The Deerhunter or Platoon: my favourite is Hamburger Hill. Another Vietnam War based film, and one I really enjoyed, is Uncommon Valour - also starring Gene Hackman.

[@fuferito]

Another underrated movie with the Vietnam War as a backdrop is _Dogfight_ with River Phoenix. Very interested in seeing _Bat-21._ Thank you.

[@boruff68]

It just strikes me happy that Dale Dye is a consultant and is in MOST of these modern era war movies we have all seen. :) "Uncommon Valor" is in my top ten list of all time Viet Nam flicks. I also REALLY liked "Flight Of The Intruder" ,but most people didn't like that movie sadly.. :/

[@philanderphillips2309]

Make no mistake, I had 'BAT 21' on videotape. Always thought it was a really good, underappreciated piece of cinema.

[@Endemion01]

Hamburger Hill was a pretty good, underrated movie as well

[@phh2400]

definitely.

[@desertpunk7588]

Hollywood still screwed it up; the true story was even better, and should have been used instead. After BAT-21 was shot down, the SAR (Search And Rescue) helicopter was shot down, and that entire crew was lost as well. Because of the amount of men and equipment lost, command refused to launch any other missions. Listening to the radio traffic, and believing they were going about this rescue all wrong; a naval officer, who was also a Navy Seal Sniper, volunteered to rescue BAT-21. In tandem with his South Vietnamese Spotter, they both knew the area quite well. They blended in as two poor fishermen, and went upriver to the North, searching for BAT-21 (who had been evading for a week by that time). The Navy Seal, and his Spotter found BAT-21; and smuggled him out under fishing nets, as they went back down river. Even though the North Vietnamese were frantically searching for BAT-21, the Navy Seal and his Spotter got in and out without firing a single shot. That Navy Seal was awarded The Congressional Medal of Honor for rescuing BAT-21.

[@fobbitoperator3620]

Gene Hackman is an absolute master of the theatrical arts. Bat-21, Enemy of the State & Mississippi Burning are his crowning achievements, to be sure!

[@OzBaxter]

I didn't realize Hackman and Glover had worked together before THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS...

[@MiserableLittleDoomGoblin]

Drinker, you need to watch and review Uncommon Valor with Gene Hackman and Fred Ward. Really think you'd enjoy the story and characters in it--I've seen few movies that highlight the unique skills and specialties of each team member the way that film did.

[@mre7862]

Speaking of Vietnam films, ‘Danger Close’ is a little Australian gem now showing on Netflix and covers the Battle of Long Tan taking a look at Nam’ from the seldom seen Australian / ANZAC perspective. *Sidenote the Kiwi artillerymen are total badasses in the movie as well.

[@RadarLuv100]

I always liked this movie, along with Flight of the Intruder. My grandpa was a Bataan survivor who escaped. I can understand the emotional conflicts.

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

great movie, but not even close to reality... hamalton evaded capture for 11 and a half days, with the airforce giving up on rescue attemps after the loss of several aircraft. in response... they called in the Navy Seals. A single navy seal, Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris, and an escort, VNN commando Nguyen Van Kiet, snuck across enemy lines at night, traveling 3 kilometres, by foot and by small boat. For their bravery and action, Norris was awarded the Medal of Honor and Nguyen the Navy Cross. Yes, the movie decided to focus on a mythical Captain Bartholomew "Birddog" Clark, rather then show the reality and the metal of honor winner.

[@bobhightower9381]

Glover was great, Hackman was great, and Jerry Reed's portrayal of a hard nosed, good ol' boy chopper jockey didn't have any slouch in it either.

[@stepheneaton4978]

mfw I just realized that Behind Enemy Lines with Owen Wilson is just a straigh-up remake of this movie.

[@dianaramirezjara9659]

I must say, i did not know nothing about this movie but right at the start i thought...Danny Glover and Hackman together in one flick, must be good. Honestly when it comes to Hackman i think his worst performance was him as Lex Luther in Superman and even that character he pulled off nicely.

[@g.w.7893]

Uncommon Valour is another Gene Hackman Vietnam themed flick that's worth a watch.

[@hornetgags]

Pretty much watched the Vietnam movies, and I really enjoyed BAT 21. Another one that goes under the radar is Hamburger Hill which was a real battle for the taking of Hill 937 in the Ashau Valley. It's brutal.

[@MrGarrett]

Drinker, you should review Uncommon Valor. It had a great cast such as Patrick Swayze, Gene Hackman and a few other familiar faces.

[@nathanpopp2721]

Learning about this movie and that Gene Hackman was in it gives me a deeper appreciation for his role in Behind Enemy Lines.

[@jondrew55]

"Based on the book which was based on a True Story" - Pretty funny how this is a fictionalization of a fictionalized book based on an actual event. All that aside, it's a great movie and worth a watch.

[@leethomas2155]

Just picked this up on region A Blu Ray. I knew that multi region player would come in handy. Watched this film last night for the first time in years and in a high quality... absolutely brilliant!

[@markryan514]

Gene hackman starred in another great Vietnam film uncommon valour. Great cast and story well worth a look.

[@weemonk23]

One of my favourite ITV films that they would show uncut whilst I was growing up.

[@bradwilliams1691]

"Great flick, great frigging flick" - Biff Tannen. (BTTF 2)

[@Jamiefallslikeabrick]

Their relationship reminds me of John Mclanes relationship with the cop in Die Hard

[@BRAVOACTUAL]

The scenes look similar to the show I grew up with called, "Tour of Duty." I looked forward to watching it every night on the History Channel to see a glimpse of the Huey. Ah memories.

[@Guh_roomer_Gravedigger]

Another great movie was, "the park is mine" starring Tommy Lee Jones.

[@paniofvetfac1987]

Can't you do a review on "Idiocracy" ? I think you'll love it.

[@yootoob7048]

Wow, I have not seen BAT 21 in almost thirty years. Time for a re-watch.

[@BigDaddy_MRI]

Great review of a movie that deserves better than it got. I’ve always liked this one.

[@Radwald]

also watch...Fire Base Gloria...1989..with Wings Hauser and R. Lee Ermey...good movie

[@mikavirtanen7029]

That one is very underrated Vietnam War movie. Gritty and completely unapologetic take on war, which also have a Vietcong viewpoint. Ermey is great in Firebase Gloria.

[@Alf1eN0akes]

The guys name was Hambleton not Hamilton he even had it written on his helmet ffs

[@CaptRedJack]

keep these coming. I have watched or re-watched a fair handful of these films and I'm grateful for it

[@djd1121]

Other truly great movies set in a war setting that should be seen if they have not already are Breaker Morant (80s), Man Who Would Be King (70s), and of course, Dr Zhivago (60s).... And if you have not seen the 13th Warrior, its good too.....

[@benwhitworth8881]

Four top recommendations. Breaker Morant is scandalously underrated.

[@nunyabeezaxe2030]

How the fuck did I not know about this movie?

[@timemechanic5055]

Yep! Saw this too - made a lasting impact. After Hackman kills the father, we sees the family standing round him in shock, with one son already badly scarred from a napalm attack. In another, he meets a young boy who realises he'd not a threat and who triggers a boobytrap he would have walked into otherwise. Strong stuff that stays with you.

[@kennypcolin]

Coffe break time. Where's me Kit-Kat?

[@grantorino2325]

When *9 to 5* is bringing you down, and it's only *10 to 3* .

[@kc9602]

You also need to do "Flight of the Intruder", dude.

[@theman4884]

The best war movie is Kelly's Heroes.

[@willyk-fv6ok]

Damn bro I forgot all about this movie

[@SquidGunman]

I’m embarrassed to say that I have never even heard of that movie.

[@go_rilla262]

Try going downtown with 'Flight of the Intruder' It has Danny Glover in it as well, with Willem Dafoe too.

[@nscastaneda]

good suggestion, that's another great movie!!!!

[@52moviesayear]

I shouldn’t watch these on my way to work. Now all I want to do is blow off the day and watch this movie.

[@KingLizard616]

Good one. Also allways loved Missing in action 2 with Chuck Norris.

[@cigoLxeL]

Suddenly, Gene Hackman being cast in _Behind Enemy Lines_ makes a lot more sense. As Owen Wilson somehow didn't say in that movie: "Oh, wow!" That was an okay movie, and this looks like a much better version of it. Must watch.

[@mmyers6441]

Guess he was too old for this sh... 😂

[@jonbaxter2254]

Greatest films, music, style and attitude. Vietnam may have been lost, but it had an epic legacy.

[@akhilles8541]

13 years later, Owen Wilson went through similar set of events with Gene Hackman as his superior. Not sure if that was coincidental or intentional.

[@akhilles8541]

@Isaac Mounce Good point.

[@lfroncek]

Gene Hackman is a national treasure.

[@TheAustinWoolShow]

When they have the young pilot march through landmines and then they shoot him I was so angry at them and the entire village for allowing that kind of stuff that I cheered when they naped the whole place.

[@trungvu8957]

War is brutal. People commit atrocities on both sides. Besides, people die in wars. It's normal. What do you expect people to not kill their enemies in war. You missed the point of the scene, it was to show the brutality of war and how it affected the people on both sides.