Review of Back to Bataan (1945) by David F — 05 Apr 2010

Standard-issue John Wayne WWII flick pushes all the patriotic buttons in this bombastic and compressed re-telling of several key events in the Philippines. While the action is rousing, the film suffers a bit when examined by a modern viewer, as do many of this era. Japanese are.

Portrayed as stock villains, and Filipinos, while lauded by the American officers as great and tenacious fighters, are somewhat patronized - ready to fight for soda pop, hot dogs and baseball. Cultural and historical awkwardness aside, it's a stirring tribute to those who fought and died for those islands - several real-life veterans of Baatan and Leyte appear in the movie. Wayne is as solid and reliable as ever, relaxed and laconic, and while its great to see young Anthony Quinn helping him out, its a bit of a stretch to accept him as a Filipino. Added bonus - a much younger and thinner Lawrence Tierney has a brief cameo.