Review of Hamburger Hill (1987) by Fraser M — 11 Feb 2011

A great film. A great Vietnam film. Hamburger Hill deserves to be recognized alongside the better known films of Kubrick, Stone, and Coppola. Less pretentious than Apocalypse Now and more consistent than Full Metal Jacket, John Irvin's Vietnam nightmare takes no prisoners. Uncompromising, graphic, and unrelenting, convincing characters and believable conversations drive this tour of duty.

This is not a stylistic foray into the mindset of the war, nor is it a psychological hell trip, Hamburger Hill is a no nonsense war film unhindered by weighty politicking or social diatribes (although these issues are present). Some might be put off by the approach, missing the unforgettable (and unbelievable) characters from Apocalypse and Full Metal, but those in search of a taste of the realities of war will find plenty to sink their teeth into.