Review of Heartbreak Ridge (1955) by David S — 11 Mar 2012

This has to be Eastwood's worst film. I can't even imagine how this production got the green light. There must have been better material out there for this type of theme.

First, as a former Marine, it was embarrasing to see the Corps portrayed like this. As far as I know when you combine the word "Marine" with the word "recon" you imagine a unit radically different than the boy scout rejects in this platoon.

I guess if this were considered a "military fantasy" of some sort a viewer could enjoy the guns and explosions and Clint's patented growl but it's embarrassing to fans of war movies and veterans everywhere.

It's no surprise that the Marines, Department of Defense and the Army (the real soldiers in the actual rescue were Army Rangers) all declined to endorse or participate in this production. Instead of this turkey try "Platoon", "Full Metal Jacket" or "Pork Chop Hill". If you want to see Clint in uniform try "Kelley's Heroes" or "Where Eagles Dare".

(I'm available as a military advisor anytime. They really needed one on this film.).