Review of The Big Red One (1980) by Bruno S — 22 Mar 2011
A war hardened US Sergeant who served in WW1 leads a rifle battalion into WW2 under the same division he previously served, The Big Red One. The film follows the battalion from North Africa to Sicily to Dday and beyond as we follow these men who manage to keep surviving when everyone else is dying.
The Big Red One is rather unique in that it is totally from the perspective of a small battalion going through the war. The scope is quite small given what it's about. The film is narrated by one of the privates, who gives additional insight into the war from a grunts perspective.
It's not plot-driven rather it's a totally character driven film about the grunts who are sent to war. It's never panders to the audience, I'm looking at you Saving Private Ryan, instead it just shows you the reality of it all.
I really thought the casting was perfect. I mean, Lee Marvin! No one is more perfect to play the sergeant than him. Mark Hamill is also well cast as the pacifist private who butts heads with Lee Marvin's character throughout.
The Big Red One isn't about the politics of war and it never tries to explain or justify it, rather this is a film about men who are just trying survive while doing their duty.
This review of The Big Red One (1980) was written by Bruno S on 22 Mar 2011.
The Big Red One has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
