The Hunters
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Movie Reviews of The Hunters
Movie Review: RECALLS THE KOREAN WAR-ALMOST A TOTALLY FORGOTTEN WAR TODAY
Summary: 5 Stars
Though I was not yet a teenager, I recall aspects of the Korean "War". Recall the A-Bomb drills we had in elementary school and the bomb shelters some people were building. But most of all I remember the F-86 Sabre jets, and though our capabilities were directly attributable to the work the Germans had done in WWII with jet aircraft, the swept wing F-86 was some piece of work. To see one today one must generally go to a museum or watch a movie such as THE HUNTERS. Just as the Grumman Panther can only be seen in a movie such as THE BRIDGES OF TOKI RI (another Korean era film) F-86s only come alive through the filming of THE HUNTERS.
I first saw this movie when it came out to movie theatres, and though I did not serve in the Air Force, it caused me by 1961 to serve in the military. We were a patriotic group back then, and many of us wanted to serve, with films such as this egging us on. Down through the years this particular film has remained one of my favorites and now with the DVD I can take it out to watch whenever.
If you enjoy "war classics" as they are now called, then this movie with its plot and subplots may bring you enjoyment. Even in my mid-60s it still remains for me quite a film. Much later I learned that James Salter, author of the book, THE HUNTERS, was a pilot who flew the F-86 in combat and the book is based on his experiences. And as I say, the F86s of the movie are worth watching all in themselves.
Semper Fi.
Movie Review: The Citizen Kane of modern air/space combat movies!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I was 11 years old, I saw this movie when it was released. In its air combat sequences, The Hunters is the Citizen Kane of all modern air/space combat movies, as revolutionary for its time as Star Wars later was to be for its time. While prior air combat movies had been on the square screens, usually in B&W, The Hunters was filmed in state-of-the art CinemaScope (widescreen) and Technicolor. Its air combat sequences -- twisting jets on each other's tails soaring in mountainous clouds, then diving and roaring a treetop level through valleys -- were brilliantly conceived and breathtakingly executed -- unlike anything that had been seen before. They still hold up with the best ever filmed, although they've been copied so much (by movies such as Top Gun and Star Wars) that they no longer have the knock-your-socks-off novelty that they originally did. Unfortunately, the feel-good screenplay, with a distracting romantic subplot, bears no resemblance to the gritty, macho novel on which it was based. In James Salter's best-selling novel, the Robert Michum character, Cleve Saville, is a WWII veteran fighter jock who can't get a kill to save his soul, then has no witness when his first-and-only kill (before he himself dies) is the legendary enemy ace. Hence, The Hunters movie is really a first-rate action-hero fantasy set in wartime. (...)Movie Review: A visual jet powered treat
Summary: 5 Stars
This 1958 film stars Robert Mitchum and Robert Wagner as F-86 fighter pilots during the Korean War. The air sequences are stunning and the photography is beautiful (the crisp blue skies are faithful to author James Salter's descriptions). Excellent combat shots and low level high speed sequences, not seen in other films, including modern works where so much action is "faked".
The story is engaging enough, but in a typical '50's fashion, things are a bit too neat . . . whether war or extra-marital affairs. Robert Mitchum is Robert Mitchum. The young Robert Wagner turns in a good performance as a rather unlikeable know-it-all. The unknown May Britt is an 8 on the 0-10 "hot scale".
A fun film, and probably a must for jet fighter buffs. By the way, if you are a reader, do not let watching this film (even if the story disappoints you) discourage you from reading Salter's quasi-autobiographical novel, The Hunters. Set in the same place and with generally the same characters, the story runs differently and the ending is COMPLETELY different. The little known James Salter is arguably one of the best novelists of the 20th century.
5 stars for the uniquely stunning aerial sequences. Recommended (both the film and the book).
Movie Review: Lt. Pell is based on a real person
Summary: 5 Stars
Several of the other reviews think that the Lt. Pell character (Robert Wagner)isn't believable. But, I first saw the movie soon after it was released; my Dad took me-- and the big attraction to him was that during the Korean War he had actually met the F-86 driver who was the basis for Lt. Pell. In his opinion, Wagner was just like the real guy. Some time after that there was a get together at our house where several more USAF pilots talked over the movie-- at least one other either knew him or knew of him, and agreed in that opinion. I no longer remember the original "Pell's" name, but did hear. So, don't be too critical of that portrayal! By the way, all those pilots back then loved the flying scenes, but thought the overall war story was a bit Hollywood-- they were all combat vets so they knew from personal experience on both counts!Movie Review: Action in Korea!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
True story of an American Ace in Korea! They still make them, but they are still few and far between!!! This guy is as good on the ground, as he is in the sky! He has a young Bud with him, who matures a lot later on (in real life, too), but not at the present moment in the film. I think this movie came before Thunder Road, but both have flying, sort of kinda! The sad parts are poignant. Some guys will do anything to keep from being a POW!!! If you forget your popcorn, don't blame me! If you get angry, don't blame me! If you understand a lot more than you did before, blame the movie! They say a little knowledge is dangerous, though, so maybe you shouldn't see this movie!