They Were Expendable
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Movie Reviews of They Were Expendable
Movie Review: One of the best John Wayne movies ever
Summary: 5 Stars
This happens to be one of my favorite John Wayne movies. Too bad the colorized version released by TNT isn't available. This movie made you feel like you were actually there. The footage of the PT Boats, fighting against Japanese ships and aircraft, under attack and on the attack against superior naval forces, was all outstanding! It doesnt get any better. It captured the spirit of what went on during the early days of World War II. If you want to get a better feel for this movie, read the book put out by the Naval Institute titled, "The Fleet the Gods forgot". Read that book, then watch this movie again, and you will understand how acurate this movie is. American sailors were in a desparate situation, and called upon to sail out and fight against great odds, with no hope of victory. The Japanese had an entire fleet at the Phillipines, and were in the process of a full Invasion. All the Americans had were a few PT boats, and they accepted the challenge to the best of their ability. I read another review on this page placed in 2008 by Greg Norgaad, who said the movie was boring and gave it, very undeservedly, 1 star. Not liking a movie is one thing, but to actually take time to place such a negative comment on to Amazon's web page, well, I think this person has way too much time on his hands and needs to take up a hobby. However, his negative review inspired me to place a positive review in total support of this movie. Buy it. It is a great flick! I highly recomend it.Movie Review: A Testament to the Fallen
Summary: 5 Stars
While I hesitate to say that this was Wayne's best war picture, it does stand in the first ranks. The story (and Rockq there is a story) lies in the period when the American forces and the people of the Philippines were being kicked by everything the Japs had--which was plenty. The story tells the story of the PT boats, their crews, and the work of making the top brass see that the little boats had a place as an offensive and defensive weapons--especially in places where larger ships could not go or were not available. Everything is placed to the side to tell this--and thanks to the motion picture crew, you can see how frail and dealy they were. As for romance, war is no place for romancing the ladies although, Lord knows, the guys tried. This is a film to own, and to remember the real men and women who lived these perilous times.
Two notes, if you look at the picture in the back, I got a feeling that the picture is one of Dan Daily and the Duke--who were in "The Wings of Eagles". Also, when the delivery service is bad--and sometimes even Amamzon has a bad mail day--don't blame the flubbin' picture!!!! Giving this picture one star because of delivery problems is both unfair to the film and to other readers.
Movie Review: One of the best
Summary: 5 Stars
It is difficult to say anything more that has not already been said regarding this, one of my all-time favorite movies. But, forgive my additional " 2 cents worth," just to say that this is one of the few movies that actually inspires me to carry on in difficult times, and to persevere. If I am down in the dumps, or feeling sorry for myself, I slip this one in the dvd player. Sounds corny perhaps, but it's true.
I am a great John Ford fan, and I believe this to be one of his best films; often underrated, or even ignored by film critics. To me, it is at least equal, if not superior to "The Searchers", or "The Quiet Man."
Robert Montgomery carries this film, with an understated performance that implies great strength of character, and leadership ability. The entire cast is superb.
It is a shame that this movie seems to be rarely shown on TV; perhaps it is partly due to it's length, but I attribute to sheer ignorance. Maybe this will change; AMC just ran "Bataan,", with Robert Taylor, etc., a movie I hadn't seen for over 20 years.
If you are not even a war movie, or World War II buff, but just enjoy quality filmaking that should last forever, you need to experience this example of the art.
Movie Review: The best of the Best of WWII movies!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I just sat down to rewatch this war movie & it has to be one of my top 3 favorites. This has so much going for it on so many levels. The start always brings tears to my eyes when it's announced at the dance that the Japanese have just bombed Pearl Harbor & then the Philippine band breaks out singing "My Country Tis of Thee" as a salute to their defenders. The interaction of all the actors is great. This is one movie I feel John Wayne shows a real spark for his female co-star---Donna Reed is some classy woman & he knows it. They go well together. I sure like Mr. Montgomery in this role. Also, John Ford put such realism & detail into everything---the shadows of the characters in the tunnels of Bataan is quite effective. Also, showing how young two of the sailors were shows he knew his subject. Everytime I see this outstanding movie I seem to see something I hadn't see before. This also makes me appreciate the hard work the navy has always done. A CLASSIC MOVIE!Movie Review: Monkeys not Racist
Summary: 5 Stars
I as surprised to read in more than one review of John Ford's "They Were Expendable" that several reviewers have an issue with the song sung by the ordinary seamen during a farewell party: "The Monkeys have no tails on Zamboanga." They interpret the song to refer to Filipinos in a racist insult. However, sailors have called ordinary seamen "deck apes," "powder monkeys" and the like for centuries. One can find discussions of this in many online dictionaries. The lyrics in the film say "the monkeys have no tails, they've been bitten off by whales," a rather whimsical view of maritime life. The verse, "He won't go back to Subic anymore" obviously is meant for the "Doc" who sheds a silent "tear" as one of the "monkeys." Clearly, the audiences since 1945 have forgotten the naval slang. I'm satisfied that no insult toward our WWII allies even contemplated by cast and crew. Great film filled with great scenes.