Film review: The Dirty Dozen (1967), directed by Robert Aldrich
Reviewed: 2004
Summary: Surprisingly good!
Not too bad, I thought, even though I seriously doubt any Nazis would look at the black soldier and think him a Nazi …
Twelve military inmates, several on death row, are presented with a choice: become soldiers on a top secret mission or go through with their sentences. They are trained to be efficient, and boy, they sure are eager to prove themselves.
At the training camp, it might be a bit slow, but it was a bit like one of those reality shows on TV – put a bunch of convicted felons in a camp and try to make soldiers out of them and see what happens. Surprisingly, the movie was better than I expected.
Somewhat unbelievable, perhaps, but quite amusing at times. The end bit made me very uncomfortable, considering what they did (I’m not telling what it is, don’t want to spoil things), but I suppose that’s just the way war is.
Watch it on a rainy day! It’s kind of fun to see Telly “Kojak” Savalas, Charles Bronson and Donald Sutherland running around, although Savalas’ character really needed a reality check.
I have probably seen this movie many moons ago, but I can’t really remember the plot. I would watch anything with Donald Sutherland in it (he is my homeboy) and I have a soft spot for Lee Marvin — ever since Cat Ballou. Now THAT is an enjoyable movie if you ever get a chance to see it! Jane Fonda in a Western romantic comedy adventure! And Lee Marvin plays a dual role as the bad guy and as a bumbling drunkard friend to the heroine. Classic and very funny!
Sounds like fun! Not one for Westerns personally (more my dad’s cuppa tea) but with playing Deadlands the past few weeks is starting to make me come round. Maybe. I’ll keep a lookout for it. Thanks! 🙂