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Hamburger Hill (1987)

R   |    |  Action, Drama, Thriller

Hamburger Hill (1987) Poster

A very realistic interpretation of one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War.

6.7/10
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64 Metascore

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  • John Irvin in Hamburger Hill (1987)
  • Anthony Barrile and Tim Quill in Hamburger Hill (1987)
  • Hamburger Hill (1987)
  • Dylan McDermott in Hamburger Hill (1987)
  • Steven Weber in Hamburger Hill (1987)
  • Dylan McDermott and Anthony Barrile in Hamburger Hill (1987)

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Cast & Crew

Top Billed Cast

Director:

John Irvin

Writer:

James Carabatsos
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Reviews & Commentary

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User Reviews
2 March 2002 | wildcatt268
One of the best Vietnam War movies
This is one of the very best and most realistic movies on the Vietnam War. There is no politicizing angst like "Platoon" and no flights of fantasy and metaphysics like "Full-Metal Jacket" or "Apocalypse Now". Those movies were too full of themselves and their "message" (and Oliver Stone, in particular, sought more to advance his political viewpoints by distortion rather than show realistic combat). These guys in the 101st Airborne were engaged in a brutal, actual battle. From the first ambush scene through each of the assaults on the hill, realism was achieved. The North Vietnamese hiding safe in their bunkers during air-strikes, only to emerge and start shooting and rolling grenades down the hill again on the paratroopers--all real. The conversations among the troops, about what they would do when they got home, what kind of car they would buy, are all typical of what I remember from my year over there in the infantry. There was no pontificating about good and evil as with Oliver Stone's much overrated "Platoon". Most of all, it showed guys trying just to take care of each other, while still carrying on with a meat-grinder of a mission. The actors were all virtually unknown at the time this was made, but acquitted themselves well. This movie was unfortunately underpromoted and slipped virtually unnoticed through the theaters, leaving most of us to catch it in the video stores. I am glad I came across it. If you missed this one, go rent it.

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The characters in the movie were named after men that writer James Carabatsos had fought alongside.

Quotes

Sgt. Frantz: Now unass my AO!

Goofs

In the U.S. Army in Vietnam in 1969 the correct radio jargon for artillery fire missions was "Shot, over." from the artillery battery with the reply "Shot, out." from the infantry on the ground. Then came "Splash, over." and "Splash, out." Perhaps the "Rounds over" and "Rounds out." jargon was used by the U.S. Marine Corps.

Crazy Credits

The following poem is shown at the beginning of the credits: If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind. Major Michael Davis O'Donnell 1 January 1970 Dak To, Vietnam

Alternate Versions

The Magna Pacific DVD Release: Sep 18, 2002 UPC: 9-315841-999491 is cut as when Duffy kills an NVA soldier with his M-60 the body explodes in gore and when Duffy is then killed by another NVA soldier that soldier is then shot in the back of the head and blood spurts out.

Soundtracks

Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
Performed by Waylon Jennings
Courtesy of RCA Records, a label of BMG Music
Written by Mel Tillis

Storyline

Plot Summary

Synopsis (WARNING: Spoilers)

Genres

Action | Drama | Thriller | War

Details

Release Date:

28 August 1987

Language

English, French

Country of Origin

USA

Filming Locations

Philippines

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,360,705 30 August 1987

Gross USA:

$13,839,404

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$13,839,404

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