November 1950. Allied forces under General MacArthur have driven North Korean forces clear across the peninsular, to the point that the Allies are about to reach the Yalu River, Korea's border with China. In the vanguard of these forces is the US 1st Marine Division, camped around the Chosin Reservoir in preparation to renew the attack. Then, on 27 November, China entered the war through a surprise attack on Allied forces. The 1st Marine Division was soon facing overwhelming odds and was in danger of being entirely wiped out.
Superb documentary. The Korean War does not get much coverage in documentaries, and undeservedly so. The Battle of Chosin was a crucial battle in that war - the delay caused by the 1st Marine Division's rear guard action slowed the Chinese advance and may well have insured the Allies retained a foothold in Korea. South Korea's existence thus owes much to the efforts of all the Allied soldiers who fought in this battle.
Well made. Good use of archival footage and the interviews with combatants from the battle are insightful and often emotional.
Shows well the harrowing ordeal the battle was. The conditions under which the battle was fought may well have been the worst any battle has been fought in - freezing cold, causing almost as many non-battle casualties as battle casualties.
An edifying and emotional experience.