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Hell in the Pacific ( Lee Marvin)

		Directed by John Boorman Writing credits Reuben Bercovitch (story) Alexander Jacobs (screenplay) ...	Brand New Authentic U.S. Region 1 U.S. Factory Sealed Free Shipping

Genre: Drama / War
Plot Summary:  A shot-down American pilot finds his way to a small, unpopulated island where he hopes to find provisions. He soon discovers that he is not alone; there is a Japanese officer marooned on the island also. Will they continue to fight each other to the death, or will they reach a modus vivendi?
User Comments: WW2 meets Cast away?
User Rating: 7.3/10 (1,053 votes)

User Comments:
WW2 meets Cast away?, 3 December 2002

Author: mr_sboub from Switzerland  

No. Not really. The differences are numerous: first off, the plot structure is much tighter and centers on the animal side of man, and HITP doesn't have CA's boring first and last acts to bog it down. Pitting Marvin against Kurosawa favorite Mifune was a great idea, but could have failed with a more conventional approach. Here we are introduced to both in a neutral way, free to prefer which ever one we choose to. Both actors do a fine job, playing mostly emotional and physical roles with great restrain and intelligence. Boorman's direction is perfect, rejecting excess stylization in favor of a subtle approach and relying on superb photography. You have got to see this at least once, simply because it is very philosophical without ever trying to be. Because it boasts top performances from two of the last century's greatest leading presences in action cinema. Because, though frustrating at first, the ending is, for once, the smartest one that could have been chosen. Humanity is on trial and the judges choose to be honest and pragmatic, thus delivering something that combines greatness and very thoughtful substance.