"Heartbreak Ridge" DVD
Added 1/7/2010
I didn't need to know anything more thaN I already knew from previously seeing the movie on cable TV. I pruchased the DVD from Amazon.com to give as a gift to a retired U.S Marine Corps officer friend who has not yet seen the movie.
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Great movie
One of Clint's best
Character id very similar to character in Gran Torino
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Could Easily Be A Prequel To "Gran Torino"
Added 9/23/2009
Last year, Clint Eastwood wowed moviegoers with his gritty, realistic performance as Walt "Get Off My Lawn!" Kowalski in the film "Gran Torino". In "Heartbreak Ridge", the U.S. Marines are the "lawn" and Eastwood (once again) isn't taking any prisoners.
Basically, the film centers on a Marines Recon unit of the 1980s that, in all aspects, has "gone soft" in a time of peace. Gone is the strict military discipline of the 1940s-1960s, and in its place is a disrespectful, laissez-faire attitude towards fighting for our freedoms. That all changes, of course, when Sergeant Thomas Highway (Eastwood) is brought in to lead the unit. Though Highway is only given the assignment as a disciplinary measure, it quickly becomes clear to him how far the Marines have fallen. No angel himself (Highway is shown instigating a prison riot at the beginning of the film), Highway goes about instilling into a rag-tag bunch of young men the kind of military values that he holds near and dear.
Much like "Gran Torino", then, the most entertaining portion of this film is watching Eastwood embody that kind of old-world toughness that is on its way out (for better or worse) as the World War II and Korea veterans begin to pass away. Both Highway and Kowalski are the type of men who will have your back to the end if you respect them and do right by them, but the only way they know how to show it is through harsh profanity, crude jokes, and a crotchety demeanor that belies their true emotions. Whereas Walt bonds with a young boy who shows potential but just needs some strong leadership in his life, Thomas Highway runs the same emotional gamut with his Marines Unit.
There are only a few things that keep this movie from "instant classic" status, those being Highway's rather un-interesting love life on the military base, as well as an ending that just seemed to fall a bit flat considering the entertainment that preceded it. "Torino" was a bit more adept (and thus more deserving of a five-star rating) at handling the emotional drama of Eastwood's character, as well as providing a better send-off.
Thus, whether you want to look at "Heartbreak Ridge" as a prequel to "Gran Torino", or "Torino" as a sequel to "Ridge", the similarities between both films are readily apparent. If you loved watching Eastwood's gruff, tough Walt Kowalski portrayal, you will love this film as well. If you were offended by the type of prejudices that Walt held, steer a wide berth around this movie.
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As real as it gets
Added 7/7/2009
This movie garnered alot of controversy in 1986 when it was released in the movies. Alot of Marines felt it was far-fetched, and not the way Marines act. If this were true then they shouldn't show any movies about the Marine Corps, and that in order to know, and apprecieate what the Marines are all about enlist, and go through boot camp. I know that the movie was all too real to me. I feel that it grasped what a Marine is supposed to be all about: You improvise, adapt, overcome. In another movie called "Tribes" which is about a hippie's take on the Marine Corps shows a sign in the barracks saying: "Can't Means Won't." The Marines aren't looking for recruits just commmitments which is a billboard I see as I drive along. That's a real Commitment to Excellence, and this is probably what Eastwood was thinking when directing this movie that perhaps the military was getting too soft, and losing the plot about what it was all about, and that was defending the country. Veitnam did soften the military a bit as with the introduction of Selective service instead of a draft notice, and the introduction, or should we say the reintroduction of the G.I. bill to where you can finish your education in the military which is a good thing, but remember the commitment you made when you signed on the first and utmost thing is the defense of your country. This is a rather good movie, and it was done up reverently as far as I'm concerned. I wouldn't know as I know I'm too chicken to sign up for military duty, and I don't think I would last. I'm too old now anyway. The cut off is 35. I would recommend this to anyone who was thinking of joining the Marines.
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You're Marines now. You adapt. You overcome. You improvise.
Added 5/28/2009
THE WAR: Grenada, not much of an obstacle in the grand scheme of things, but it's a perfect redemption opportunity for a hardened Vietnam vet whipping a group of slackers into Marines.
STORY: Through a glass-swallowing voice, Gunnery Sergeant Tom "Gunny" Highway (Eastwood) exudes the strength, experience, and military behaviorisms expected of a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam war, not to mention the Medal of Honor pinned on his chest. When he confronts his new, less than military-like Recon platoon, he must enforce his will, turn the men into life takers and heart breakers, and prepare them for the combat.
PATRIOTISM: Gunny Highway is the epitome of patriotism. A man who has devoted his entire life to the service, who lives, breathes, eats, and sleeps the military life. When country supersedes life and family, then there can be no questioning patriotism and heroism.
FAVORITE BATTLE(S): When Highway eventually locks horns with his anal commanding officer, Major Powers, the two throw down in a mud puddle while surrounded by their cheering soldiers.
FAVORITE LINE: Be advised. I'm mean, nasty and tired. I eat concertina wire and pi*# napalm and I can put a round in a flea's a*# at 200 meters. So why don't you go hump somebody else's leg, mutt face, before I push yours in.
THE MESSAGE: The young men and women of today don't have the resolve and grit of previous generations; there is no denying this fact. When faced with the adversity of war, our Armed Forces will have to rely on the knowledge, skill, and sinewy strength of grizzled veterans who have "been there, done that." Thank goodness there are some Gunny Highways around to lead our brave young men and women.
This is one of the most underrated movies of all time, and a classic that doesn't get the respect it deserves. One of my favorites.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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"Heartbreak Ridge" DVD
Added 1/7/2010
I didn't need to know anything more thaN I already knew from previously seeing the movie on cable TV. I pruchased the DVD from Amazon.com to give as a gift to a retired U.S Marine Corps officer friend who has not yet seen the movie.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Great movie
One of Clint's best
Character id very similar to character in Gran Torino
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Could Easily Be A Prequel To "Gran Torino"
Added 9/23/2009
Last year, Clint Eastwood wowed moviegoers with his gritty, realistic performance as Walt "Get Off My Lawn!" Kowalski in the film "Gran Torino". In "Heartbreak Ridge", the U.S. Marines are the "lawn" and Eastwood (once again) isn't taking any prisoners.
Basically, the film centers on a Marines Recon unit of the 1980s that, in all aspects, has "gone soft" in a time of peace. Gone is the strict military discipline of the 1940s-1960s, and in its place is a disrespectful, laissez-faire attitude towards fighting for our freedoms. That all changes, of course, when Sergeant Thomas Highway (Eastwood) is brought in to lead the unit. Though Highway is only given the assignment as a disciplinary measure, it quickly becomes clear to him how far the Marines have fallen. No angel himself (Highway is shown instigating a prison riot at the beginning of the film), Highway goes about instilling into a rag-tag bunch of young men the kind of military values that he holds near and dear.
Much like "Gran Torino", then, the most entertaining portion of this film is watching Eastwood embody that kind of old-world toughness that is on its way out (for better or worse) as the World War II and Korea veterans begin to pass away. Both Highway and Kowalski are the type of men who will have your back to the end if you respect them and do right by them, but the only way they know how to show it is through harsh profanity, crude jokes, and a crotchety demeanor that belies their true emotions. Whereas Walt bonds with a young boy who shows potential but just needs some strong leadership in his life, Thomas Highway runs the same emotional gamut with his Marines Unit.
There are only a few things that keep this movie from "instant classic" status, those being Highway's rather un-interesting love life on the military base, as well as an ending that just seemed to fall a bit flat considering the entertainment that preceded it. "Torino" was a bit more adept (and thus more deserving of a five-star rating) at handling the emotional drama of Eastwood's character, as well as providing a better send-off.
Thus, whether you want to look at "Heartbreak Ridge" as a prequel to "Gran Torino", or "Torino" as a sequel to "Ridge", the similarities between both films are readily apparent. If you loved watching Eastwood's gruff, tough Walt Kowalski portrayal, you will love this film as well. If you were offended by the type of prejudices that Walt held, steer a wide berth around this movie.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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