evanston_dad A muscular, no nonsense combat movie set during the Korean War.Robert Ryan and Aldo Ray play two officers who engage in a pissing contest during an attempt to lead a platoon of soldiers through enemy terrain to safety. Both actors are terrific, as are the ones who make up the supporting cast, and the film has an authentic and unapologetic look and feel to it that help it to stand out from the other histrionic war movies of the period that focus on highlighting heroism and bravery. This one is about guys who are just trying to survive, and who are going to be scarred one way or another by their experience, whether those scars are physical or emotional."Men in War" is a really good film, and it has the added distinction of being about the Korean War, a conflict that American cinema hasn't examined nearly as much as others.Grade: A

Leofwine_draca MEN IN WAR is a fine black-and-white Korean War movie from director Anthony Mann, who was best known for his series of quality westerns teaming him with star James Stewart throughout the 1950s. In many respects, MEN IN WAR is even better than Mann's westerns, because it tells an excellent pared-down story that exemplifies quality acting from the entire cast and oodles of suspense.The 'men on a mission' journey narrative is really nothing special but that doesn't matter when the quality of the film-making is so good. In essence, MEN IN WAR portrays a dwindling group of soldiers attempting to overcome various obstacles in their bid to return to their own lines. They face the threats of snipers, bombing, and treachery, while at all times must cope with their own moral integrity.Not only are the characters well-written, but they're well-acted too. Robert Ryan is an ever-present delight as the hard-bitten lieutenant but the real star of the show is Aldo Ray whose tough yet caring character becomes the film's brutish heart. Ray is magnificent in undoubtedly a career-best performance. Supporting players like Vic Morrow, L.Q. Jones, and Nehemiah Persoff round out the cast, with special mention to Robert Keith's shell-shocked colonel.

Jeff (actionrating.com) See it – There haven't been many movies made about the Korean War. While "Pork Chop Hill" is an easy choice for number one, this Anthony Mann-directed psychological war movie may be number two. Starring Robert Ryan, the story focuses on a group of GI's transporting ammunition who get cut off from the rest of their regiment when their vehicle breaks down. As they make their way on foot to deliver the ammunition to the rally point, they encounter snipers, mines, and all the usual hardships of the footsoldier. Eventually they meet up with a hardened veteran whose experience may be just what they need to make it back alive and accomplish their mission. When a well-defended enemy hill is the only thing standing in their way, the men decide that despite being outnumbered, they have plenty of ammo to attempt an assault.

benbaum-280-362993 A small group of survivors works through enemy territory to reach their HQ, along the way they meet a Sargent, a catatonic Colonel and their Jeep, who reluctantly join the fight. The 3 display heroics and are interesting characters who leave much for the viewer to consider long after the film. I found the lack of extras and huge enemy forces welcoming as it aided the sense of isolation and vulnerability the men feel. Also the metaphysical connection between the Jeep and the Colonal is a creative device. Not a great over all flick and it lacks some historical depth but it does have its powerful moments and does succeed at being what it is, a simple war story, not glamorous no glitzy.