Batán

I first saw this film about 20 years ago and absolutely loved it. When I purchased the film recently, I can still say I absolutely love it. Of course when seeing the film today, the viewer may think that this film is a bit anachronistic, especially considering todays jaded skepticism and mentality of "question everything, trust no one". But given the year when the movie was made (1943) it falls right in line with the mindset of the times. The acting and sets are pretty much of the standard 30's and 40's Hollywood flair with the bad guys being very bad, the good guys being very good and those that die in battle doing such without much complaint or bloodshed. But all aside, I was able to get drawn into the characters lives to the point to where I was concerned with who lived and who died as well as being on the edge of my seat with all the ensuing tension that only a good war picture can give. All in all, I would rate this film a must see. No, this film won't deliver the intense realism as does Band of Brothers or Saving Private Ryan but it also doesn't deliver the always painful to watch introspective/flashback ponderings that Thin Red Line does. Another plus is that there ISN'T a love story plunked down in the middle of the story line!