AnhartLinkin
This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.
Invaderbank
The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.
Humaira Grant
It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.
Billy Ollie
Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
ronarimes
The majority of WW2 films are corny, sanitized and sickeningly trite. This is one of the most realistic I've seen. Great acting and study of characters that make for an engrossing film. Having watched and read both film and book 'Unbroken', I felt it portrayed the storming of the island as described by the eye witnesses of the time. Some of the scenes with the Japanese prisoners were less believable but it deserves a much higher rating than shown.
bensonmum2
Despite it's grand name, Halls of Montezuma is a small war film. What I mean is that the movie focuses more on a small group of men and their fears and problems than it does on a grand plan for Allied victory. It's a very personal movie. We get to see these men up-close and we begin to develop feelings for them. I wouldn't doubt that this is one of the first films to show a U.S. Lieutenant so battle scarred that he resorts to using pain killers just to function. Unlike other war films of this era, not all of these men are going to make it to the end. War is like that. It doesn't pick and chose people to live because we like them. So in that regard, it's also more realistic than some other war movies made in the 50s.To succeed as a small, personal war movie as I've described, the cast has to be able to act. This cast does not disappoint. Richard Widmark, Jack Webb, and Karl Malden are all excellent in their respective roles. I was especially impressed with Webb who has an acting style that can grate on the nerves. He's more subdued here and it works. But as good as these three are, Jack Palance is the highlight of the movie for me. He was undoubtedly the most believable. I could really picture him doing the things in real life that were called for in the script.I have no difficulty recommending Halls of Montezuma to fans of war films. It's a very welcome addition to my DVD collection.
whpratt1
This is truly a classic film showing the horror's WAR during WWII. America was at war with Italy in the beginning of the war and then Germany and Japan. This film depicts the fears and great sacrifices made by our fighting men during One of the worst periods of time. Richard Widmark (Lt. Carl Anderson),"Kiss of Death",'47, played a war veteran who had hang ups dealing with great headaches and Karl Malden(Doc Jones),"On The Waterfront",who supplied the mental support and pills to help Lt. Anderson help his men through the rough terrain. Jack Palance(Pigeon Lane),"The Silver Chalice"'54, gave a great supporting role, ranting and raving during the battle scenes. If you look close, you will see the very young Robert Wagner(Pvt.Coffman),"Banning",'67 perform a very dramatic role. This film is worth viewing and depicts the newly developed flame throwers and the rockets that were use by Japan. This was a necessary WAR, and our fighting men in WWII were greatly honored in this picture for all generations to view!
Troll-19
The fog of war is redefined down to what is left of a US Marine Corps Platoon on a Japanese held island. The lieutenant, a former chemistry teacher and seven members of his original command must find where the Japanese have hidden rockets before the battalion attacks. Characterizations are typical of a Lewis Milestone move and avoid the formula cliches. To the platoon are added a combat historian and a suave, debonaire interpreter. Many future stars are featured in this stirring film at early stages in their careers. As an Reserve Army Colonel and a high school chemistry teacher this film strikes home. Do they find the rockets? You must see this film to find out.
