Hamburger Hill

R

Released Aug 28, 1987

1h 50m

War

History

Drama

Action

Mystery & Thriller

List

100%

Tomatometer

12 Reviews

72%

Audience Score

25,000+ Ratings

Over the course of 10 days in May 1969, an infantry squad led by Lt. Frantz (Dylan McDermott) and composed of both seasoned troops and new recruits, attempts to take a hill during the Vietnam War. In between attacks, the squad members deal with the other psychological stresses of the war, including the effect on morale of the antiwar movement back home and flashes of racial hostility between white and African-American soldiers, all mediated by the cool-headed medic, Doc (Courtney B. Vance).

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Variety Staff

Variety

Irvin, who shot a documentary in Vietnam in 1969, the year the action takes place, makes fine use of the Philippines locations and the verisimilitude supplied by the production team.

Mar 26, 2009

Full Review

Derek Adams

Time Out

There are a couple of rocky moments, but the large cast of unknowns go through hell convincingly, and illustrate the randomness of mortality.

Jun 24, 2006

Full Review

Vincent Canby

New York Times

A well-made Vietnam War film that narrows its attention to the men of a single platoon in a specific operation.

May 20, 2003

Full Review

Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

Unsparing, graphically violent depiction of Vietnam War.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 7, 2020

Full Review

Film4

This is a film about the futility of war expressed in the simplest terms.

Apr 28, 2010

Full Review

TV Guide

Although it was underrated at the time of its release, time will eventually reveal that Hamburger Hill is one of the best and most realistic films made about the Vietnam War.

Rated: 3.5/4

Apr 28, 2010

Full Review

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John F

While it may not quite reach the heights of the all-time great war movies, Hamburger Hill has a lot to offer its audience, most notably its balance between critiquing the war while honoring those who experienced it. It's also noteworthy for providing multidimensional images of black soldiers, showing both the conflict (often due to institutional racism) as well as the camaraderie they developed with white soldiers. Even its portrayal of Vietnamese prostitutes was better than other films (even if still rather one-dimensional and stereotypical). While most people will recognize McDermott and Cheadle when watching this, Courtney Vance as "Doc" Johnson steals the spotlight.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/22/23

Full Review

Michael W

This war movie was really good. Dylan McDermott, Courtney B. Vance, Michael Boatman, Don Cheadle, Harry O'Reilly, Steven Weber, and the rest of the cast did a great job in this movie. This true story about a platoon of soldiers that took over Hill 937 in the A Shau Valley during the Vietnam War was dramatic, action-packed, and intense. It's about completing the mission and realizing the issues you'll face along the way. If you haven't seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It's a must see.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/08/23

Full Review

StephenPaul C

The greatest 01 hour: and 50 minutes based on the fighting between North Vietnam and South Vietnam, which are now one country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/04/23

Full Review

Itay A

this movie was so delightful that i wanted to eat an hamburger after i watched this movie?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/26/23

Full Review

John R

A rough and ready film which gives you a very coarse and straightforward primer on the experience and complicating issues of the Vietnam War. Ably acted, with great special effects and effective writing, this is where most people should start their filmic journey into the Vietnam Conflict.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/13/23

Full Review

Steve D

Really effective at what it wants to do but as with a lot of war films, character takes a backseat to the carnage.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/02/23

Full Review

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John Irvin

Director

Anthony Barrile

Pvt. Vincent `'Alphabet'` Languilli

Michael Boatman

Pvt. Ray Motown

Don Cheadle

Pvt. Johnny Washburn

Michael Dolan

Pvt. Harry Murphy

Don James

Pvt. Elliott `'Mac'` McDaniel

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Synopsis

Over the course of 10 days in May 1969, an infantry squad led by Lt. Frantz (Dylan McDermott) and composed of both seasoned troops and new recruits, attempts to take a hill during the Vietnam War. In between attacks, the squad members deal with the other psychological stresses of the war, including the effect on morale of the antiwar movement back home and flashes of racial hostility between white and African-American soldiers, all mediated by the cool-headed medic, Doc (Courtney B. Vance).

Director: John Irvin
Producer: James Carabatsos, Marcia Nasatir
Screenwriter: Jim Carabatsos
Production Co: RKO Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: War, History, Drama, Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 28, 1987, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 6, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $11.4M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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