Pork Chop Hill

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Pork Chop Hill

Released May 29, 1959

1h 37m

War

Drama

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Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Because final peace negotiations are bogged down in political maneuvering, U.S. soldiers, led by Lt. Joe Clemons (Gregory Peck), are forced to assault entrenched Chinese troops. The site of battle is Pork Chop Hill, a daunting, desolate climb that gives the communist forces a clear advantage. Clash after deadly clash wears down the morale and readiness of Clemons' men, and when they ask for back up, command is neither willing to send reinforcements nor authorize a retreat.

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Christopher Lloyd

The Film Yap

A gritty and surprisingly raw war film that shows the heroism and anguish of American soldiers in equal portions, not to mention rank military incompetence.

Rated: 4/5

May 1, 2023

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

Korea just before the peace treaty is vividly re-created in this stark and sombre foxhole drama directed by Lewis Milestone.

Nov 14, 2019

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Isabel Quigly

The Spectator

Corny characterisation makes it a bore; the makers' attitude makes it a puzzle.

Jul 16, 2018

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Told in a hard-nosed style.

Rated: A-

Jul 18, 2007

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Steve Crum

Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers

Gritty war, actually anti-war, movie directed by Lewis Milestone of "All Quiet on the Western Front" fame.

Rated: 5/5

Feb 20, 2007

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Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

In many ways the first modern war film.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 11, 2006

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Andy F

A stunning, brutally realised and all too rare film about the Korean war.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/18/24

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Shawndell J

It is a true in the dirt war movie that captures the exhaustion of battle.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/24

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Steve D

Not enough focus on character to really hit.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/13/23

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David d

Daring for it's time, imaginative, real-life plot turns that demonstrate the savagery, courage, and incompetence of war and politics.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/06/23

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CodyZamboni

One of best war movies, and one of the best anti war movies It doesn't glamorize battle. It shows the futility and is much a battle of military brass egos with no regard to the men who fight. Gritty, hard core carnage from the foxhole point of view. Movie is virtually non stop ground level action, wih almost no musical score.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/27/23

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Audience Member

I was stationed along the Korean DMZ at a listening post with a bird's eye view of Pork Chop Hill back in the 70's. I heard about the movie but never had an inclination to see it, if I want to see violence I'll watch the nightly news. But I thought of it recently after what has been going on in Ukraine. So I figured what the heck, it will distract me from the news. It is definitely not on my favorites list. I found Gregory Peck's character to be annoying. He reminded me of the gung ho officers in Vietnam who used to get fragged. And I found it too one sided, I would have liked to see more from the Chinese perspective. However the Chinese loudspeaker announcer could be interesting, and I enjoyed some of the jokes (but I'll warn you my kids say I have a medical condition called 'Dad Humor').

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

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Lewis Milestone

Director

Gregory Peck

Lt. Joe Clemons

Harry Guardino

Pvt. Forstman

Rip Torn

Lt. Walter Russel

George Peppard

Cpl. Chuck Fedderson

Carl Benton Reid

American Admiral at Peace Conference

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Synopsis

Because final peace negotiations are bogged down in political maneuvering, U.S. soldiers, led by Lt. Joe Clemons (Gregory Peck), are forced to assault entrenched Chinese troops. The site of battle is Pork Chop Hill, a daunting, desolate climb that gives the communist forces a clear advantage. Clash after deadly clash wears down the morale and readiness of Clemons' men, and when they ask for back up, command is neither willing to send reinforcements nor authorize a retreat.

Director: Lewis Milestone
Producer: Sy Bartlett
Screenwriter: James R. Webb, S.L.A. Marshall
Production Co: United Artists
Genre: War, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 29, 1959, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Runtime: 1h 37m

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