i must say... I didn't care for it.I thought the writing was weak and cliché, tried to hard to be a Vietnam film instead of allowing it to become one (if that makes sense) i thought the acting was poor and the special effects (even for 1987) were amateurish. not one character sold me. I don't miss too many war movies...and this one had a good reputation, but im not sure where it came from.to say it was the best Vietnam war movie ever, really takes away from some great films. maybe i went in expecting too much because of the reputation this film has, but i left disappointed

Director Francois Truffaut famously said "There is no such thing as an anti-war film." People taking dramatic action, risking their lives, and doing noble deeds are the stuff of war films, even anti-war films. People rather like to see explosions and guns firing. The more terrifying and horribly war is presented, the more a purportedly anti-war movie feels like a recruitment film. Don't try to tell me that "Apocalypse Now" or "Full Metal Jacket" are truly anti-war when most people in the audience are getting revved up and excited during the action sequences. Hamburger Hill is an amazingly accurate film. In my opinion, it is the only truly anti-war film ever made. Of course, this means that not everyone will like it.

I would regard Hamburger Hill as the most realistic and least appreciated of the big three Vietnam War films that came out the same time. The other two films in question are Full Metal Jacket and Platoon. Full Metal Jacket is my favorite and Platoon is a classic as well. Hamburger Hill in my opinion is as good as Platoon, but has different themes and a lower budget. Hamburger Hill is the story of a platoon of soldiers and the battle of Hamburger Hill. There really is'nt a focus on any one character as lead actor, but the platoon as a whole and what they go through on the battle to take the hill. I think the ensemble cast did a hell of a job and were very believable as combat soldiers. For me the standout performances were from Dylan Mc Dermott (Frantz) and Courtney B Vance(Doc). Hamburger Hill really does an excellent job at showing the horrors of war, keeping it real and gritty as possible. The film comments on racism and the anti war movement at home. The main focus is on the unit doing the best they can to stay alive and take the hill. The battle scenes are brutal and very realistic. Hamburger Hill was written and produced by Vietnam War vet Jim Carabotos. The film is very non glamorized and comes across as a honest depiction of events. I've always enjoyed the film and Hamburger Hill still holds up. I have a lot of respect for this movie and regard this highly.

"Hamburger Hill" came out in late summer 1987 but, after the mega-success of "Platoon" from the previous Christmas, it was decidedly underwhelming. Not that it's bad, it just pales in comparison to other Nam films like "Platoon," and "Apocalypse Now" (1979).The story focuses on one platoon as they try again and again to take hill 937 (that is, 937 feet high) during a 10-day period in May, 1969. The hill was nicknamed Hamburger Hill because enemy fire was so fierce that American troops were shredded like hamburger meat.The film has an excellent cast highlighted by Dylan McDermott and Steven Weber (from Wings) as squad sergeants, Courtney B. Vance as the medic "Doc," and Tim Quill, Don Cheadle and Anthony Barrile as privates, the latter who strongly resembles Boner from "Growing Pains." "Hamburger Hill" successfully details the lives of grunts during the Vietnam War who, not only have to face their enemy in SE Asia, but growing resistance from their contemporaries at home. Although the film definitely comes off as a Grade-B "Platoon" and "Apocalypse Now," it features quite a few aspects that make it unique and notable, like an episode of friendly fire, soldiers getting "Dear John" letters, mudsliding down the hill during warfare, etc.It's also notable for its documentary-like style. "Hamburger Hill" makes no attempt to divert to the deeper subtexts of those two more successful Nam films; it's a picture solely about the Vietnam experience of infantryman taking a hill. The futility of the endeavor is a microcosm of the futility of the Vietnam War itself.Obviously, this documentary-like style is appealing to many, as witnessed by the numerous high ratings, particularly those who prefer ultra-realism. Unfortunately, it's sometimes diminished by contrived sequences (acting, dialogue, etc.). Regardless, such an approach won't be satisfactory for those who favor a more substantial story, stronger characters and a deeper subtext.Concerning the film's depiction of the typical grunt, just once I'd like to see a movie dare to show soldiers, Marines, etc. doing something other than boozing it up and visiting prostitutes on R & R. Even if most enlisted men did this in Vietnam, I'm sure there were many who coped with the stress of combat in more healthy, positive ways.The film was shot in the Philippines and runs 110 minutes. Excellent locations, by the way.GRADE: C+