I'm nostalgic for a good war drama pre 1970. I thought I had seen them all, being middle aged, but I had never watched this one before (it's on TCM). At first I was dismissive, Robert Redford? Oh boy this is going to suck. But no, I was wrong, this is a great war film. It's totally unpredictable, I honestly did not know where this was going. I would suggest to not read any reviews past this point and just watch it first as a spoiler would probably ruin the film. John Saxon puts on an awesome performance and the dialog of everyone involved was real enough for me to become involved. It's not over the top, it's very, very character driven and very engrossing. If you liked low budget war films such as Attack!, Men In War, and Hell Is For Heroes, you will enjoy this. 10 out of 10. It probably deserves it's mid 6 rating technically but as a character driven war drama I don't think you can do any better. I don't want to give away spoilers but every character involved in this was plausible and real. The less you know before watching the better your experience will be.

John Saxon has a memorable role as a black-faced, gun-crazy soldier who volunteers for solitary nightly ambushes on the enemy until he finally cracks up completely and wants to be left behind in Korea. The film also marked the screen debuts of Robert Redford (as the clean-cut rookie hero who stands up to Saxon’s fearsome grip on his unit), Sydney Pollack (a rare early acting stint for him as a sympathetic sergeant) and Tom Skerritt (as a cheerful sergeant); of course, the latter would later appear in the ultimate Korean War movie, Robert Altman’s M.A.S.H. (1970). Other cast members include Tommy Matsuda (as an orphaned Korean boy taken under Saxon’s wing and unwisely befriended by Redford), Charles Aidman (as the Captain who often covers for Saxon’s insubordination given the importance of the information he gathers from his nightly rounds) and Gavin MacLeod (who advises Redford to steer clear of the highly-strung Saxon).Being set during the final days of the Korean War, the film features the deceptive and ironic musical interludes played on loudspeakers by the teasing enemy prior to the inevitable combat; despite its obviously modest budget and low-key nature, it is effectively shot in gritty, black-and-white by veteran cinematographer Ted McCord and nicely scored by Bud Shank. On the other hand, co-producer Terry Sanders was an award-winning documentarian who seemingly brought to the film an unusually sensitive and anti-militaristic outlook, while his brother Denis was an occasional feature film director – including the sci-fi/exploitation flick INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS (1973) – who had previously co-written the screenplay for Raoul Walsh’s WWII epic THE NAKED AND THE DEAD (1958). Trivia note: reportedly, Francis Ford Coppola appears uncredited as a truck driver; also, the film’s associate producer (Noel Black) later became an erratic director himself – most notably of PRETTY POISON (1968).

Dark, atmospheric, stylish film telling the story of combat as seen through the eyes of a newcomer, baby-faced Robert Redford, at a wartime trench camp in Korea, 1953. The story basically follows this man's experiences dealing with the others in their little platoon barracks - particularly a very odd man (played by John Saxon) who first appears on screen in a most memorable style - his mud-covered face suddenly appearing in close-up, completely filling the screen. This man likes to go out alone at night with his face darkened, on his own private "war hunt" as he knifes to death Koreans hiding in trench holes. This man's sidekick at camp is a young, orphaned Korean boy who seems to worship the older man. At one point, we watch Redford's character as he faces great fear during his first experience in combat; he also desires to help the young boy and faces many confrontations with the "war hunter"/mud man.This is a very unusual film - powerful, gripping and interesting, the story moved along via voice-over narration by Redford as his character relates his experiences. The film features excellent, thoughtful camera-work including many facial close-ups, and many dark, night-time scenes that gives a haunting feeling to the action. The background music reminded me in style of that often heard during "Twilight Zone" or even "Star Trek" episodes - a sort of 60s sci-fi feeling to it, in a way. The film opens and closes with a nicely done, sentimental chorus of Korean children. An excellent film all around.

War Hunt explores the possibility that a decorated and successful combat soldier can also be a dangerous psychotic killer. The film is set during the last days of the Korean War. Endore (John Saxon) conducts voluntarily patrols to Chinese outposts, and is valued by his commanding officer. The other platoon members appreciate Endores courage and toughness under fire, and probably love the fact his solitary patrols keep them safe in their own lines. But Endore has his own personal motives for his nocturnal sojourns. He gets to kill people, and he probably enjoys it. As a matter of fact, he most likely is a serial killer. No doubt he is a social outcast in civilian life and would be even in the peacetime army. In any other environment, hed wind up in a prison or mental hospital. Luckily (for him) the Korean battlefront is his element.John Saxon plays Endore to frightening perfection. Blank, emotionless facial expression. Psychotic stare, just a hint of malevolent violence seething beneath his limited social skills. In the films scariest scene, Endore knifes a Chinese soldier to death unnecessarily, then dances around the body. A ritualized killing. Endore is one scary stranger. Id stay away from him, so would you. Hes the guy we read about in the papers, maybe even joke about nervously.This crazy mans nemesis arrives in the form of Roy Loomis, a young and frightened recruit. He is shocked and disgusted by Endores actions, but is rebuffed by his CO and squadmates. Loomis isn't worth anything. It's Endore who is valuable, who can kill, who can do the dirty work. Loomis is annoyingly innocent however, and you know there's going to be a big confrontation coming up.The confrontation arrives in the form of a cease fire.The Korean War is ending, but has Endores war just begun? Check it out and see. Fast moving, suspenseful, frightening. Best line: Endore(explaining how he can sneak up on the enemy without being seen) "Because I'm invisible---the truth blinds you."