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Storyline
A group of Vietnam War veterans re-unite to rescue one of their own left behind and taken prisoner by the Vietnamese. Led by his father (a retired Marine Colonel) and supported by a rich businessman whose son is also a POW, the group engages in a dangerous and violent adventure trying to rescue the POWs and at the same time re-direct their lives. Written by
Luis Alvarez
Plot Summary
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Taglines:
"C'mon... we're going home."
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The number of American soldiers in the film's story said to be missing in action and still possibly alive and being kept hostage in Vietnam was 2500.
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Goofs
When Gene Hackman's character arrives to pick up the weapons and the police officer tells him that the guns will be confiscated, during two shots we see the truck driving off behind him.
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Quotes
Sailor:
Man, I'm so far beyond that shit now. I get energy from the air. I talk to polar bears. I converse with paramecium. Man, I fuck nuclear waste.
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Connections
Spoofed in
Tropic Thunder (2008)
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Soundtracks
Brothers in the Night
Written by
Ray Kennedy,
Kevin Dukes &
David Ritz
Performed by
Ray Kennedy See more »
Being such a movie geek, I have generally heard of nearly every film out there. But somehow, this film sneaked under my radar and when I finally came across it, I was astounded to realize I have never heard of it before, especially with Gene Hackman in the lead. While not the greatest film on the subject, Uncommon Valor is a marginally effective war film and is a story on friendship, courage, and what it takes to see the ones they love again.
Ted Kotcheff, who you many recognize as the director of First Blood, directs a film about a retired colonel who spent ten years trying to find his son, who is listed as missing in action. After all his efforts fail, he organizes a team that includes former colleagues of his son and they begin a courageous effort to bring back American heroes from Vietnam.
The acting is pretty good, actually. Gene Hackman is always good so it was no surprise here to see him give a committed performance. The other guys, you may not be so familiar with. My favorite character was played by Randall "Tex" Cobb and his character was so dumb and silly, but always made an effort to get the job done.
Overall, Uncommon Valor is a decent war movie led on by the values of family and friendship. It's not the greatest war film because of it's uneven pace, spotty directing, and loose plot points. But with all these values and how the actors are able to bring these values across, this turns out to be an irresistible war film. I rate this film 8/10.