The Dirty Dozen

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Wayne K @WayneKelso Aug 3 The Dirty Dozen is a classic film from a bygone era, the era of the movie star, where you sit back and marvel at the cast list, some of whom were at their peak, some were just getting started. Gritty and chock full of testosterone, it’s a showcase of contrasting personalities, with tough as nails men forced to put their differences somewhat aside to achieve a common goal. It’s emotionally satisfying to see the ragtag group slowly becoming a cohesive unit, as is witnessing the stuff-shirt higher ups being embarrassed by the groups success. The climactic action set piece is brilliantly put together, though some of the principles cast’s deaths seem to have either been omitted or cut out. With such a big cast, several of the characters gets less screentime and development than others, but the one’s we do get to know really carry the film. If unashamedly masculine movies are your thing, then The Dirty Dozen is essential viewing. See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jul 12 Based on a true war story in 2 hours and 42 minutes. See more Chris B @Papa13070 Jun 11 As we say in the South, this is a good 'un. The film has an all-star cast, including Lee Marvin, George Kennedy (albeit briefly), Clint Walker, Jim Brown, Donald Sutherland, Telly Savalas and Charles Bronson. The plot: take a bunch of hardened and/or condemned military criminals and turn them loose on the Nazi High Command. Along the way, they have to prove themselves to their commander (Marvin) and the American commanders. There are a few comic moments, but most of the film is straight-away action. Robert Aldrich does a wonderful job directing this classic. This is one of my go to's on a rainy day. See more James B. @JamesBass May 25 The Dirty Dozen has aged incredibly well. Despite their criminal records and rough exteriors, the characters turn out to be nothing like what their rap sheets suggest.Director Robert Aldrich manages a brilliant cinematic trick: there is never a single moment where the audience thinks of this crew as anything other than a group of men bound by a higher cause. As the tension builds toward the final mission, the movie stops being a simple action flick and becomes a powerful story about redemption. It beautifully illustrates that true redemption doesn’t always come without ultimate self-sacrifice.The film's realism is anchored by the fact that not everyone can be saved; Telly Savalas plays his character with a chilling reminder that some people remain completely unrepentant until the very end.A thrilling, gritty classic that still holds up completely. See more Marcus T @MarcusT12 May 10 Overly long and drawn out. A great cast could have been put to better use. The build up takes so long that by the time they get into action behind enemy lines we're losing patience with the progress of their war. The final solution is not that satisfying with lots of people on both sides getting killed, including women and french servants. The obligatory explosions make it all OK, I suppose. See more karen n @karen99 08/11/2025 Incredible movie with an all star cast. Loved it See more Read all reviews

The Dirty Dozen

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