Rent Objective Burma! (1945)

Burma Campaign. - Objective Burma! review by Steve

This is the only major Hollywood film about the war in Burma made during WWII. It follows a platoon of paratroopers dropped into the jungle to blow up a Japanese radar, which they achieve with little difficulty. But, when they fail to be met by air support, they must walk to their base through hundreds of miles of hazardous and unfamiliar terrain. The jungle becomes the enemy.

The opening scenes are realistic and focus on the logistics of running the audacious operation. The leader of the group is played by Errol Flynn, who is trenchant, and quite moving. The latter part of the story deals with their formidable escape. As their ordeal becomes increasingly forlorn and arduous, their endurance becomes epic.

It is brilliantly photographed and scored. Raoul Walsh directs with his usual laconic toughness. Attitudes to Japan have hardened since Pearl Harbour. When the US soldiers encounter the butchery of the Japanese torture of POWs we are confronted by the real horror of war. And become even more inspired by the American cause.  

This became infamous for its impact in the UK, where it was accused of overlooking the British effort, and was withdrawn. I don't think this is fair. Hollywood was telling one story of its own soldiers. Other stories would be told. It is a film about the heroism of a group of ordinary men and their survival against the odds. It's a relentless, inspirational war film