Search - War Hunt on DVD

Solid intro for Redford, but Saxon is the real star...

Mark Savary | Seattle, WA | 06/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an obviously low-budget affair, but don't let that dissuade you from at least screening this film. Set in the waning days of the Korean War, the story revolves around a new replacement (Robert Redford), who joins an infantry unit on the front lines. As he experiences the bitter taste of war, he tries to understand the meaning of it all. Meanwhile, he is concerned over the psychotic lone wolf in the outfit (John Saxon), and his bizzare attachment to a young Korean kid. Saxon's character is a successful killing machine, but unaccustomed to fitting in with people. The main selling point is, of course, the film debut of Robert Redford. Redford is excellent here, even at a relatively young age. Redford has always been good at playing honest, good-guy straight shooters, and his debut as Pvt. Roy Loomis is no exception. However, it really has to be said that, for as good as the young Redford is, it is John Saxon who steals the show as the brooding, psychotic killing machine, Endore. If you don't believe me, just check out the scene when Redford confronts him, and Saxon shows us a murderer using every ounce of control at his command to master his anger and keep from killing. Gavin MacLeod and Tom Skerritt play fellow soldiers in the squad, and the stark black & white photography assists in setting the proper mood for the story."

Hunting the impact of war

David Burris | Potomac, MD USA | 03/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"War Hunt is an absorbing comparison of the effects of war on two individuals.



One responded to the emotional impact of killing by embracing it. He becomes an isolated, cold and silent killing machine who creeps up at night and kills with a knife, then dances around the bodies. His only emotinal connection is with a young house boy. His influene on that child is chilling.



The second is embodied in the introdcution of Robert Redford to the screen. The war seen through his eyes is tragic and wasteful. His bravery in confronting the evil influence of the first soldier represents a nobility in a man that is in sharp contrast to the dehumanizing effects of the war.



Some would argue that the film effects, representing the state of the art in 1961 give a dated feel that is distracting. However this lends a grittiness and documentary feel that enhances the message.



The popcorn will be forgotton. Save if for a second feature of a much lighter or comic vein, as this heavy film is better digested in pieces over time than brooded over as the only thought late in the evening."

John Saxon as bad guy ?

jeverr_wonder | chicago, il United States | 05/22/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"very heavy war story but great in that we get to see a VERY young Robert Redford and the ever handsome John Saxon as the bad guy .. good battle scenes ... but dark brooding and violent !"