A welcome change from RAMBO-style Vietnam films, BAT 21 concentrates on developing its American characters and puts a complicated face on the enemy. Based on a true story, the film stars Gene Hackman as Lt. Col. Iceal Hambleton, a military strategist who has spent his entire career in the
air or behind a desk. Acting on reports that a major North Vietnamese offensive is being mobilized, Hambleton goes up in a bomber to take a look, but the plane is hit over enemy territory and Hambleton is the only survivor. Alone in the jungle, with no infantry training and only a minimum of
survival gear, he waits for the military to pick him up. A spotter pilot, Capt. Clark (Dan...
Released:
1988
Rated:
R
Length:
105 mins