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Summary: 5 STARS - A superb film about World War 2 in the Pacific
Review: This beautiful and timeless film is set in the opening days of World War 2. Based on the actual exploits of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three, this jewel of a film illuminates the daily lives of forgotten men whose sacrifices became the foundation of our eventual victory over Imperial Japan. It tells a story shared by many thousands of ordinary American and Filipino men and women who stood fast, with no hope of victory, to oppose an overwhelming force. It is a story about duty and honor . . . to country, to friends and to self. Considered "expendable" military assets by their countrymen, theirs is a story that is eternal.
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Summary: The Greatest War Film Ever Made
Review: This film shows John Ford at his most poetic. It is about how war affects the men who fight it. Based on a true story, the film juxtapositions the mythical heroism of MacArthur(in the film) with the actual heroism of the characters. It is a must-see for anyone who loves movies. Certainly Steven Spielberg-an unabashed Ford fan-trained for Saving Private Ryan by watching this film. Similar themes are explored and an appreciation for human values are resident in both films. Ford did it first, with more subtlety and greater profundity. A truly underrated and remarkable film.
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Summary: Unique WWII Movie
Review: This is a very well made WWII movie, and unique because it covers a part of the war not often the focus of movies or documentaries, and is about PT Boats which are generally ignored as well. The only other movie of any note about PT Boats is "PT 109" which really focuses on John Kennedy's heroics. The acting in this movie is understated which makes every scene seem real. The action scenes are great, and the lead roles are in good hands with Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, Ward Bond, and Donna Reed. The relationship which builds between John Wayne and Donna Reed, but which you know is somehow doomed because of the approaching invasion of the Japanese, is very poignant. This film is a great classic and doesn't get the credit it deserves.
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Summary: One of my favorite J Wayne war movies
Review: This movie and "In Harm's Way" define the John Wayne war genre for me. John Wayne is cast in a militarily subordinate role as commander of a PT boat in the Philippines at the outbreak of the war. There is, of course, romance for Wayne, while the other 100,000 soldiers and sailors in the area can only look on as he and nurse supreme Donna Reed get to know each other. There are, nevertheless, strong messages of patriotism, self-sacrifice, and devotion to the final victory -- making this a great movie for the American public during 1945, the last year of the war. If you are a patriot, proud of your country, and a John Wayne fan you'll love this movie.
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Summary: Another John Ford stunner - the story of a true US hero!!
Review: This movie is a true treat - a stunning portrayal of the true (though slightly altered for the screen) story of John D. Bulkeley, the Medal of Honor winning hero who evacuated MacArthur from the PI, and then went on to continue the fight against Japanese armored warships in nothing but a "plywood dream." A great story and beautifully directed.
Rating: 
Summary: ANCHORS AWEIGH!
Review: This movie is great for military, especially navy, great for the true veteran war movie types; however, I don't come from a military family. It seemed to me to be a lot of hop in your PT boat and go, over and over again, with a lot of smoke, fire, and the real fireworks. The movie lacks subplots, just a lot of anchors aweigh. I watched this after Preminger's In Harm's Way which kept my interest the whole time unlike this one. However, from other reviews, the depiction of battles, etc. is much like the real thing, understandable if you realize that most of the cast and production crew were all WWII veterans. And I think the important point was to commemorate what our soldiers had just completed in the Pacific, since the movie was made in 1945. John Wayne holds the record for being the leading actor in 142 films; no wonder they call him the "Duke".
Rating: 
Summary: Boring!
Review: This movie is just plain boring--no two ways about it! Go watch "The Flying Tigers" with John Wayne if you want a good WW2 movie.
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Summary: Read the book too
Review: Wow! I had read a short story of it first in a reader's digest book, and I went further to look for the book of the same title. This movie shows a part of the story, so if you really like this movie, get the book!
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Summary: Excellent nuts&bolts account of PT boats in WWII
Review: You will get a feeling of what it was like to be a PT boat swabbie in the Phillipines at the beginning of WWII. Good action sequences that get your attention. John Wayne. Need I say more? Also shows alot of social interactivity and stories to keep you interested. Follows the evac of the Phillipines also.
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