The Walls of Hell

Rating:
Summary: Solid B War Film with Plenty of Action
Review: Walls of Hell (Intramuros) is a solid B war film produced in the Philippines. Based on an actual incident, the story revolves around U.S. and Filipino efforts to defeat 10,000 Japanese marines who defied orders and took over an ancient walled fortress in Manila for a fight to the death. 20,000 civilians are trapped inside. The film centers on a small group of guerrillas fighting around and under the 25-foor thick walls of the fortress. Led by Lt. Sorenson (Jock Mahoney), they attempt to rescue 1,000 civilians being held in a Japanese detainment camp who will be massacred if the fortress falls. Mahoney makes the most of his role and Fernando Poe Jr. co-stars as a bitter guerrilla fighter. The film is well directed by Gerardo de Leon and Eddie Romero (who also produced) and is reminiscent of Sam Fuller's early films. Overall production values are good and the movie makes good use of actual locations. If you cringe when you see Eddie Romero's name in the credits, this well executed and entertaining movie will surprise you.