Visitors Review

(2012-05-25 05:51)

To Hell and Back

This review is from: To Hell and Back (DVD) In 1986 i reported for duty in the US Army to Schweinfurt West Germany, 3rd Infantry Division. Prior to reporting to my unit we all had to watch this movie of the 3rd Infantry Divisions most decorated soldier. I have watched it many times since, but never with that same enthusiasm. Great classic movie of a true story.

(2012-05-24 18:45)

Audi Murphy

This review is from: To Hell and Back (DVD) Great movie would sugest every one to see it. Great tribute to our men in the service. Audi murphy was only one of the many heroes in WWII but what a great classic.

(2012-05-22 14:00)

Very good

Hey its a good movie....but one thing that the movie compresses to the extreme is his act that won him the Medal of Honor. Its EXTREMELY downplayed in the movie. In reality he held off a German advance from 3 directions for over an HOUR....an hour!!! Then just seconds after he jumped off the tank it blew up. Just wanted to set the record straight on that....

(2012-05-21 23:39)

For my hubby

Got this for my hubby. He loves this movie. He has seen it a few times but wanted it so he could watch it whenever he wanted too. I don't like war movies but he tells me it is excellent. It is a true story of Audie Murphy.

(2012-05-19 22:49)

The Real World War II Medal of Honor Movie

This review is from: To Hell and Back (DVD) The classic All-American story about an authentic hero and a Medal of Honor winner of World War II. Audie Murphy stars in the true story of this young leader of men in the battle against Hitler's Nazi's across Europe. One of my all time military movie favorites.

revdrcac (2012-05-19 09:36)

The very definition of a Hero !

In this autobiographical war film, the viewer is shown in a marvelouslythought-provoking fashion the true meaning of heroism. Murphy wasrejected by the Navy and USMC, yet became our nation's most decoratedveteran. Especially poignant are the scenes wherein Audie Murphy losesthose closest to him. His tears are more than acting, they representhis memories of the real life sacrifice of the fallen heroes of WW II.This is a masterpiece of autobiographical cinema ! The performances are realistic and yet familiar to us veterans . Thecamaraderie, sorrow, hardship and esprit de corps transcend thehalf-century which has passed. The final battle scene which depictsAudie's Medal Of Honor winning actions is moving but characteristicallymodest in its presentation. Enjoy this portrait of a true Americanhero.

(2012-05-19 07:29)

Great inspiration piece with good period reference

Film adapation of Audie Murphy's autobiography this film serves as a great inspiration work and timely historical piece for WWII ground campaigns in North Africa, a bit of Rome, and France. Recommended.

smakawhat (2012-05-18 21:21)

Doesn't work.

This movie plays more as a tool of propaganda for the US military, thanpresenting a good story with good acting and memorablecharacters.Instead we just sit back and are just watching things happen like a 3minutenews reel. You feel no sense of danger when the battles are ranging, youdon't feel camradare for the soldiers fighting cause the actors are lame,you don't feel sadness when the soldiers die. We are forced to fumblealongas the hero, goes from battle to battle and it's all the same. On top ofthat we have to keep hearing his humility in how he always says he's notworthy of being promoted. And of course we then hear all his buddiescongratulating him. Over and over and over and over....It's like watching 4 year olds play cowboys and indians its bang bang yourdead I won The End. And of course the only Native guy in the picture hastobe refered to as "chief". There was ONE actor in this picture whosecharacter was interesting and seemed like he would develop on in the film.But his presence and dialogue in the movie died (not cause he was killed)shortly leaving me more frustrated.The thing is there probably is a real story here but the translation justdoesn't work in this film.Rating 3 out of 10.

(2012-05-17 09:29)

Happy with the purchase.

This review is from: To Hell & Back [VHS] (VHS Tape) Received the item in a timely matter, the condition was just as it said it would be, in good condition.

willy (2012-05-16 16:27)

Our greatest soldier

This is one of the best WWII films because it shows how life basically was for a group of foot soldiers. The ones who were original members of the platoon were close, but they avoided getting close to the new members because it hurt so much when one was killed. They laughed and cried together, and watched each others backs. They realized that they were fighting a clever and resourceful enemy, and they took no chances trusting them, like in the laughable "Saving Private Ryan".It shows some of the event for which Murphy, playing himself, won the Medal of Honor, but it incorrectly ends with him jumping wounded off the burning tank. In fact he continued to fight on and lead his men. Murphy wore his actual Medal of Honor in the film, but, sadly, they had to Hollywood it up and call it (wrongly) the "Congressional" Medal of Honor. The decoration is the "Medal of Honor" presented in the name of Congress.I always thought that Murphy was an underrated actor--look for him in "The Red Badge of Courage" and "No Name on the Bullet".

(2012-05-15 14:24)

To Hell and Back - Audie Murphy

A very good portrayal of Audie Murphy's life before and during WWII. I have watched this movie many, many times and never tire of it. It's especially refreshing that the character that the movie is about is portrayed by the actual character of events and that must have been a very emotional undertaking by Audie Murphy. I am most happy to now own my own copy of the movie on DVD and if comes out in Blu-ray I will own that too.Peter R. Crowe "WWII buff"

(2012-05-15 07:54)

To Hell and Back

This bloke is a legend by anyones standards. Should be compulsory viewing for young americans.Far to many people are labelled as heroes in todays society i.e.(sportsman) garbage, this bloke was a hero in every sense of the word.

(2012-05-12 11:26)

A True American Hero

TO HELL AND BACK is a true rags-to-warrior story. The wide-screen release presents this film the way it was meant to be screened. TO HELL AND BACK is the film version of warrior-turned-actor Audie Murphy's best selling autobiography. Murphy, the most highly decorated combat soldier in World War Two, was originally turned down by the US Marines and Navy. Underage, Murphy needed special permission to enlist in the Army. Murphy soon proved his mettle in combat. He distinguished himself in combat time and time again through campaigns in Sicily, mainland Italy, and France. It was not until the final months of the European Campaign that a severe wound took the fearless Murphy out of the line and into a field hospital.A discussion about the film deserves a few comments on the original best selling book. His autobiography almost did not make it to book store shelves. Murphy was presented with a generous advance for his autobiographical war exploits. Unfortunately, he found it very difficult to capture his experiences on paper. Some have since speculated that Murphy was suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome. Who could blame him? After recovering from his war wounds, Murphy was decorated with the Congressional Medal of Honor. As a hero he toured the United States as part of a war bond drive. He turned down an opportunity to attend West Point and left active duty. Screen legend James Cagney took an interest in Audie Murphy and sponsored Murphy's theatrical training. Murphy soon found himself in, what were then known as, B-movies. Most of the movies were westerns. Still, he achieved fame that was very far removed from his impoverished days in Texas. The book, TO HELL AND BACK, was still little more than a few poorly written pages when Murphy's publisher became impatient. With a friend's help -- and reportedly the friend ghost authored the book for Murphy -- TO HELL AND BACK was completed, published, and became a best seller. The transition to film was a bit more difficult. Universal studios bought the rights to the film and opted to use one of its stars, Audie Murphy, to play himself in the title role. The Department of the Army solidly backed this production. Fort Lewis, Washington was basically put at Universal's disposal. Any worries that Murphy might have difficulties reenacting -- and reliving -- the heroic moments of his life were dispelled on the first days of location shooting. Murphy handled the film as both a fine actor and veteran.The film itself is a bit dated. The movie's introduction and occasional narration sometimes make it seem as though it is an Army training film. What separates this undertaking from US Army Pictorial Center films is that it is in color, wide screen, and is one of the first World War Two movies to involve large scale infantry and tank attacks. Some of the combat scenes in TO HELL AND BACK would not be matched until the war films of the mid 1960's such as TOBRUK, THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE, and so on. TO HELL AND BACK is strong enough to stand on its own without an introduction, animated maps, and narration.You might even see this film as sort of a western. Indeed, the movie soundtrack sounds as if it was meant for a cowboy film. The soldiers are generally clean cut. With the exception of a few muddy scenes, the uniforms always appear too clean and starched to have been worn by real soldiers in continuous combat. The grit that you will find in movies like BATTLEGROUND and ATTACK is absent from this film. The screenplay is only disappointing in the non-tactical scenes. Murphy's token romance with a beautiful Italian girl has no place in this movie. The bar room brawl is also a bit cheesy.The soldier in Murphy shows through in this movie. He salutes sharply, handles weapons like a veteran, and barks out commands as a real soldier. In fact, in the beginning of the movie it is difficult to believe that Murphy is a green recruit. His handsome youthful looks served him well in TO HELL AND BACK. Though the film followed almost ten years after Murphy charged his last machinegun nest, he is believeable as a young soldier.The wide screen version of this film was long overdue. The battle scenes are great. The label on the disk itself has a sort of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN design to it. Unfortunately, the only special feature on the DVD is the movie trailer. My recommendation: buy the DVD, the book, and Charles Whiting's biography of Audie Murphy, HERO.

jcwave (2012-05-11 22:45)

"To Hell and Back" one of the best war movies ever made !

In my opinion 'To Hell and Back' is one of the best war movie evermade, (right next to 'Saving Private Ryan') because it was about a truestory of a kid from Texas with a run-a-way Father and a dead Mother,wanted to do something for the war effort but was turned down by everyother service except the Army, and the Army had second thoughts. Whatmakes this movie very special is the fact that the most ever to datedecorated US soldier (two dozen of the highest medals) and aCongressional Medal of Honor receiver, not only lived through the war,but in fact played himself ! after being talked into it, seems hedidn't want to play himself, he thought it would degrade the Medal ofHonor. I watched a run of this movie on the History Channel, it was a showcalled, is it 'History or Hollywood' where by at the end of the show 3Historians discuss a movie for Historic correctness, every one said ifanything this movie was under stated of what Audie Murphy truly did inEurope during WWII, one said it was down played because of Audie Murphyhimself, because his Army recorded as witness by others has him doinglots more, but that was the personality of Audie Murphy, imaginewatching a movie were the battle's and the deeds are true, they calledout a seen where Audie's best friend gets shot, he really did goballistic charging at the German machine gun nest that killed him,picks up a German Machine gun then proceeds to take out 2 or 3 more gunsites, by using the German gun it didn't give a warning to the Germans,he saved countless American lives coming up that mountain, a brilliantmovie. My only wish is for this movie to come out on DVD, please release 'ToHell and Back' on DVD !

(2012-05-04 22:37)

To Hell And Back

A must see for anyone interested in WWII and Audie Murphy. Based on his autobiography also titled 'To Hell And Back' this film follows our most decorated WWII combat veteran from his upbringing through his military service. Perhaps the most valuable thing about this film is the fact that Audie Murphy is portraying himself. If you enjoy this film, which I think you will, I recommend his book. It is more in-depth and really puts you in the foxhole. It is moving and thought provoking. 'To Hell and Back' is a must have in any WWII DVD collection.

(2012-05-04 12:44)

War is Hell

Audie Murphy , my what a great american ,such courageand above all,unconcern for self,love of his family and fellow man and his homeland.A truly dedicted person to what ever tasked was give to him.Handsome , youthful , tough , made not be reconized as a great actor , but he puts everything into it, he's got and his natural personality flows making him stand with some of the greats. . Every boy / man should see this movie before he takes a coommittment for his country. The movie is worth putting in your library , its not the modern fake action commando type , but it has a real atmosphere of the guts it takes to be an hero and live to tell.Giving more respect to our young soldiers of to day who give there lives for freedom. Good movie.Luddy

(2012-05-02 02:34)

Audie Murphy, America's soldier.

This is a war movie that develops at platoon and squad level. We get to know all the members. We follow Murphy, playing Murphy all the way thru Italy, France and Germany. I loved the realism and interaction between him and his men. My favorite war movies are the ones, like this, that follow one small squad of men through the whole film. None of the 'Big Picture' stuff here. I appreciated the introduction by a real army General, too. I would have liked to have a leader like Sgt Murphy.

(2012-05-01 12:56)

very disappointed

I've seen my fair share of classic war movies: Kelly's Heroes/Guns of Navarone/Great Escape/Dirty Dozen are among my favorites; I've always heard good things about this movie so when my friend bought it for 15 bucks at Sam Goody we expected good things....what a waste of 15 bucks...I'm being completely honest with you when I say it is one of the worst movies I've ever seen...I don't even care that it was made in the 50's.Some of the scenes were extremely annoying and disappointing. For one, was when they were doing the beach landing. The only thing that got wet was their helmets...not even the inside of the boat. Instead of actually doing a landing they used war footage, which I found irritating. Another thing was in the beginning their uniforms were neatly pressed and clean even after digging a 5 foot foxhole. Thirdly, it looked like a lot of the areas where they did some scenes were obviously sets. The whole idea of it makes it look war look so happy-go-lucky. It seemed like you have 50 to 1 odds of getting shot in real war...wow, all I can say is that it was pretty terrible. The movie didn't really portray Audie Murphy as the hero he was, it just turns him into hero, he never really does anything particularly heroic and he seems to just be randomly promoted. The plot is so choppy it barely makes sense, and even if it does; it's so boring I guarantee you probably wont know or care to know what's going on...in some of the battles they win they don't even fight, they just...don't do anything. And the action is terrible...even for the 50's..read the book instead, don't waste your time.the only good that came from it was the laughs i had at how bad it was..

(2012-05-01 06:58)

Very good movie

This review is from: To Hell and Back (DVD) To Hell and Back is an excellent movie about Audie Murphy's life. He is truly one of America's Heroes as shown by his actions on the battlefield. Audie is not only a good soldier but as it turns out he is a good actor as well. He holds his own with the other professional actors in the movie. The action scenes are good but could be more if you're into action. All in all it's a good choice to learn about the men who fought the second world war.

(2012-04-30 21:10)

OUTSTANDING

This review is from: To Hell and Back (DVD) THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING MOVIE. ACTORS WITH THE ABILITY OF THESE PEOPLE ARE OF A DYING BREED BUT MORE THAN ANYTHING HEROS AS IN THIS MOVIE ARE JUST ABOUT GONE. I THINK OUR COUNTRY AS A WHOLE HAS FORGOTTEN WHAT IT HAS TAKEN IN LIVES MOST ESPECIALLY AND ALL OF WHAT PEOPLE HAVE GONE THROUGH TO GIVE US THE FREEDOM THAT WE HAVE TODAY. THIS MOVIE SHOWS IT ALL AND IT DID NOT HAVE TO HAVE ALL OF THE BAD LANUGAGE THAT MOVIE PRODUCERS SEEM TO THINK IS NECESSARY TODAY.