DCSIMG
 
 

Bat 21 (1988)

Bat 21 (1988)
Member Rating:  
Based on a true story, Bat 21 follows the harrowing adventures of Lt. Colonel Iceal Hambleton (Gene Hackman), whose plane is shot down over enemy territory while on reconnaissance behind enemy lines in Vietnam. Because Hambleton used to call the shots from behind a desk, he lacks combat survival experience and is forced to adapt while the enemy surrounds him on all sides. As the Air Force plans a risky rescue mission, he is befriended by pilot Bartholomew Clark (Danny Glover), who can't land to pick up Hambleton due to the enemy activity but keeps him company by radio. Hambleton's plight takes a turn for the worse once the brass decide to execute an intensive bombing mission in the area, whether or not they can rescue Hambleton. The colonel, meanwhile, confronted for the first time by the horrors of war, begins to reassess his role in the bloodshed. An overlooked film at the time of its release, Bat 21 is a smaller war picture that focuses on an ordinary man in an excruciating situation, and how it ultimately changes his life. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Gene HackmanDanny Glover, (more)
Director(s):
Peter Markle
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Bat 21

Based on a true story, Bat 21 follows the harrowing adventures of Lt. Colonel Iceal Hambleton (Gene Hackman), whose plane is shot down over enemy territory while on reconnaissance behind enemy lines in Vietnam. Because Hambleton used to call the shots from behind a desk, he lacks combat survival experience and is forced to adapt while the enemy surrounds him on all sides. As the Air Force plans a risky rescue mission, he is befriended by pilot Bartholomew Clark (Danny Glover), who can't land to pick up Hambleton due to the enemy activity but keeps him company by radio. Hambleton's plight takes a turn for the worse once the brass decide to execute an intensive bombing mission in the area, whether or not they can rescue Hambleton. The colonel, meanwhile, confronted for the first time by the horrors of war, begins to reassess his role in the bloodshed. An overlooked film at the time of its release, Bat 21 is a smaller war picture that focuses on an ordinary man in an excruciating situation, and how it ultimately changes his life. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
105 mins

Complete Cast of Bat 21


Director(s):
Peter Markle
Writer(s):
Marc NormanGeorge GordonWilliam C. Anderson
Producer(s):
Gary A. NeillDavid FisherEvzen Kolar
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Language, Profanity, War Violence, Graphic Violence, Not For Children)
Categories:
War
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Looking for special editions of Bat 21?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

 

IN-STORE

 

ON DEMAND

Blockbuster Instant Video

Watch thousands of movies instantly on your TV, tablet, mobile phone or computer with no monthly subscription. You pay only for what you watch.
 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
     
    Nancy G.

    I saw this movie years ago, and recently watched it again. It's still good. You feel the tension of the situation through the movie. -- A guy who has been behind a military DESK his whole career, closing in on retirement and this is the first action he has actually had to face himself. His life is suddenly and unexpectedly very much on the line. He has to rely on himself and on men he doesn't know, as he finds himself deep in enemy territory with the enemy hot after him - and he knows because of his rank they will torture him for information if captured. He is told the military has to backburner his rescue as they are more urgently needed elsewhere and to top it off, he is also very aware they plans to bomb/napalm the entire area in 2 days no matter if he is rescued by then or not. Fear/tension, close calls, death, dedication . . . this movie is well done, and holds your attention.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Patricia K.

    One of my favorite war movies! Have not see it in years, and talked to my kids about it many times. They are now old enough to watch because the R rating is almost like today's PG 13. My son said it is a bit slow (I think he wanted more hand to hand combat). But when asked if it was good he said "yeaaaah it was very good.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Ron I.

    OK

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 11 Reviews

    Shopping Cart

    Your cart is empty.
    Any items you add will
    appear here until checkout.