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Clint's Heartbreak Ridge: Underrated or nah?

Okay, so I finally got around to watching Heartbreak Ridge (1986). Can we talk about it? I know it's not Eastwood's most celebrated work, especially compared to his westerns or Unforgiven, but I was genuinely entertained. I'm always down for a director tackling military themes, and Clint definitely has a unique perspective. It's less overtly political than, say, Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, but there's a definite commentary on the changing times and the clash between old-school values and… well, the '80s, I guess? Highway's kinda a caricature, lets be real. But Eastwood sells it, right? That scene where he's quoting Lady Gaga (wait no, it was some other Marine... but Highway looked confused LOL) to the new recruits was oddly endearing. I actually felt for him trying to whip those pampered recon marines into shape. The whole Grenada invasion sequence at the end was... a lot. Maybe a bit too rah-rah American for my taste, but visually it was solid, and it did pay off the earlier training montages. Honestly, I thought the weakest part was the whole subplot with his ex-wife. It felt kinda forced and unnecessary. The movie could've easily trimmed that out and focused more on the platoon dynamics. Overall though, I'd put it in the 'good, not great' category of Eastwood's directorial efforts. Solid action, some humor, and a surprisingly heartfelt core. Anyone else feel similar, or am I completely off base here?

jordancinephile
6 months ago
6 comments
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