Watch Back to Bataan

Back to Bataan is a war movie released in 1945 that features John Wayne as a Colonel named Joseph Madden, Anthony Quinn as a Captain named Andres Bonifacio, and Beulah Bondi as Bertha Barnes, a tough and determined owner of a sugar plantation. The movie is set during World War II when Filipinos in the Philippines were fighting against the Japanese occupation. In the movie, Colonel Joseph Madden leads a group of American soldiers and Filipino guerrillas in a mission to sabotage Japanese forces and reconquer Bataan, a strategic location that was previously occupied by America but was seized by Japan. The mission is challenging because they have to navigate the jungle terrain and avoid being captured or killed by the Japanese.

The movie begins with a flashback sequence that shows the events leading up to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. The sequence shows General Douglas MacArthur ordering American forces to leave the Philippines and evacuate to Australia. This decision leaves the Filipino people vulnerable to Japanese occupation, and Bataan falls under Japanese control. The sequence is a powerful reminder that war has real consequences for people, and sometimes even powerful leaders have to make hard choices.

The main story picks up several years after the Japanese occupation when Colonel Joseph Madden arrives in the Philippines to organize a guerrilla resistance against Japan. He meets Captain Andres Bonifacio, a Filipino officer who serves as his liaison with the local guerrilla forces. The two men have different approaches to the war, but they both share a passion to free the Philippines from Japan. Colonel Madden is a seasoned veteran who believes in an organized and disciplined approach to warfare, while Captain Bonifacio favors guerrilla tactics and hit-and-run attacks.

Throughout the movie, we see Colonel Madden and Captain Bonifacio engage in heated discussions about tactics and strategy. Their disagreements are the result of different cultural backgrounds, but they also serve as a commentary on the role of the United States in the Philippines. Even though the Americans are ostensibly there to help the Filipinos, the locals feel like they are being treated as second-class citizens. Captain Bonifacio often has to argue for the importance of Filipino culture and knowledge of the terrain, which Colonel Madden sometimes dismisses.

The movie features several action set-pieces that showcase the heroism and bravery of the American and Filipino soldiers. One of the most memorable scenes is when the guerrilla forces blow up a Japanese radio tower, which allows them to disrupt Japanese communications and plan their attack on Bataan. The scene is exciting and suspenseful, and it shows the importance of teamwork and sacrifice in war.

Back to Bataan is also a movie that deals with themes of sacrifice and loss. Throughout the movie, we see characters make sacrifices for the greater good, whether it's a soldier giving up his life to save his comrades or a family risking everything to help the resistance. The movie doesn't shy away from the brutality of war, either. There are scenes of violence and death that remind us that war is not just a game.

One of the main strengths of the movie is its portrayal of the Filipino people. The movie shows how the Filipino people played a crucial role in resisting Japanese occupation, and it celebrates their culture and traditions. Beulah Bondi's character, Bertha Barnes, is a formidable woman who runs a sugar plantation and helps the resistance. She represents the tough and resourceful spirit of the Filipinos who refused to be conquered by Japan.

In conclusion, Back to Bataan is a movie that celebrates heroes and sacrifice, and it highlights the importance of teamwork and cultural exchange. The movie features great performances by John Wayne, Anthony Quinn, and Beulah Bondi, and it's a celebration of the resilience and courage of the Filipino people. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in World War II history and the role of the Philippines in the war.

Back to Bataan is a 1945 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.