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Battle Cry is a 1955 American war drama film directed by Raoul Walsh and starring Van Heflin, Aldo Ray, Mona Freeman, and Nancy Olson. The film, set during World War II, follows a group of marines from their training camp to their deployment in the South Pacific. The opening scenes of the movie introduce us to the young recruits as they begin their training. The men come from different backgrounds and have their own stories, but they all have one common goal: to become marines. Among them is raunchy Andy (Aldo Ray) who often finds himself in trouble, the romantic Ed (Tab Hunter) who falls for local girl Mona (Dorothy Malone), and the stoic Danny (James Whitmore), who serves as a mentor to the young men.

As the training progresses, the men learn to work as a team and become closer. We see their life at the training camp, their rigorous physical training, and their emotional struggles as they prepare themselves for the war.

Once they complete their training, the men are sent to the South Pacific to fight the Japanese. The battles are intense, and the soldiers are put in grave danger. We see the graphic violence of war with men dying left and right. However, they all manage to pull through due to their strong camaraderie and their sense of duty to each other.

Along the way, the soldiers face personal tragedies and must confront their fears. Some of the more notable scenes include Andy's struggle with alcoholism, Ed's romance with Mona, and Danny coming to terms with his own mortality.

As the war progresses, the men face new challenges and learn to adapt to constantly changing circumstances. They form strong bonds with each other, and the movie serves as a testament to the bravery and camaraderie of war.

The film's performances are excellent, with Van Heflin delivering a standout performance as the tough but fair Sergeant Mac. Aldo Ray also shines as the troubled Andy, who initially struggles but ultimately finds his place among the soldiers. Mona Freeman is charming as the hotel worker who falls for Ed, while Nancy Olson gives an understated and poignant performance as Danny's wife.

The cinematography is also impressive, with stunning visuals of the battlefields and the exotic landscapes of the South Pacific. The film's direction is also top-notch, with Raoul Walsh’s strong direction creating a gripping and immersive atmosphere.

In conclusion, Battle Cry is a powerful and emotional war film that serves as a tribute to the bravery and camaraderie of soldiers. The film illustrates the intense hardships faced by soldiers in the South Pacific during World War II, and highlights the bond between soldiers that transcends rank, position, background or race. It is a must-see for fans of the genre and those who value films that showcase the human heart and spirit in times of adversity.

Battle Cry is a 1955 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.