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Battleground is a 1949 war movie directed by William A. Wellman, depicting the Battle of Bastogne, which was fought in the Ardennes Forest during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. The film is a tribute to the soldiers who served in the battle, capturing their bravery and courage in the face of fear and danger. The movie follows a group of soldiers, part of the 101st Airborne Division, who are fighting against the German forces in Bastogne, a small town in Belgium. The American soldiers are outnumbered and outgunned, having to face harsh winter weather, shortage of supplies and ammunition, and a ruthless enemy that is determined to crush their will to fight.

Van Johnson plays the role of Sergeant Kinnie, a seasoned veteran who leads a platoon of inexperienced soldiers who are fresh out of basic training. He is a tough but fair leader, who cares deeply for his men and is willing to risk his life to protect them. Kinnie is the voice of reason and optimism among the soldiers, inspiring them to never give up their fight and to believe in their own strength and abilities.

John Hodiak portrays Lieutenant Jarrett, a cynical and world-weary officer who has lost his faith in the war and in the army. He is initially reluctant to take command of the platoon, seeing it as a hopeless and suicidal mission. However, as the battle unfolds, Jarrett learns to appreciate the bravery and tenacity of his men, and he becomes a more determined and committed leader.

Ricardo Montalban plays the role of Rodriguez, a soldier of Mexican descent who faces discrimination and prejudice from some of his fellow soldiers. Despite the hardships, Rodriguez proves to be a loyal and courageous soldier, who fights with ferocity and determination to protect his comrades and to prove his worth to the army.

The movie is filled with tense and gripping battle scenes, showing the soldiers engaging in close combat with the enemy, using guns, grenades, and bayonets. The scenes are realistic and intense, showcasing the gritty reality of war and the horrors that soldiers face on the front lines.

The movie also explores the soldiers' personal lives and struggles, showing their bonds of friendship, their fears and doubts, and their hopes and dreams. The soldiers come from different backgrounds and have different personalities, but they share a common goal: to survive the war and to return home to their loved ones.

Battleground is a classic war movie that portrays the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in one of the most brutal battles of World War II. The movie captures the camaraderie and brotherhood that develops among the soldiers, as well as the trauma and emotional toll that the war takes on them. Through its authentic and powerful portrayals of the soldiers and the war, the movie serves as a tribute to the heroes who fought and died in the Battle of Bastogne.

Battleground is a 1949 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.