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Men in War is a classic war film from 1957 directed by Anthony Mann and starring Robert Ryan, Aldo Ray, and Robert Keith. The movie is set during the Korean War and follows a small platoon of American soldiers, led by Lt. Benson (Robert Ryan), as they try to make their way to a strategic hilltop where they hope to find reinforcements.

The opening scene of Men in War is intense and gripping, as we see the soldiers trying to evade the enemy's ambush. The scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie, which is full of tension, danger, and action. The soldiers are battle-hardened, but they are also tired and frustrated. They have been fighting for a long time, and they are running low on supplies and ammunition. Their morale is low, and they are distrustful of their officers, who they feel are out of touch with the reality of the war.

The heart of the movie is the dynamic between Lt. Benson and Sgt. Montana (Aldo Ray). The two men have very different personalities and leadership styles. Benson is a by-the-books officer who believes in discipline and order. Montana, on the other hand, is a rough-and-tumble soldier who believes in getting the job done by any means necessary. The two men clash throughout the movie, but they also develop a grudging respect for each other as they fight side-by-side.

As the platoon makes its way through enemy territory, they encounter a number of obstacles and challenges. They have to cross a river under heavy fire, navigate through a minefield, and improvise a way to get across a destroyed bridge. Along the way, they pick up a few stragglers, including a young Korean boy who helps them navigate the landscape and a soldier who has lost his memory and doesn't know what side he's on.

The movie is shot in black-and-white, which adds to the sense of grittiness and realism. The battle scenes are well-choreographed and intense, but the movie doesn't glorify war. Instead, it shows the toll that war takes on the soldiers who fight it. There are moments of quiet reflection, where the soldiers talk about their lives and their hopes for the future. These moments humanize the characters and make us care about their fates.

One of the standout performances in Men in War is Aldo Ray's portrayal of Sgt. Montana. Montana is a complex character, who is both tough and vulnerable. He is fiercely loyal to his men, but he also has a dark side. Ray brings a depth and nuance to the character that makes him one of the most interesting characters in the movie.

Robert Ryan is also excellent as Lt. Benson. He conveys the character's sense of duty and responsibility, but also his frustration at being trapped in a war that he doesn't fully understand. The two actors play off each other well, and their scenes together crackle with tension.

The supporting cast is also strong, particularly Robert Keith as Colonel Bartlett, the officer in charge of the platoon. Keith brings a gravitas to the role, and his scenes with Ryan add another layer of complexity to the movie.

Overall, Men in War is a classic war movie that still holds up today. It's a gritty, realistic portrayal of the Korean War, with strong performances and well-executed battle scenes. It's a must-see for fans of the genre, and for anyone who appreciates good filmmaking.

Men in War is a 1957 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.