Watch The Lost Brigade
- R
- 1993
- 1 hr 23 min
The Lost Brigade is a 1993 military action thriller that follows a group of eight American soldiers who get trapped behind enemy lines during the Korean War in 1951. The ensemble cast features Corbin Bernsen as Captain William Wiley, Adrian Pasdar as Lieutenant Brian Murphy, Ray Wise as Sergeant Chuck Arnold, and Cynda Williams as Private Leslie "Mother" Meeks.
The movie begins with the soldiers on a routine patrol when they stumble upon a North Korean machine gun nest. In the ensuing firefight, they manage to take out the enemy but get separated from their unit. The soldiers decide to head back to their base, but they soon realize that they are lost and in hostile territory.
As night falls, the group takes refuge in a deserted Buddhist monastery where they meet a Korean monk who takes pity on them and offers them shelter. The monk tells them that their best bet is to wait until dark and then sneak through enemy lines undetected.
The soldiers bond with each other during their time at the monastery, sharing stories of their lives back home and discussing their hopes and fears for the future. Captain Wiley assumes command of the group, and his pragmatic leadership helps keep morale high.
As they prepare to leave the monastery, they discover that the North Koreans have laid a minefield outside. After a tense discussion, they decide to risk crossing the minefield, hoping that their luck holds.
From here on, the movie becomes a suspenseful and tense survival thriller as the soldiers must navigate their way through enemy territory, avoiding patrols and trying to stay alive. They are constantly pursued by a North Korean officer, played by Soon-Tek Oh, who is relentless in his pursuit of the Americans.
The Lost Brigade is a well-crafted and suspenseful movie that is elevated by its talented ensemble cast. Corbin Bernsen delivers a strong performance as Captain Wiley, portraying him as a competent and compassionate leader who cares deeply for his men. Adrian Pasdar is also excellent as the young and inexperienced Lieutenant Murphy, who struggles to find his place in the group.
Ray Wise brings a touch of humor to the movie as Sergeant Arnold, a grizzled and cynical veteran who often serves as the group's comic relief. Cynda Williams also shines as Private Meeks, a tough and resourceful soldier who refuses to be held down by her gender.
The movie benefits from its stunning cinematography, with director Sidney J. Furie making excellent use of the Korean landscape. The action scenes are well-staged, and the suspenseful moments are genuinely tense and thrilling.
Overall, The Lost Brigade is an underrated gem that deserves more attention. It is a gripping wartime thriller that combines action, suspense, and drama into a compelling and emotionally resonant package. Fans of military movies and survival thrillers are sure to enjoy it.