Too Late The Hero Reviews

World War II. A British Army position at the end of a Japanese Island is selected for an operation to penetrate enemy lines, destroy their radio equipment and broadcast a false message to confuse the troops and distract from the American Navy moving in nearby. American translator Lt Lawson (Cliff Robertson) is selected against his will to go and is put together with a group of British soldiers led by Capt. Hornsby (Denholm Elliott). Numbers drop off on the way to the mission point and a discovery changes events and leaves the unit fighting for survival. Michael Caine and Ian Bannan give excellent supporting rolls, as you would expect.

Thumbs up

Always loved this war movie, now seen it many times, a great evenings entertainment

[Highly rated reviewer]

Anglos and Americans annoy Asians!

I could enthuse about this being another classic war story of comradeship and courage with an excellent cast, directed by a past master of the Genre.

I could even compare this plot as a parallel to the conflict that was going on in Vietnam at the time the movie was made.

The truth is that I saw this film on the big screen in 1970 and it left a lasting impression on me which meant that I was glad to see it and make its acquaintance again after all these years.

Yes, I am now old enough to see its wrinkles and flaws, but it is still an impressive production with a first-rate cast, believable action and some classic lines. Michael Caine is always worth the money and I think that quite a lot of people know that!

Rent it and decide for yourself.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Too long to be interesting

Protracted shenanigans in the South Pacific during WW2 when Yank Robertson finds himself drafted into a British unit attempting to take out a Japanese base on a critical island. Of course it turns out to be little more than a suicide run. Occasional flair and flourish from Aldrich and some interesting initial characterisation unfortunately tend to ultimately get lost in the jungle overgrowth as the soldiers do the same.

Were war films once really as bad as this?

Apparently filmed in an Essex wood, this film has a pedestrian plot; stereotypical, 'stiff upper lip' charcaterisation; and a plodding, militaristic musical background. Oh dear, were war films once really as bad as this?

JPL.

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I Have Always Thought That The War Films That Were Made In The 60's & 70's

Were The Best.Maybe This Is The Exception.No Action And A Total Bore

From Start To Finish.A Complete Load Of

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GOOD OLD WAR MOVIE

Classic war film ,you wont be dissapointed...Just long enough,plenty of action,caine at his best,a must for any war hound.Pure class

Outdated

An old film made when we (just) still wanted to see WWll movies. All the old stalwarts are there, and the film might perhaps have had a certain something in its day, but in 2009, it's a film and a story out of time. Not particularly well made, acted or directed. It may be of historical interest for film buffs wanting films of 40 years ago, but otherwise, don't bother.

Great film with a well delivered moral

This is a war film for people for avid genre fans and for those who don't watch war films alike!

The acting is first class, the characters are never boring and the theme is one of self-realisation that can apply to us all.