Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

If you're interested in the topic at hand, you should just watch it and judge yourself because the reviews have gone very biased by people that didn't even watch it and just hate (or love) the creator. I liked it, it was well written, narrated, and directed and it was about a topic that interests me.

This was the only WWII movie my father ever said he liked. He didn't watch many or say much about the war but he went out of his way to say that this movie was accurate and on point regarding the interaction between the characters. He died prior to the release of "Saving Private Ryan". 45th Infantry Division.

Actual soldiers (paratroopers) from the 101st Airborne Division were hired as advisers, and, starred in this movie, to make sure 'every' detail was covered. I only wish they did that with "Battle of the Bulge" in 1965!?!?This movie includes oldies-but-goodies like Van Johnson ("Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" and "The Caine Mutiny"); Ricardo Montalban ("Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan"); James Whitmore ("Planet of the Apes" and "The Shawshank Redemption"); James Arness as 'Jim' Arness ("Gunsmoke" and a US Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient of Anzio during WW2); Richard Jaeckel ("The Dirty Dozen" and "Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid"); and, The Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division! :)This is 'really' a great movie that even mentions some of the ordnance that Americans used during World War 2...like the 1903 Springfield rifle; the M1 Garand rifle; and, such techniques that were adapted by American soldiers who didn't expect what they got; but, as American soldiers...they adapted, overcame, and, survived!This movie is not only a great movie, but, a "TRIBUTE" to all of the American Military, all over the world, then and now! :)I love this movie!MM/USN 1985-1993

The black and white photography, simplicity, cast, acting and writing make this one of my favorite war films. It's the little things that make this film great. Screenwriter Robert Pirosh based this story on his experiences as an infantryman during the Battle of the Bulge. As a Vietnam War veteran, this film captures World War II and the era in a realistic manner. I have rarely seen a film where every actor was good as in Battleground. The standout performance, though all were outstanding, was James Whitmore, who was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Battleground was nominated for Best Picture of 1950 and could very well have won if it were not for "All the Kings Men," regarded by some as one of the best films ever made. William Wellman's direction was superb and he was an Oscar nominee. Battleground has a rare quality of being a well written drama made into a great film. Pirosh won an Oscar for Best Screen Play. Interestingly, another of my top 10 war films, "Twelve O'Clock High" with Gregory Peck was also nominated in 1950 for Best Picture of the Year. Peck's performance was Oscar worthy but Best Actor went to Broderick Crawford in "All the King's Men". 1950 was quite a year for outstanding war films as John Wayne was nominated for Best Actor for "Sands of Iwo Jima."

It's rare to encounter a movie in this genre where most of the actors aren't obviously "acting." The cast, for the most part, seem to really live their part and know their stuff. The equipment, tactics, behavior, and language seems authentic and natural, not forced. That former members of the 101 Airborne helped train the cast really shines through.I appreciated how the movie didn't pull punches regarding the horrors of war. A character with a pleasing personality is just as likely to get killed as an "extra," and nobody comes across as being "bullet-proof." If your number's up, it's up, regardless of your "family back home" story. The wide variety of ages who fought in the war is nicely represented, as well. Memorable characters, with weaknesses not glossed over.The most realistic, naturally acted scene in the entire movie could have easily been cut, but I'm so glad it wasn't. The chaplain scene. So much was said, and not all of it with words. I won't spoil it, you'll know it when you see it.