Customer Reviews Read 9 more reviews... FOR FLAG AND COUNTRY July 27, 2008 Rsoonsa (Lake Isabella, California)
A blend of action/adventure with romantic drama is attempted in this work completed soon after the "Desert Storm" imbroglio in the Middle East, showcasing Rob Lowe and Gale Hansen as U. S. Navy Seals sharing a desire for underwater military operations as well as for a comely marine biologist played by Tracy Griffith. As the film opens, Lawrence Hammer (Lowe) and Dean Meszoly (Hansen) become best friends while training in California to be Seals, where they meet and compete for favours from Barbara (Griffith); after the course is successfully completed, a Las Vegas sojourn for R & R is discontinued by sudden nuptials for Hammer and Barbara, an event that Dean regards with despair, and so the companionship of the young commandos is no more. The impending U.S./Iraq conflict, as orchestrated via "Desert Shield", forms the background for the picture's largest segment, as the two Naval officers, now become mini-sub specialists upon opposite American coasts, are reunited as members of a task force to be deployed near an island in the Strait of Hormuz where an Iraqi naval site is reportedly being developed in order to utilize biological warfare. During what is nearly a suicide mission, Hammer receives severe wounds, and Meszoly requests that Barbara come to Dubai to visit her husband in hospital, hopefully expediting recuperation, but Hammer soon joins his fellow Seals in a last chance foray to destroy the biochemical weapons, no matter what risks the team must take. The disparate components - personal relationships and combat daring - do not mesh here, primarily from a lack of directoral clarity, in addition to blocking gaffes, as improbabilities quickly become cliche, although there are some suspenseful moments. The production was shot at and about San Diego and its environs, with acting honours going to Hansen who creates a layered role; actual doctored film segments made during Desert Storm seem positively instructional in comparison with this feature, that additionally casts mainly Israeli players in Arab parts.
Well this is different October 29, 2006 varhou (Vic, Australia) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This movie traces the lives of two navy seals buddies during operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm. It shows how these two buddies met, who they were, their lives as SEALS, the operation and the end of it all. Hammer played by Rob Lowe is the one who loves the job. He would put his life on the line for the SEALS any day and as the old phrase goes "wild horses could not drag me away". The other, Mesoley played by Gale Hansen is the more "it's a job" sort of guy he could take it or leave it. This movie explores these two men on a personal level. Hammer is the arrogant daredevil SEAL where Mesoley is the play it safe humble sort of SEAL their personalities contrast each other. The real victim of this story is played by Tracy Griffin, the woman torn between two lovers. The movie shows you quite a different side of war one from the perspective of someone who's been there. Its a movie that should be appreciated for its different view on the war and the affects it has on those who fight it. While it has everything you would expect as a war movie don't see it as purely a war movie this movie is more about two buddies caught in war and the price they had to pay for that war. I enjoyed this movie because it was different its not the average arrogant Navy SEALS movie definately worth a look if you're into that sort of thing.
One of the best flicks going for war/navy seal buffs. March 11, 2006 JosephA (Melbourne, Australia) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Well, i thought this film was fantastic. Like others i'm also looking for the DVD version, but i don't think that's going to happen for a relatively unacclaimed 1991 flick. That is a shame, because not only does the soundtrack have something to offer, but the movie itself is a quality piece that shouldn't be overlooked. I felt that as far as war pictures go, the characters were fairly well developed. It had no set formula.. the two main characters form a seeminlgy invincible and tight team, but real life gets in the way. There is no enduring romance despite the casting of an attractive redhead, and yes, the good guys don't always live to fight another day. The casting of Rob Lowe as the prick/jackass was a stroke of genuis! Gale Hansen also played his bit to perfection. Overall, this is one of my favorites, if not the no.1 when it comes to war flicks. Yes, i've seen FMJ, Platoon(good), Saving P.Ryan, Navy Seals(doesn't even come close, sorry Mr.Sheen) etc etc.. The similar movies that i enjoyed as much as this that i can think of is Dr.Strangelove - but that along with Apocalyse Now, is more of a war-satire, so i class them in slightly different genres. In short, this movie is excellent if you are after more than just the oft-regurgitated "good guys kill all the incompetent bad guys en-masse" B-grade formula. Cool little monologue at the end too. Watch it.
Excellent film July 3, 2003
I thought this movie was very good. Buy it, you will like it.
Finally they show what bud's training is like. August 22, 2002
This was a great movie showing these men in there pre training phase and no other seal movie show's it better GI jane was way of the the mark and navy seals failed to show the men before they where seals I just wish there was a sound track and it was on DVD because there where some great music and hell you can buy GI Jane on DVD why not this movie.
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