Critic Reviews
86
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
positive
9(100%)
mixed
0(0%)
negative
0(0%)
Showing 9 Critic Reviews
100
In direct contrast to the flag-waving, jingoistic propaganda films typical of Hollywood during WWII, John Ford's They Were Expendable is a somber and moving account of America's defeat in the Philippines early in the war.
100
Beautifully photographed in black and white by Commander Joseph August, this moving picture has images and sequences that show Ford at his poetic and humanistic best. [13 Aug 2006, p.20]
91
The liberal Ford and the conservative Wayne had nothing in common politically, but artistically, they're perfectly in sync.
90
Brilliantly intertwined intensely personal stories with magnificently epic narrative.
90
It is nostalgic, warm with sentiment and full of fight in every foot. It is hard to commend any actor above the rest. Each plays his part well.
80
A war movie with enough honour and heroism to make a grown man weep.
75
A solid WWII movie that's been lost among myriad others about the same war. [02 Jul 2006, p.28]
70
The tugs of docudrama, emotionalism and sheer timing produced a major work of surprisingly downbeat romanticism.
70
The picture vividly portrays the big job the little boats did. The battle scenes in which the P-Ts go after Jap cruisers and supply ships were exceptionally well directed.
