"The Red Badge of Courage" is about a simple Union soldier who loses his nerve in battle during the Civil War. Interestingly, the film stars Audie Murphy--the most decorated American soldier during World War II! Seeing him struggle with nerves and bravery is ironic!
As for the movie, it's an ultra-realistic view of war. Unlike the usually jingoistic WWII era films, this one centers not on patriotism but cowardice--and many of the men in this film ar4e ready to run when the battle begins. One soldier in particular (Murphy) doubts his courage and does initially run from battle. However, through the course of the film he manages to not only hide his actions from his fellow soldiers but summon up courage after all--and what a soldier he becomes!
The film is much more realistic than most from this time period. It also helps that the film is filled with a wonderful cast of supporting characters--folks whose names you may not remember but whose faces you will. All in all, one of the better Audie Murphy films and my only quibble is the unnecessary narration that MGM added to the film against the director's wishes. It didn't help and just felt out of place...though I often hate narration in films.
As for the movie, it's an ultra-realistic view of war. Unlike the usually jingoistic WWII era films, this one centers not on patriotism but cowardice--and many of the men in this film ar4e ready to run when the battle begins. One soldier in particular (Murphy) doubts his courage and does initially run from battle. However, through the course of the film he manages to not only hide his actions from his fellow soldiers but summon up courage after all--and what a soldier he becomes!
The film is much more realistic than most from this time period. It also helps that the film is filled with a wonderful cast of supporting characters--folks whose names you may not remember but whose faces you will. All in all, one of the better Audie Murphy films and my only quibble is the unnecessary narration that MGM added to the film against the director's wishes. It didn't help and just felt out of place...though I often hate narration in films.