The Dirty Dozen

(Flash Review) Do the means justify the ends for this humanitarian concept during war time. Able body men who have been sentenced to death or long-terms for various crimes are given the choice to be trained as soldiers to essentially go on a suicide mission to benefit America during the war. Arguably, giving their current life trajectory a purpose. No surprise that 12 accept the mission and a skeptical general/major is given the task getting these men trained up for their mission. Will he be able to transform this diverse bunch of inmates into trustworthy soldiers and achieve their objective? This film had such good character depth you actually cared for each person to varying degrees. The story was very rich, full of tension and told very well. What side of the moral fence would you be on?

Heart-pounding and adrenaline-rushing action giant that still packs a punch that will knock you out. A dozen criminals (Oscar-nominee John Cassavetes, Telly Savalas, Jim Brown, Charles Bronson and Donald Sutherland being the major standouts) are trained for a suicide mission into Nazi territory in 1944 and act as assassins. If you want to catch a thief, you hire a thief and that is the same principle used throughout this impressive motion picture. Lee Marvin does some of his best work as the leader of the rag-tag bunch of miscreants. Serves its purpose to near perfection. 4.5 out of 5 stars.