The Dirty Dozen (1967)
The Dirty Dozen is a classic war film directed by Robert Aldrich, based on the novel by E. M. Nathanson. The film is a bold and action-packed tale of an unorthodox military mission during World War II, bringing together a group of hardened criminals and shaping them into a makeshift team to carry out a deadly covert operation.
Set during World War II, the film follows Major John Reisman (played by Lee Marvin), an officer tasked with training a dozen convicted felons for a top-secret mission. These men are sentenced to death or long prison terms for serious crimes, and Reisman’s job is to turn them into a fighting force capable of carrying out a daring and nearly impossible mission behind enemy lines.
The mission involves infiltrating a German chateau, where high-ranking Nazi officers are holding a lavish gathering. The goal is to eliminate the officers in a surprise attack, disrupting the enemy’s leadership. To carry out this mission, Major Reisman must train his ragtag team, who are mostly disillusioned, brutal men with little to no discipline, including criminals, deserters, and troublemakers. They are an eclectic mix, ranging from a sadistic sociopath to a man who’s only in the army to escape execution, among others.
The film’s narrative focuses on the interplay between Reisman, the hardened criminals, and the higher-ups in the military, who doubt the success of such a mission involving a group of misfits. The men must undergo grueling training, in which Reisman struggles to instill some semblance of order, discipline, and teamwork. The criminals’ personalities and resistance to authority make for a volatile and often comedic dynamic as the group faces mounting tensions, personal conflicts, and challenges both physical and psychological.
As the team prepares for the mission, the stakes become increasingly high, and they face constant challenges in proving their worth to the military and themselves. The Dirty Dozen explores themes of redemption, teamwork, and the tension between authority and rebellion. Despite their criminal backgrounds, the men gradually evolve, with many of them finding their own reasons to fight for a cause greater than themselves.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Charles Bronson, John Cassavetes, Telly Savalas, and Jim Brown, with each actor bringing a unique character to the group. The diverse personalities within the dozen offer both conflict and humor, making the film as much about their relationships with one another as the action.
The film’s action scenes are dynamic and intense, with explosive battle sequences, daring infiltrations, and the tension of a high-stakes operation. The Dirty Dozen is known for its gritty portrayal of war, its dark humor, and its subversion of the traditional war film hero archetype. The criminals, while far from traditional heroes, ultimately become a band of brothers who unite for a common cause, even as they face the consequences of their past actions.
The Dirty Dozen was a major box-office success and became a hallmark of the war film genre. Its combination of action, humor, and character-driven storytelling made it stand out from other films of its time. The film’s portrayal of flawed, anti-hero characters also contributed to its enduring appeal, inspiring several sequels and imitations. It remains a beloved classic, known for its gritty depiction of war, the transformation of its anti-heroes, and its memorable ensemble cast.