MacArthur | | Cast : | Gregory Peck, Ed Flanders, Dan O'Herlihy | | Director : | Joseph Sargent | | Studio : | Universal Studios | | Format : | Color, Widescreen | | Released Date : | July , 1977 | | DVD Released Date : | August 24, 2004 | | Language : | English (Dubbed) | | Audience Rating : | PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | June 16, 2005 | | Summary | I am proud to be the best general and I am right | Content
 | This movie about the military carreer of General Douglas MacArthur from 1941 to 1953 is a very good one. You may like him or not but it not important. You may agree or disagree with his decisions but he has taken them. He was a great general and he was sure that he was always right. So, look at one of the mightest general of the U.S. Army. Is is a very good movie. |
| Rating | | | Date | May 27, 2005 | | Summary | A wonderful movie about a very controversial figure! | Content
| Having read William Manchester's epic biography of MacArthur, "American Ceasar", I found this movie to be just a brief synopsis of one short period in his interesting and often controversial life. MacArthur's disdain for some authority, so prevelant in his dealings with Truman and depicted in the movie, was evident as early as 1908, when he received several reprimands as a young first lieutenant. He was a Momma's boy ("Pinky" stayed in a hotel near West Point throughtout his schooling there), and a prima donna almost without peer. His comment in the movie, to the effect, that he and his mother were the first mother and son to gradutate from West Point was actually more truthful than humorous. Patton was a prima donna and he readily admitted it, while MacArthur would have never accepted that description of himself. (Interesting trivia: Patton's Aunt moved from California to be nearby during his West Point days, but Patton was more "Papa's" boy than Momma's.)
MacArthur truly saw himself as a military genius and therefore, he should be completely above the imposed and interferring requirements of the constitutionally mandated civilian control of the military. He labeled the civilain control over the military as "a dangerous concept", and this is portrayed truthfully in the movie.
There are many revisionist thoughts today as to his real leadership abilities, or whether some, such as Army Air Corps General George Kenney and others, were the real inspiration behind his successes. There were many, without argument, Kenney included, who contributed immensely to victory in the Pacific. MacArthur got most of the credit. There are many books and articles around to support whether he deserved this credit or not, and you can accept any view you wish to take on the issue. But, that argument is, of course, far beyond the purpose of this review. The movie leaves little doubt it was MacArthur's genius (forget the atom bomb) that was responsible for defeating Japan.
Fact is, the United States needed heros badly, and FDR, fully cognizant of this need, saw an answer in MacArthur, Eisenhower, Marshall, Patton, among others, and he exploited them to the fullest with astronomical, though sometimes controversial, success. MacArthur became a Philipine Field Marshal, after accepting the Philipines as his adopted home, in 1936, and in 1941 FDR recalled him to active duty as the U.S. Far East Commander. A few months after this recall, is roughly the time-frame where the movie begins. His life prior to this point is full of interesting and historical events not mentioned in the movie, and had they been, the movie would exceed "Band of Brothers" in length. His life spanned a period from 1880 to 1964. Interestingly, shortly before his death, he begged LBJ to get out of and stay the hell out of Vietnam. Most of us know how that all turned out. Anyway, enough trivia, back to the movie.
Gregory Peck was superb as MacArthur, and, even though I have tried, I can't think of anyone who could have done it any better. However, IMHO, George C. Scott WAS Patton--Peck, though superb, "portrayed" MacArthur-- just couldn't forget it was Peck. My only complaint, and a small one at that, is that Peck and the writers, overdid the humility angle. The movie made little effort to portray MacArthur in any light, but that of a humble hero. Hero he no doubt was--humble he wasn't. He refused to let Patton come to the Pacific, in spite of Patton's pleas to do so after the European war ended, because he simply was afraid he would be upstaged. Two prima donnas in the Pacific was one too many for MacArthur.
MacArthur was not known for self-deprecation by anybody's account. He obviously had a sincere personal feeling of responsibility, concern and compassion for those left in the Philipines, after his ordered departure. His war-imposed delay in returning to liberate the survivors and the Philipines was an obviously agonizing period in his life. FDR's order for him to leave the Philipines to fight another day, was undoubtedly one of the most difficult orders for MacArthur to obey. His argument with himself, family and staff over whether or not to obey was portrayed truthfully in the movie. I am not sure he deserved a Medal of Honor, but that was FDRs way to increase his status as an heroic symbol with the public at home. His portrayed anxiety over the landing at Inchon in Korea was one of just a very few times in his life that he was filled with much visible self-doubt. His success relieved this anxiety and increased the image of himself and his genius in his mind. This inflated ego contibuted to his ultimate reckoning with Truman.
I was overwhelmed by the actor, Ed Flanders, who portrayed Truman. To me, he WAS Truman. I was sorry to hear that he committed suicide a few years after this movie was made. What a terrible waste of talent.
There are so many interesting stories from MacArthur's life and much is left out of this movie, but overall it is a must to be enjoyed as a brief, mostly true with the usual Hollywood embellishments, look at a complicated man. As others have noted, much was cut from available film and discarded. This is unfortunate as there is a lot of story that would have increased the movies interest and the added length in time would discourage few.
If you haven't seen it before--do. If you collect war genre or historical movies--this is a must for your collection. If you just like an interesting and entertaining movie with popcorn, friends and other essentials--this is a good one. 5 stars, plus.
|
| Rating | | | Date | October 15, 2004 | | Summary | "Duty, Honor, and Country..." | Content
| The movie "MacArthur", played by the great Gregory Peck, mainly takes place between the years 1942 through 1952, from MacArthur as a four star general to when he `retires' in the wake of Eisenhower's presidency. The movie takes you through MacArthur's historic events: leaving Corregidor, arriving in Australia saying those never to be forgotten words 'I shall return', island hopping back to the Philippines, on through the Korean War, then ultimately his retirement.
I cannot express in words how wonderful Peck's portrayal of MacArthur was. He WAS Douglas MacArthur in every sense of the man. He played the part of the historic figure perfectly; where he was beloved by people, yet at times could be so agressive, straightforward, and outspoken that he made people clench their teeth in annoyance of that man (how do you think he got the nickname, 'American Caesar'?). A truly gifted actor, Greogry Peck will forever fill my memories of 'THE actor who played one of the greatest men of all time.'
Setting aside Peck's performance, a few other honorable mentions are Marj Dusay as MacArthur's wife and Ed Flanders respectfully as Harry S. Truman. Dusay had few lines but instead, through her quiet courage and determination in standing by her husband's side shows indeed the importance she played as the faithful wife. Ed Flanders deserves much applause for his role as President Truman with a splendid performance as one of the many men who, though he hates MacArthur's guts, can't help admiring his military genius.
In the historical point of view, I felt that "MacArthur" was fairly accurate, especially the depictions of the Korean "Conflict" (War). It portrayed just how much of a 'political' war it had begun, especially with the Chinese making it into an international incident.
As for myself being half American-Japanese living in Japan, it was quite interesting to see how MacArthur began the reformation of Japan after WWII. I was also quite impressed with Yuki Shimoda playing the Prime Minister of Japan, and how he gave MacArthur full support in making sure that Japan could not again build a military force. That meeting between the Prime Minister and MacArthur was very touching to me.
After watching the film, I also couldn't help but feel somewhat sad seeing how the world has changed from the circumstances of the past. After the Korean War, where communism was allowed to take hold of North Korea, the situation between North Korean and Japan is now somewhat strained, what with various incidents including kidnapping and illegal transportations. It is sad to see in the movie how this would have been prevented if MacArthur had been given leeway to finish the Korean War with a sound victory instead of the unforgivable option, the "armistice."
All in all this is a wonderful movie that shouldn't be missed. There is one warning I would like to add which a few reviewers have also mentioned. The film is somewhat 'choppy' as in the plot moves along pretty swiftly. Unless you are very well informed about the years in which the movie takes place, there is a high possibility you would be lost as to what is going on. My suggestion is either 1) watch the movie with someone who understands the history of that time well, or 2) study the history before watching the movie. I can guarantee though that after watching "MacArthur", curiosity will overcome you and make you want to read more about those years.
*Rated PG for some war violence. But in any case, best watched by older teens and adults so that they know what is going on. I guess this will lean more towards being a 'guy' movie, though for any girl (like me) who loves good acting and is interested in history will most definitely like this movie* |
| Rating | | | Date | August 22, 2004 | | Summary | Great Gregory Peck Perfomance Is Crippled By Poor Screenplay | Content
| The 1977 film of MacArthur is worth watching for the towering performance of Gregory Peck as General Douglas MacArthur. Peck considered this one of his favorite roles and fought with the producers over the screenplay and editing of the film -- and fought he should have because those very flaws kept this movie from being a great film.
MacArthur lead a long, dramatic and heroic life during World War I, World War II and the Korean War. As a vain and brilliant military genius who believed in his own destiny, the movie focuses on the decade 1942-1952. The film feels like MacArthur's greatest hits: the set pieces of Bataan, "I shall return", his rulership of Japan, the Inchon landing in Korea, "The Old Soldier" speech before Congress and so forth WITHOUT pulling the various scenes together into a coherent whole. According to Peck, the original three hour version fleshed out MacArthur more before it was edited down to the 130 minute commerial version.
Without prior knowledge of MacArthur's life, the movie would be confusing and lacking in the richness that was MacArthur's life. As one example, the various military situations are dealt with superfical, briefly and often without maps, so that one does not see the strategic brilliance of his Pacific campaigns. I highly recommend reading William Manchester's "MacArthur" before seeing the film.
Should you see the movie? Yes, even a MacArthur at half speed is more interesting than most movies and Gregory Peck IS MacArthur. He was passed over for an Oscar nomination although that was interpreted at the time as more of a comment on the film itself than upon his acting. It is worth seeing for Peck's performance in and of itself. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 01, 2004 | | Summary | "duty, honor, country" | Content
| Those that are interested in General Douglas MacArthur, and admire his qualities of courage and fortitude, will find this film fascinating; it is beautifully filmed, with marvelous re-creations of the mid 20th century, and the battle scenes are very well done.
The speeches alone are a glory to listen to, full of passion for "duty, honor, and country", and the words are so exquisitely crafted they are like the finest prose.
The film starts and ends in MacArthur's beloved West Point, on a blustery day, as he speaks to the cadets, and is among the many memorable scenes; others are the landing on Layte, and the signing of Japan's surrender, on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, which is a fabulous re-staging of the historic event. Gregory Peck gives a monumental portrayal of MacArthur; it is nuanced and brilliant, and from the old film clips I have seen of General MacArthur, subtly captures his posture and movement, with his many different pipes. This film is one of Peck's best, and it's sad it did not have more critical acclaim, as I feel it certainly deserved it.
Other terrific performances come from Marj Dusay as his wife Jean, Sandy Kenyon as General Jonathan Wainwright, and Ed Flanders as President Truman is quite exceptional; tough, gritty, and angered by MacArthur. An excellent score by Jerry Goldsmith and cinematography by Mario Tosi complements the well-paced direction by Joseph Sargent. If it has a flaw, I feel the film makes too much of the publicity loving aspect of MacArthur's personality. Yes, he liked to use the media to his advantage, and most people who make history feel the same way no doubt...otherwise it is a fairly balanced depiction of one of the great men of the 20th century. It is interesting to speculate what would have happened had General MacArthur been able to do what he thought was right, and not the "capitulation" and "immoral compromise with evil" he felt he was forced to accept. Perhaps over time millions of lives would have been saved, but I'm sure many would argue otherwise.
Total running time 130 minutes.
"A soldier above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war". |
|
