Hinter feindlichen Linien

This ultra low-budgeted and virtually unknown war/drama movie is probably the most interesting from an "acting" point-of-view. "War Hunt" remarkably – but I suppose coincidentally as well – features the big screen debuts of no less than three names that are nowadays considered hugely famous and acclaimed. Director Sydney Pollack (who sadly passed away earlier this year) and charismatic star Tom Skerritt both appear in small yet memorable roles, while Robert Redford (later star of classics such as "The Sting" and "All The President's Men") debuts in the fairly complex leading role of idealistic soldier in the center of a senseless Korean war zone. And yet, in spite of the more appealing great names, it's unquestionably the still underrated veteran actor John Saxon who steals the show. Even more so, Saxon owns the film and he's genuinely petrifying as the introvert soldier who appears to use the Korean War to give rein to his murderous and psychotic tendencies. When the young and inexperienced private Loomis arrives at the front during the last stage of the Korean War, his fellow soldiers immediately warn him to stay out of the way of Private Endore and his protégé Charlie; a local orphan kid. Endore is a brilliant soldier and of immeasurably value to the American army, but that is mainly because he single-handedly decreases the number of Korean soldiers by deliberately sneaking behind enemy lines at night. Private Loomis protests against this, especially because he wants to protect the young Charlie from his dangerous colleague. The rudimentary plot of "War Hunt" is actually pretty genius, since it's the first and only film – at least, as far as I know – that openly suggests signing up for the army is the ideal method for psychopathic killers to get away with their incontrollable urges and even get honored for them! Private Endore is anti-social, impolite and without manners but his superiors never cease to cover from him because he's such a powerful weapon against the enemy. The atmosphere of "War Hunt" is aptly depressing and dark, with some really brilliant musical choices and bleak photography. Presumably due to the absence of financial means, there's a severe shortage of action scenes and hence you'll have to struggle yourself through a handful of seemingly dull and redundant moments. Still, if it's not necessarily boisterous gunfire and violent battles in the trenches you're searching for, I would definitely recommend "War Hunt", if it were only for John Saxon's stupendous performance. His menacingly painted faced, the desolate star in his eyes and his completely unpredictable and impulsive personality make this one of the greatest performances I've ever seen in a low-keyed war epic.

This character study remains one of the best intimate views of conflict ever filmed, and features Robert Redford's first film appearance. There's also a major appearance by actor Sydney Pollack, before he made is mark as a major director. It's starkly made, grim, and engaging, without any of the jingoism and/or sentimentality applied to most older and recent Hollywood product. The moody score was provided by jazz composer Bud Shank. Nice.

War Hunt explores the possibility that a decorated and successful combat soldier can also be a dangerous psychotic killer.

The film is set during the last days of the Korean War. Endore (John Saxon) conducts voluntarily patrols to Chinese outposts, and is valued by his commanding officer. The other platoon members appreciate Endores courage and toughness under fire, and probably love the fact his solitary patrols keep them safe in their own lines. But Endore has his own personal motives for his nocturnal sojourns. He gets to kill people, and he probably enjoys it. As a matter of fact, he most likely is a serial killer. No doubt he is a social outcast in civilian life and would be even in the peacetime army. In any other environment, hed wind up in a prison or mental hospital. Luckily (for him) the Korean battlefront is his element.

John Saxon plays Endore to frightening perfection. Blank, emotionless facial expression. Psychotic stare, just a hint of malevolent violence seething beneath his limited social skills. In the films scariest scene, Endore knifes a Chinese soldier to death unnecessarily, then dances around the body. A ritualized killing. Endore is one scary stranger. Id stay away from him, so would you. Hes the guy we read about in the papers, maybe even joke about nervously.

This crazy mans nemesis arrives in the form of Roy Loomis, a young and frightened recruit. He is shocked and disgusted by Endores actions, but is rebuffed by his CO and squadmates. Loomis isn't worth anything. It's Endore who is valuable, who can kill, who can do the dirty work. Loomis is annoyingly innocent however, and you know there's going to be a big confrontation coming up.

The confrontation arrives in the form of a cease fire.The Korean War is ending, but has Endores war just begun? Check it out and see. Fast moving, suspenseful, frightening. Best line: Endore(explaining how he can sneak up on the enemy without being seen) "Because I'm invisible---the truth blinds you."

In Korea, in May 1953, the rookie G.I. Roy Loomis (Robert Redford) joins the Jaguars in the front. He befriends the soldiers and discovers that the psychotic Private Raymond Endore (John Saxon) sneaks out of the base every night to slice the throats of their enemies with his dagger. Further, the Korean orphan Charlie (Tommy Matsuda) idolizes Endore. When the governments sign the cease-fire, Endore once again leaves the base bringing the boy with him.

The dramatic "War Hunt" is a film with a wonderful cinematography in black and white, excellent acting but the story is only reasonable. The characters are not well-developed specially the psychotic Raymond Endore that is a rich character but the motives for his death wish and his affection for Charlie are poorly explained along the screenplay. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Obsessão de Matar" ("Obsession of Killing")

Dark, atmospheric, stylish film telling the story of combat as seen through the eyes of a newcomer, baby-faced Robert Redford, at a wartime trench camp in Korea, 1953. The story basically follows this man's experiences dealing with the others in their little platoon barracks - particularly a very odd man (played by John Saxon) who first appears on screen in a most memorable style - his mud-covered face suddenly appearing in close-up, completely filling the screen. This man likes to go out alone at night with his face darkened, on his own private "war hunt" as he knifes to death Koreans hiding in trench holes. This man's sidekick at camp is a young, orphaned Korean boy who seems to worship the older man. At one point, we watch Redford's character as he faces great fear during his first experience in combat; he also desires to help the young boy and faces many confrontations with the "war hunter"/mud man.

This is a very unusual film - powerful, gripping and interesting, the story moved along via voice-over narration by Redford as his character relates his experiences. The film features excellent, thoughtful camera-work including many facial close-ups, and many dark, night-time scenes that gives a haunting feeling to the action. The background music reminded me in style of that often heard during "Twilight Zone" or even "Star Trek" episodes - a sort of 60s sci-fi feeling to it, in a way. The film opens and closes with a nicely done, sentimental chorus of Korean children. An excellent film all around.