Bat*21 (Bat 21) (1988)

80% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
52% of users liked it
(8,102 ratings)

Based on a true story, Bat 21 follows the harrowing adventures of Lt. Colonel Iceal Hambleton (Gene Hackman), whose plane is shot down over enemy territory while on reconnaissance behind enemy lines in Vietnam. Because Hambleton used to call the shots from behind a desk, he lacks combat survival… More Based on a true story, Bat 21 follows the harrowing adventures of Lt. Colonel Iceal Hambleton (Gene Hackman), whose plane is shot down over enemy territory while on reconnaissance behind enemy lines in Vietnam. Because Hambleton used to call the shots from behind a desk, he lacks combat survival experience and is forced to adapt while the enemy surrounds him on all sides. As the Air Force plans a risky rescue mission, he is befriended by pilot Bartholomew Clark (Danny Glover), who can't land to pick up Hambleton due to the enemy activity but keeps him company by radio. Hambleton's plight takes a turn for the worse once the brass decide to execute an intensive bombing mission in the area, whether or not they can rescue Hambleton. The colonel, meanwhile, confronted for the first time by the horrors of war, begins to reassess his role in the bloodshed. An overlooked film at the time of its release, Bat 21 is a smaller war picture that focuses on an ordinary man in an excruciating situation, and how it ultimately changes his life. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 52 min.
Directed By: Peter Markle
Written By: William C. Anderson, George Gordon
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Oct 21, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Dec 19, 2000
Studio: Media Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
I was reminded of Hackman's comment in Night Moves that watching a Rohmer film was like watching paint dry - although in this case, it's more like watching blood coagulate.
Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
Faithful adaptation of the book.
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
Enjoyable Vietnam War actioner with a good dynamic between Hackman and Glover.
Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium
A good story overwhelmed by routine filmmaking.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Great chemistry between Glover and Hackman highlight this intense little war flick.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Dean !

An ok film about a man trapped behind enemy lines in the vietnam war with a good cast.
xGary X

Bog standard militaristic flagwaving from Hollywood, as the two stars run around behind enemy lines while spouting golf terms through a walkie talkie. Hackman keeps it bearable; the only poignant moment is when he actually sees the results of his orders in human cost on the ground.… More
Bog standard militaristic flagwaving from Hollywood, as the two stars run around behind enemy lines while spouting golf terms through a walkie talkie. Hackman keeps it bearable; the only poignant moment is when he actually sees the results of his orders in human cost on the ground. But that's of course quickly glossed over to get back to the gung ho action. Brainless.
Dean M

Incredible true war story of the backroom bigwig in uniform shot down behind enemy lines, and the black pilot trying to get him out.
Joseph E

I saw this when a friend let me watch some burnt dvd's he had. I noticed it said "Gene Hackman" and "Danny Glover", so I put "Bat 21" in my DVD player. I was in for a major suprise. An unheard of Movie Special! This film is so AMAZING. I have… More
I saw this when a friend let me watch some burnt dvd's he had. I noticed it said "Gene Hackman" and "Danny Glover", so I put "Bat 21" in my DVD player. I was in for a major suprise. An unheard of Movie Special! This film is so AMAZING. I have underestimated myself, and have learned to give some unheard of movies a try. This film is sheer Moviegoing-Bliss. Pure Action-War Entertainment.
Barry L

Danny Glover is a great actor...Hackman is his usual best.