Cast
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William Smith
as Link Thomas
Bernie Hamilton
as Capt. Jackson
Adam Roarke
as Duke
Houston Savage
as Dirty Denny
Eugene Cornelius
as Speed (as Gene Cornelius)
Paul Koslo
as Limpy
John Garwood
as Sgt. Winston
Vic Diaz
as Diem-Nuc
Alan Caillou
as Albanian
Jack Starrett
as Chet Davis (uncredited)
Lillian Margarejo
as Suriya
Crew
Director
- Jack Starrett
Writer
- Alan Caillou
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Losers distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Jack Starrett brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1970, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Losers took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 239 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1970, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Losers shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike First Blood, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Losers subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Rambo: First Blood Part II and Argantara explore similar territory, The Losers stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 8, 1970
- Runtime: 1h 35m
Where to Watch
