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 36 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 138 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1928 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1970, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- 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 Air Force One, which focuses more on action than character development, The Losers offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like We Were Soldiers and Torque 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
