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Forgotten Heroes

Forgotten Heroes (1990)

Jan 01, 1990 1h 45m Action War

An independent movie from 1990 highlighting the valor of the men who served in Vietnam. Ramon, an American soldier, is newly added to a platoon of Marines ordered into Cambodia to extract a Russian general named Zelenkov. As Ramon arrives in the camp, the audience gets to know each member of the team, and Ramon suffers from the normal hazing of a new team member. The soldiers successfully land in Cambodia and extract the general, but an elite troop of Russian paratroopers tracks them down. Several battles follow, with many redemptive acts of sacrifice.

Directed by Jack Marino

Cast

William Smith
William Smith

General Gregori Zelenkov

Ron Althoff

Uly

Gregg Christie
Gregg Christie

Sgt. Jones

Troy Fromin
Troy Fromin

Petr

Bobby Johnston

Darryl Huckins

Bobby Johnston
Bobby Johnston

Ilya

Rick Massery

Nick Govostes

John Osborne

Sgt. Amalrik

Michael Thomas

Rodney 'Prophet' Tyler

Dennis de Boisblanc

Lt. Col. Viktor Brazinski

Johnnie Johnson III

Robert Mills

Tony Lima

American Soldier

Jack Marino

Dave DeLuca

Bob Orwig
Bob Orwig

Joe 'Cowboy' Geer

Gary Stockton

Lt. Paul Holden

Crew

Director
  • Jack Marino
Writer
  • Bud Fleisher
  • Larry Duhart
  • Jack Marino
Producer
  • Jack Marino

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/War film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Forgotten Heroes distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Jack Marino 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 1990, 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 Forgotten Heroes took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1990, when this film was released:
  • The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1990
  • Runtime: 1h 45m

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