In direct contrast to the flag-waving, jingoistic propaganda films typical of Hollywood during WWII, John Ford's They Were Expendable is a somber and moving account of America's defeat in the Philippines early in the war.
100
The Observer (UK)
The Observer (UK)
Beautifully photographed in black and white by Commander Joseph August, this moving picture has images and sequences that show Ford at his poetic and humanistic best. [13 Aug 2006, p.20]
91
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
The liberal Ford and the conservative Wayne had nothing in common politically, but artistically, they're perfectly in sync.
90
Chicago Reader
Chicago Reader
Brilliantly intertwined intensely personal stories with magnificently epic narrative.
The picture vividly portrays the big job the little boats did. The battle scenes in which the P-Ts go after Jap cruisers and supply ships were exceptionally well directed.