Watch The Hanoi Hilton
- R
- 1987
- 2 hr 5 min
-
6.1 (1,195)
The Hanoi Hilton is a drama film, released in 1987, directed by Lionel Chetwynd. The story is set during the Vietnam War, and based on the true incidents that transpired in the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton, where American prisoners of war were kept captive and subjected to torture and interrogation by the North Vietnamese army.
The film portrays the lives of a group of American soldiers who were captured by the enemy and thrown into the prison, where they are treated inhumanely by their captors. Michael Moriarty plays the role of Lieutenant Commander Williamson, who is the senior ranking officer among the prisoners. Paul Le Mat and John Edwin Shaw play the characters of Lieutenant Junior Grade Halloran and Lieutenant Owne R. Hopkins respectively.
The movie depicts the intense torture, physical and psychological abuse, and the fear that these prisoners faced every day. The North Vietnamese army was known for its brutal methods of interrogation, and the film does justice in portraying the same. The prisoners were subjected to waterboarding, electrocution, and other forms of torture to make them reveal information about their missions and military strategies.
Despite the terrible conditions, the prisoners did not give up hope of escaping and often shared their plans for escape amongst each other. However, the prison guards were always watching, and any attempt to escape was met with severe punishment. The movie shows how the prisoners used their creativity and resilience to build tunnels and communication systems to communicate with each other.
The film also shows the prisoners' interactions with each other and the bonds they formed during their captivity. The prisoners shared stories of their lives back home and kept each other entertained by playing games and singing songs. They even organized a makeshift Christmas celebration where they exchanged gifts and sang carols.
The Hanoi Hilton also shows the efforts of the prisoners' families and the US government to secure their release from captivity. The families of the prisoners tirelessly campaigned to put pressure on the North Vietnamese government to release their loved ones. The US government used diplomatic channels to negotiate with the North Vietnamese government for the release of the prisoners.
Overall, The Hanoi Hilton is a powerful portrayal of the horrors of war and the resilience and perseverance of the human spirit. The film does not shy away from showing the brutal reality of war and the inhumane treatment of prisoners of war. The movie is also significant as it gives a voice to the prisoners of war who suffered in the Hanoi Hilton, and brings to light the atrocities committed by the North Vietnamese army during the Vietnam War.
In conclusion, The Hanoi Hilton is a must-watch for anyone interested in war movies or historical dramas. It is a film that will leave a lasting impression on its viewers, and remind us of the sacrifices made by those who served in the military. The film is a tribute to the brave soldiers who endured the horrors of the Hanoi Hilton and a reminder of the importance of standing up for human rights, even in times of war.
The Hanoi Hilton is a 1987 war movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 32.