It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

It's hard to consider this 1971 film anything more than a cautionary tale. Simply put as a movie there's just not much here.First off the script is not based on any real events. The Germans did not operate in South American waters … let alone a river delta in Venezuela … nor did they make it a practice of strafing innocent mariners after they torpedoed their boats.Secondly, legendary actor Peter O'Toole was horrid in the lead (Murphy)! There was nothing likable or sympathetic about his character … he just runs around in an obsessed state, screaming orders and wreaking havoc … leading viewers to wish for his expedited death. Nor was there any chemistry between him and co-star Sian Phillips … which was odd as they were married at the time. More so the script had several big problems I couldn't get around … • We know Murphy was an airplane mechanic but could he fly? He had a lot of trouble taking off in the plane and appears to be a novice, nevertheless we see him performing expert stunts a few moments later.• After Murphy bombs the submarine, the Germans come looking for him at the village. They firebomb the place, destroy the plane and kill a few natives and then just leave without finding the guy that just tried to kill them? • The sub … not even close to anything the Germans used in WW2. It looked disturbingly out of place.I found this film to be an unlikable, unbelievable, unrespectable (not a single award nomination) and dated with little to offer except its cautionary tale. Bleck!

I saw this film first time round and, going by the date is was made, I must have been about seven years old. Our cinema in Lochgelly was rather lax about age restrictions.Scenes still stick in my mind and its themes are still very much with me — the horror and dehumanizing impact of war and the futility of revenge.I have since seen the film again and I was glad not to be disappointed. Being older and wiser, one is inevitably more critical, but there is so much to enjoy in this film. The performances, setting and story all work together to draw you into its dark and dangerous world.Most notably of all, the U-boat commander and his men are portrayed as human beings. Efficient, determined, ruthless, but they too have feelings and hate the whole damn war just as much as Murphy. This was unusual in war films up until then, and its progressive, enlightened approach to the war enhances the story. We understand and even feel for Murphy, but we too must understand that sometimes we need to let go, accept our losses, be glad we survived and realise that our enemies are human too.

Hugely under-rated. When "Murphy" witnesses the murder of his mates in the water, (after their cargo ship is torpedoed by a German submarine) his only thought is revenge. Peter O'Toole is great as the Irish knockabout guy. He gradually becomes more obsessed and mentally deranged as the movie progresses, and by the end.....he is totally consumed with only one intention----total vengeance. This is not a huge WW2 production. This is the story of a man who enters the war in its final days .....on his own terms.....with his own objective. We do have to keep in mind when we watch this......how would ANY man react after watching the slaughter of his ship mates.....his friends ?? He does get complete revenge.....but he pays the ultimate price. I think the sad ending is wrong. We needed a witness (another one !!!) to tell about the fact----there are no rules in wars.

With out a doubt. A classic and original style war movie with intense acting from Peter O'Toole. The almighty aircraft mechanic seeks revenge for the death of his shipmates by the evil nazi navy. Jona hunts his whale to get his pound of flesh. I saw it when I was a little boy thought wow this guy can fix anything. Over the years when I have caught it on TV man the old classic still holds up. A gritty telling story of one man's blind revenge to seek justice. I am all for Murphy to kill those ba$^@&d%. Proud to be in Murphy's box. A sailor who at the end of the war witnesses his ship and crew torpedoed by a German u-boat. He survives with a pilot and plane. He with the help of a local island man Louie gets the down aircraft out of the jungle. But the Germans have come back to finish the job. With a missionary doctor as subplot the story is compelling. A great line "don't worry it's just alittle ole alligator" classic. A must see for all time. I still think on of the best ever put in film art.