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Fans say it’s among the best films about the Vietnam War. (Image: Paramount Pictures)
Episode 3199 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the ratings of the movie Hamburger Hill in the UK. The featured story is titled ‘Forgotten’ Vietnam War film that’s ‘more realistic’ than Platoon and Full Metal Jacket and it appeared on the Express.uk website. It was submitted by Chris Samuel.
Samuel reported that Hamburger Hill (1987) is a lesser-known Vietnam War film that has earned a strong reputation among fans for its gritty realism, often being compared favorably to more famous titles like Platoon and Full Metal Jacket. Set during the real-life Battle of Hamburger Hill in May 1969, the film follows the U.S. Army’s 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division as they attempt to seize Hill 937, a strategic ridge in Vietnam’s Dong Ap Bia mountain range. What unfolds is a brutal, ten-day conflict marked by relentless combat and heavy casualties against the People’s Army of Vietnam.
Directed by John Irvin and written by James Carabatsos, the film focuses less on spectacle and more on the physical and emotional toll of war. Its ensemble cast includes Michael Boatman, Dylan McDermott, Courtney B. Vance, Steven Weber, Tim Quill, and Don Cheadle in one of his earliest standout roles. Fans and critics alike have praised the performances and the film’s grounded approach, highlighting its balance of intense action and character-driven dialogue.
Over the years, Hamburger Hill has been described as an overlooked gem of late-1980s Vietnam cinema. Viewers on platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Letterboxd frequently call it one of the most authentic portrayals of the conflict, with some ranking it alongside or even above better-known war films. The movie holds a rare 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a strong audience rating, reflecting its lasting impact.
Rated 18 for strong bloody violence, the film is not an easy watch, but many consider it a powerful and essential depiction of the Vietnam War. It is currently streaming free with ads on Plex in the UK, with additional viewing options available across major platforms.
Listen to Episode 3199 and discover more about the ratings of the movie Hamburger Hill in the UK.
