IMDb 7.1 1980 HD

The Big Red One

The Big Red One

1980
Drama War
113 min R USA
6.68 / 10
7.1 IMDB

A veteran sergeant of World War I leads a squad in World War II, always in the company of the survivor Pvt. Griff, the writer Pvt. Zab, the…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Avner Orshalimy / Todd Corman / Leo Zisman / Monte Hellman / Gary Zembow / Arne Schmidt / Lewis Teague / Samuel Fuller / Lynn A. Aber
Starring
Lee Marvin / Mark Hamill / Robert Carradine / Bobby Di Cicco / Kelly Ward / Stéphane Audran / Siegfried Rauch / Serge Marquand

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

gritty harrowing resilient stark profound grim affecting earnest stoic compelling devastating unflinching

Reviews

C
Cassidy O'Connell
May 23, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'The Big Red One' offers a compelling, albeit grim, expedition through the Second World War, anchored by Lee Marvin's formidable presence. The film meticulously tracks a squad's progression through pivotal moments, including the invasion of Sicily, the chaos…

B
Barnaby Finch
May 23, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

As a chronicle of a World War II squad's journey, 'The Big Red One' covers significant ground, from North Africa to the liberation of a concentration camp. Lee Marvin delivers a typically stoic performance as the sergeant, guiding…

S
Seraphina Dubois
May 23, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is a potent and often harrowing depiction of war's relentless march. 'The Big Red One' follows a seasoned sergeant, portrayed with gruff authority by Lee Marvin, and his unit through a series of iconic and devastating World…

A
Arthur Penhaligon
May 23, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'The Big Red One' presents a sweeping, if somewhat episodic, journey through the Second World War, focusing on the experiences of a veteran sergeant and his diverse squad. The narrative traverses Vichy French Africa, Sicily, the iconic D-Day…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 23, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Lee Marvin anchors 'The Big Red One' with a performance that embodies weary resilience. The film charts a squad's relentless march through the European theatre, from the sands of Africa to the beaches of Normandy and beyond, culminating…

FAQs

Viewers can anticipate a gritty and immersive portrayal of World War II. The film follows a squad through significant historical events, suggesting a focus on the visceral realities of combat and the psychological impact of prolonged conflict. The journey culminates in a sobering encounter with the horrors of a concentration camp, promising a powerful and thought-provoking experience.