Bloody earth

In the midst of World War II, a group of twelve convicted murderers facing execution are offered a chance at freedom. They are to undertake a perilous and likely suicidal mission behind enemy lines: to infiltrate a German chateau and assassinate its high-ranking Nazi officers during a party. The motley crew, led by the tough Major Reisman, must learn to work together while facing intense training and the constant threat of death.

The Dirty Dozen was a commercial success and received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its action sequences, suspenseful plot, and strong performances, particularly from Lee Marvin. It has since become a cult classic of the war film genre.

• Praised for its gritty action and ensemble cast.

• Appreciated for its suspenseful, high-stakes plot.

• Seen as a classic example of a 'men on a mission' war film.

Google audience: Audiences generally praise the film for its exciting war action, compelling story of redemption, and strong performances by its veteran cast. The satisfyingly violent climax and the overall gritty tone are frequently highlighted as positives.

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Film Editing. It was also nominated for two Golden Globe Awards.

The film's original ending was much darker, with the surviving members of the Dozen going on a final rampage. However, test screenings indicated that audiences wanted a more triumphant, albeit still violent, conclusion.