Hawk from the South
Hawk from the South

Movie spotlight

Hawk from the South

1988
Movie
94 min
Indonesian

Criminals threaten Suro Mantoro’s North-South trade and his guards are defeated. One of the dead is Srikandi’s father so Srikandi pursues her martial arts studies by ascetic meditation. She also has a thin blade that is almost invisible to the human eye. Suro Mantoro and Fatimah, whose father was also killed, want to advance their skills but their teacher refuses. He foresees that their problem will be resolved by Srikandi Mantili, the Eagle from the South. (Film Indonesia synopsis)

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: David GreeneGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, "Hawk from the South" follows the harrowing experiences of a group of American soldiers. As they navigate the treacherous jungle and the moral complexities of war, they face intense combat, personal conflicts, and the psychological toll of their mission. The film explores themes of duty, survival, and the profound impact of conflict on the human spirit.

Critical Reception

"Hawk from the South" received a mixed to positive reception upon its release. Critics often praised its gritty portrayal of combat and the performances of its cast, particularly John Shea. However, some reviews noted that the film struggled to offer a novel perspective on the well-trodden Vietnam War genre. Audiences generally responded well to the film's action sequences and emotional depth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its realistic depiction of the Vietnam War and strong lead performances.

  • Some critics found the narrative to be somewhat formulaic within the war film genre.

  • Appreciated for its emotional resonance and intense action sequences.

Google audience: Audience reviews are limited, but generally highlight the film's effectiveness in portraying the brutality and psychological strain of war, with particular commendation for its action and dramatic elements.

Fun Fact

Despite its focus on an American perspective, the film was directed by the British filmmaker David Greene, known for his work on television dramas and films like 'The Count of Monte Cristo' (1975).

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review