В США, в американском кинематографе, в разных американских фильмах, Эд Харрис отлично играл главные роли, и второстепенные роли, всегда было по-разному. Вообще за свою актёрскую карьеру сам Эд Харрис и не гнался за супер-славой в Высшей Лиге Голливуда, в американской киноиндустрии. Потому что как актёр, Эд Харрис хорошо делал свою работу. То есть в американских фильмах Эд Харрис хорошо играл харизматичных мужчин, со своими принципами, и кстати без всяких толерантных повесточек. Особенно в американском фантастическом сериале Мир Дикого Запада (2016-2022), Эд Харрис классно сыграл Уильяма/Человека В Чёрном, получился очень сложный персонаж, между Светлой Стороной и Тёмной Стороной 😎🤠🎩
He got the lead role here if you ask me. The characters Sean Connery and Nick Cage got are kind of secondary characters that are far less interesting because their dramatic question has a lot less impact than the dramatic question of General Hummel.
All though this is a movie, that kind of scenario has happened in different military operations. Its one of the worst things that a commander will hear from his men which will haunt him for the rest of his life.
@ivanvillarruz8412 You are 1000% correct!! I retired after almost 24 years and I have 42 months of command time! Those words would've devastated me to hear!
Michael Sundgren I feel the same way .. James Caan is the only other guy I can think of that probably could have pulled off the role just as effectively
Quake, Doom, Wolfenstein 3D, Heroes 3, Half-Life, Diablo, Mortal Combat, Final Fantasy VII, Unreal Tournament, StarCraft, need fo speed 2...... Compare to new games they are too old but they are LEGENDARY !
As a person having made his tour of duty, this scene makes me cry only after 3 minutes... You can ask a lot of soldiers but not dishonored himself. For all people who have served, whatever were the colors and flags you have saluted, thank you.
The opening is so well-crafted... Take for example the take where the general, after having put on the uniform will all the decorations, looks in the mirrors and his image is doubled - a metaphor for internal conflict and double loyalty (to the country and to his men). It's just professional filmmaking of the kind that used to be the norm.
And another two years after your comment, I wrote an essay on that opening for my Masters Degree in Film in my younger days, and even though I have seen it a thousand times it still gives me goosebumps! It’s the most powerful intro in a film imo, it explains so, so much with images, v.o and music.
There was no honor to live when many of his men died without being even honoured What he was going to do was the most honourable thing in his career probably
He understood a medal is something the gouvernement give to the men because they were brave and mostly lucky, on the other hand, most of the time the men give theirs life for the government and they also got a medal because they were brave but this time unlucky.
"There's something I've gotta do, Barb. Something I couldn't do while you were here. I tried. You know I tried everything, and I still don't have their attention. Let's hope this elevates their thinking. But whatever happens ...please don't think less of me."
Degree7 no if followed the movie General Hummel and read his quote to his wife. He was referring to fellow marines and in the movie when he speaks to the Admiral he is telling him he is planning to use the gas until he is paid money from slush fund to go towards fallen Marines and their families. He is angry military families are being denied benefits and men under his command died in combat and not given a decent burial instead some he explains were left to die in the streets and not even brought home.
Gen.Hummel was the hero the movie makes it clear that politicians making bad decisions and the neglect of marine recon force on black ops missions was the motivating factor in taking the actions he did. as written the FBI & and John mason as a unjustly imprisoned foreign agent,are the protagonists,but the Hero is in fact Hummel an honorable warrior pushed to use extreme measures to get the corrupt political establishment to do what they should of done already. acknowledge the sacrifice of the military personnel and tell the next of kin the truth. It would be very easy for a competent writter to have the audience see the film from Hummel's perspective,which the opening sequence tries to establish.
its kinda funny how they didnt even think about paying the 100 million from illegal weapon trades. And it wasnt even for him, it was for the families, its kinda hard to believe they wouldnt do it
That and "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" Michael can do 20 Transformer movies if it means that he can direct another "The Rock" or 13 Hours. at some point.
'They're not coming for us are they sir' then the music hits and the fire explosion (01:39) - this is one of the best opening credit scenes of my time. Still get the chills!
General Frank Hummel is one of the most brilliant anti villain's in cinematic history. What he does is absolutely disastrous, but you still can't help but admire him.
My senior Marines who helped train me fought in the battle of Fallujah. A couple got cornered and they said when you accept you are going to die, a strange calm comes over you.
Former Marine here. The attention to detail is pretty spot on. The Marines salute him in the proper way for marching under arms (and he returns the salute). Absolutely no need to have this in movie. But it makes it that much better.
One thing about Michael bay is he always has active duty or veterans in his movies, which is pretty damn awesome if you ask me 👌 speaking of which I leave for parris island so I’ll see you in 3 months
No such thing as a former Marine.. You can take the Marine out of the Corps.. You can't take the Corps out of the Marine.. Once a Marine always a Marine.. Thank you for serving..
Only detail missing is the all weather coat is not worn. No marine would wear his dress uniform in the rain. Second the metals are wrong. Those metals are for ball room dress.
Thanks Sir, Bulgaria (NATO-Partner) here, I never understood why the marines not salute, I have to watch more detailed. Thanks, for the explanation...Sir!
This was one of Zimmer’s best. He should have stayed completely electronic. I can barely relate to most of his later stuff, with the exception of “Dark Knight” and “Inception.”
@@romandyk5579 watched as a kid, (like yourself) no effect Watched as an adult: "You can't just leave them to die" Watched as a military veteran: "I want to go after them personally (even though I am very aware that that's impossible)
i believe in this case, General Hummel is a hero, and an honorable man trying to get justice for not only his men who've served with him, but for the families of the men who have died under his various commands.
This scene made me join the Marines in 97. The second day of your arrival into your training platoon the DIs ask you to write a short paragraph to what made you come here. No lie, I wrote the opening scene in The Rock brought me here. At the EGA ceremony my Senior DI laughed and said "your card cracked me up son but I loved that scene as well".
@@Parktrizzle That's because its the army.. The Marine Corp is a cross between a brotherhood and a cult. I mean when the hell was the last time you saw someone fly an Army flag outside their home? Yet I can drive around my neighborhood and see a bunch of EGA flags hanging.
@@ricardoabreu4997 Oh, I fully agree with you there, sir; but to Hummels superiors... those of us who have "served time" know the environment: everyone is passing around the hat, especially politicians and the top bras.
Still hard to believe this movie and the Transformer films are from the same director. It kinda shows how much Michael Bay has fallen in quality over the years as he makes films only for quick cash.
Not so bad ;) I agree with Thunderchild, he only would to bluff, to fight an injustice he couldn't accept anymore. But Frye and Darrow are insane : when you're ready to commit a crime for money, your place is in jail or in a morgue. Not in the military forces :) I love the scene when Hummel, his old friend (i forgot the character's name of David Morse), and captains Frye and Darrow are arguing : "I won't kill eighty thousand civilian people. Do you think i loose my mind !?" :)
After you hear “They’re not coming for us, are they sir?” and this music, you are already on the Hummels side until the end of the movie. What a great intro.
well yes,this is piece of art,just in any country,so motivating to join force,but we in Serbia must move away those people who are shit in military,and in other institutions,and moved them to serious shrinks and probably jail in order to my country saved her health😎😐
Who else felt Hummel's sense of responsibility, brotherhood and anger from the film's opening dialogs ? One of the most spine tingling scenes in cinematic action movies 🐐
Technically they become mercs the day the took the generals offer and turned their back the oath they took. Remember the scene in the showers with the seals? Nonetheless, the man does have a point.
EDIBERTO "EDDIE" LEAL I understand your point and this is semantics but simply agreeing to Hummel's offer is not a punishable offense or mercenary action as they hadn't yet done anything or taken any money. The only charge possible at that point would have been conspiracy to defraud the US Govt. For the original marines (assuming Frye & Darrow weren't already with them), the first mercenary action was stealing the missiles. For Captain Frye & Captain Darrow and their men, the first mercenary action was taking hostages with Hummel.
I see your point as well Aleatha. However, not my intent to be nit picking here but out of curiosity I do have a question for you. Why conspiracy to "defraud"? Are they conspiring to deceive the government in order to trick them in getting their demands met? From my perspective/understanding of the film I feel the word "coercion" would be a more accurate term to use...wouldn't you agree? They were pretty clear on their motivation and what they planned to do if their demands were not met. Again, just my perspective. I appreciate the feedback.
"Whatever happens, please don't think less of me" - those words get me everytime. As all of us go through life, it has a way of putting us in very difficult positions, forcing us to do things we never even contemplate before, making us all compromise and challenge our integrity and even our sanity......whatever happens, we hope we aren't think less of :(
Even more heartbreaking was the fact that he left behind his Medal of Honor...knowing that the distance that he was prepared to go he wouldn't be worthy of that Medal...
Quite possibly the best action-thriller of the 90s all things considered - cast, plot, filming and last but not least, the excellent Hans Zimmer score.
I've always thought this and Air Force One are the two best action flicks to come out of the 90s. Coincidentally they're also two of the best Die Hard rip-offs ever made.
@@leighburne4098 of the 3 Die Hard, you meen..? 1988, 1990 and 1995: Die Hard in New York, is still an impressive movie in my opinion. Nr Die Hard 4 came 12 years later in 2007. You said of the 90's, so correction to Die Hard in 1990 and 1995.
What an opening scene. It makes you bond with the antagonist within the first few minutes. He's both a hero and villain, but all the wrongs against him and his men is what created him. One of the few times you feel sorry for a villain in a movie
The main villains of the film are US government officials who sent the general's people to their deaths, and when the general demanded compensation for the victims from their illegal arms sales transactions, they decided to bomb him along with the hostages.
This movie doesnt even have a villain, hes like you said, an antagonist. An opposing force to the hero but not necessarily bad. And sure there are minor villains like those two marines and gov officials but thats just side characters. Its cool that its not a conventional action movie set up and it totally works!
Bruckheimer worked as co-producer with Don Simpson on a whole slew of movies before Simpson's death in 1996. E.g. Top Gun, Days Of Thunder, Bad Boys, Crimson Tide and of course The Rock.
I just watched this the other weekend and it's still just as awesome as the day it came out. Ed Harris, Nick Cage, & Sean Connery were at their best - what a film.
Been to one of those burials, just a handful of people, so many brothers that quietly never came back to those roaring parades like we did after desert storm or funeral processions of Iraq war when US flag draped coffins slowly moving along US highways. They ask me "What did you do in the corps, we hardly heard from you?" My reply, did you ever see Clear and Present Danger? Never trust the government. That is all I can say.
@@TheRK74 1:31 they don't have clearance to go through enemy lines and they're being told by a general to? They should be relieved from duty for disobeying orders!
I won't argue since you said one of the best, it still is to this day imo along side Conan 1982. All these movies were done before Hollywood fell down and stopped making actual good movies.
Thanks to Hans Zimmer and Michael Bay for the best action movie I have ever seen. Combined with my childhood memories, the emotions overwhelm me. Greetings from 🇪🇪.
+DGK201 based on the plot, it was the threat of terrorism that the general was banking on, since he had no intentions of killing civilians I wouldn't necessarily call him a terrorist or a traitor to his country
+DGK201 technically your right it is an act of terrorism, but looking at the facts leading up to the general's decision as well as the his true intentions that went against the wishes of the His men who were in it for the money I don't really fault him.
+DGK201 well since this was a movie and didn't actually happen to me or hopefully you, I think your diagnosis is incorrect, plus I believe it is possible for us as people to understand the reasoning behind someone's actions when the facts are presented without condoning or condemning.
+DGK201 The government did it's own wrong in this, otherwise he would've never did what he did. It was made clear at the start of the film and certain parts within he'd done all he could through normal channels to right this injustice to his men. All of which to have been in vain because the government refused to listen. This is part of why Hummel is such a tragic character. Because he was left no other option to get their attention over this other than a act of terror. You as the viewer can see his intentions on why he did this, you can see the governments refusal throughout the entire film to give in to his demands, even with the severity of what he threatened (us knowing he'd never go through with that bluff but still). They never even tell at the end of the film if Hummel got what he wanted for his men. Making for a bitter sweet ending. Nothing worse than giving so much for your country all your life, than to be forgotten and your family lied too. Oath or not, that's an insult beyond measure to a soldier whose given so much. And why I sympathize more with Hummel than the protagonists of the film. In the end it simply depends on your point of view who you side with. Could Hummel have found another way that didn't involve killing civilians who had nothing to do with this? Perhaps, maybe he could have instead kidnapped the congressman and staff in the government who would've been responsible for this neglect, than ransomed them to get the payment for those soldiers Hummel lost. Also, Hummel never gave the order to open fire on the Navy Seals, that was due to a twitchy Marine who dropped a brick which gave off the impression a shot was fired. Therefore starting the firefight. In fact throughout Hummel was consistently shouting, CEASE FIRE! Best Micheal Bay film ever made.
He doesn't get enough credit for what, I believe, to be his best film... The Island... and even though the second half of that film went off the rails with the overdone action sequences; I swear, the first half promised to be one of the better sci-fi movies I've seen. Sean Bean and Ewan McGregor both killed their respective parts. Steve Buscemi needed more screen time, though.
Him leaving his Medal of Honor on his wife's grave means that he knew what he was going to do ran contrary to the values and actions that got it awarded to him. In a sense, he felt that he was no longer worthy to wear it, both because he was about to become the monster he had fought all this while in his career, and that it was awarded to him by a government that did not care for his men. So much power in this scene.
He considered himself dead at that moment. His wife was gone, he felt his country betrayed his men and now he was about to betray his country. The man that was awarded the Medal of Honor was gone.
This was easily one of the most powerful openings for any movie in history, not only for its dramatic impact but because Hollywood or not, it tells the ugly story of politics and how it effects the men who volunteer to defend the constitution some of them with their lives. I understand why Hummel felt he had to avenge his men.
The calmness in the Marines voice when he says "there not coming for us are they sir" . He knew he wasn't coming home with a flag drapped over him salute to all those serving and who served and a special thank you to those who gave everything. 😢😢
Nope, he knew he wasn't coming home at all. These Force Recons were tasked with conducting black operations, so they were disavowed by the government so their deaths were completely covered up, leading their families being told lies (or not told anything), receiving no compensation, had all their military family benefits revoked.
@@dallasyap3064 i meant to say he knew he wasn't coming home but Auto correct felt other wise on my original comment. It's amazing how under funded marine recon is and they can still complete tasks just as well and efficient as tier 1 special operations Forces. Unfortunately for recon is it's under the umbrella of the Marines(don't know the exact name of it) which is why recon doesn't receive adequate funding but in 2006 marsoc was created under the socom umbrella which meant more funding and training but respect to both units. My dad and uncle were Marines in Vietnam. My uncle saw way more action than my dad to the point he refused to talk about it even when I needed information because I was doing my senior project paper on Marines in Vietnam. I do know that after my uncle got out of the military he was contracted to go places for the government and teach hand to hand combat survival. I learned a lot from my uncle about just life in general. Wise man
@@Too-Way-Street Yup, Force Recons are not well funded compared to SOCOM units, but they're still very capable in what they do. That's one of the things that makes them impressive. Force Recons are under the Fleet Marine Force (the umbrella that u mentioned) though administratively they're under the Recon Batts. USMC leaders finally decided to set up MARSOC under SOCOM after seeing marines weren't utilized in the early days of the Enduring Freedom, where most fightings were done by SOFs. As for your uncle, I kinda suspect that he was a Force Recon too, since u mentioned he did way more action and refused to talk about it (I'm assuming could be black ops such as those conducted by MACV-SOG of which some Force Recons were part of). To my understanding back then Force Recons were also conducting some unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense, so make sense if the government contracted your uncle to teach stuff.
@@dallasyap3064 he wasn't black ops, well he said he wasn't. According to My dad he said the reason he didn't talk about It was just because how they were drafted at such a young age and thrown into a really violent, gruesome, and unspeakable world so quickly as 19 year old kids. When he retired from military after the beruit situation in the 80s the jobs he did for contract work weren't classified because when I did ask him what he did, he did tell me which was throughout the 1990s up until 2004 he would get hired by law enforcement agencies around the united States to teach various law enforcement departments in tactics , weapons, how to properly do intelligence gathering on criminal investigations and he taught survival street combat (krav maga) Because of him I got into boxing, krav maga
@@Too-Way-Street Well he still might be one part of an intel unit, since he taught law enforcement agencies on how to collect intel during his contract work. But anyways, sounds like he's a cool guy.
Was with the USMC from 1986-2001. Was an O-3 (Captain) when I received my honorary discharge. I remember my now ex-wife (fiancé then) and visiting two of my younger brothers and their partners back in 1996 (one was with the US Navy from 1992-2002; the other was US Army Rangers, 1993-98 (later went into law enforcement), and one day, they took me to lunch and to see THIS movie afterwards!!! I had just received my O-1 (2nd Lt.) commission and I was soon to be deployed to partake in Operation Balkan Peace. When asked what I thought about the film, out of patriotism and adherence to Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful), if I DID have an opinion, I didn’t feel at liberty at the time, to say what I REALLY felt (given 🇺🇸’s socio-political climate at the time!!!). Looking back, and given everything that’s come to pass from 1996-the present, I can’t really blame Brig. Gen. Hummel for his actions!!! My response, however, was as follows: “Kyle, Tommy, I took the same oath as you guys, to serve this country to the best of my ability, AND to defend Her from ALL enemies, both foreign AND domestic.” When I said that, deep down, I meant the PEOPLE of this country. Elected officials and bureaucrats come and go. In the end, nothing REALLY changes except the names of the powers-that-be who give you your marching orders. I’m happily married for the second time now, with three adopted kids (two boys and a girl), all three all grown up now and doing well in life. I’m also retired as well. Any sworn oath I have NOW, I have to them… 🫶🏻🙌👍🏻✊🏻✌️🤘🏻💪🏻🙏💚🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💙
@@TheInfantry98 I WANTED to partake in the GWOT, Bro…🙁, but I’ll tell ya what happened: In 1996-97, I was attached to UN Peacekeeping forces in the Balkans. I don’t wanna go TOO DEEP into it, but there was this one incident over there, where we were engaged with hostiles who were acting…suspicious. Turns out, following the fire fight, these hostiles (before they were neutralized!!) were covering these bodies in a mass grave and pouring lime over the bodies!!! DUDE, that reminded me of the stories my Papa/maternal grandpa-God Rest his Soul 💐💐💐 1/31/1921-12/21/2003💐💐💐-saw in Europe during WWII. YES, he was witness to Nazi atrocities when he took part in the liberation of some of these concentration camps!!! My Nanna CLAIMED it took her 20 yrs to get The War off his mind. My friend, I can tell you FIRST HAND, that you NEVER get over SH!T like that!!! He didn’t and neither did I. Somalia/Operation Restore Hope was bad enough!!! I NEVER sleep through the night to this very day. The “encore of WWII” atrocities didn’t help matters either…one MANY levels!!! Following a psych eval’ a month after, I was deemed to be: “…suitable to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a commissioned officer of the USMC… “…however, based on a thorough psych/medical assess’, [so and so] should be deemed no longer fit for combat-related assignment.” NOW, Dear Friend, TELL ME, is THAT “weak”, or what?!?!?! Following 9/11, I TRIED to get reactivated. Unfortunately, my doctor WOULD NOT clear me for combat duty…☹️, especially given my newfound “commission” as a single dad AND my position w/ the Dept. of Defense. I was even willing to be simply a “uniformed field observer”, but my doctor AND my D of D boss said “…NO DICE…PERIOD!!!” I could remain a commissioned officer and gone “lifer”, but, my future military career would’ve been as a “desk jockey”…☹️.
This movie started my 15-year old self to begin thinking about how a film is made behind the scenes…and Hans Zimmer’s score was a BIG part of that ❤️❤️❤️ LOVE IT!
This is one of the most compelling "antagonists" in history for me. He's a good man, an honorable one too, pushed to his breaking point because of a corrupt and indifferent govt. He wasnt after riches, or power, he just wanted justice for his men.
@@VarlamDWMA so many are comparing Hummell to Putin. I'll be open minded here. Please explain. I won't condemn or condone, I just want to understand your view
.. And is the true nature of men like him. A proper Warrior to the end. Sometimes you've got to kick the door down to get people's attention - sad but true.
Ill be honest, i feel like this is one of the GREATEST openings for a film ever created. Just something about it, that really captures your heart and soul. I rooted for Ed Harris the whole movie when I first saw it years ago. Ed Harris quite honestly one of the greatest actors this world has seen
Hummel's Awards and Citations (best that I could see) Right side: Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Left side: Uniform Services Diver, Marine Corp Parachutist Navy Cross, Silver Star w/ repeat, Legion of Merit, Navy and Marine Corp Medal Bronze Star, Purple Heart with double repeat Air Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Joint Service Commendation, Navy and Marine Commendation, Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal Marine Corp Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/ Repeat, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Services Medal w/ repeat, Southwest Asia Service Medal Not pictured: Medal of Honor (noticeably in his pocket before he rests it upon his wife's grave)
Pure goose bumps… I have long passed my youth… many things have changed… but the feeling this scene gives is still the same…. Goosebumps and tears…. Always wanted to be a soldier…
Bonus points for the fact that it was done without a British narrator shoving exposition down our throats the entire time. Very well-written and shot intro that outdoes most of the crap coming out of Hollywood these days.
This is a man who betrayed his govermont, his superiors, BUT HE NEVER BETRAYED TRULY HIS HEART AND COUNTRY, never... I dont approve his methods, but this man... I would place my life in hands of MEN like this leading me in some battle.
27 years later, still one of my favourite movies. great cast, epic pictures and for me the most phenomenal score in modern film !!! would love to watch it in a big movie theater again.
Mr. Pilgrim - it is an amazing score indeed. Have the entire soundtrack on my iPod, and I can't tell you how many times I've listened to it. If it was vinyl there would be holes in it.
I just got done watching THE ROCK tonight. What a brilliant movie directed by Michael Bay. I think this is his best work especially to have three big stars on screen.
Quite the convenient epiphany you had, considering the man already had 20 years experience and had won an Academy Award for best original score, just 1 year prior to the release of "The Rock" If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're completely full of scheisse...
@@ryudragonpunch9025 no, he didn’t. He retracted everything he said after suddenly realizing that continually posting right wing crazy nonsense after being ordered not to by his superiors lands you in jail. He lawyered up real fast after that.
God...this opening sequence. It just tears you apart. Really tugs at those heart strings. You can feel his anguish. They don't make em like this any more.
Ed Harris was incredible in this film. To tell you the truth. From someone who was born in the early 2000s. I feel jealous for those who saw Hollywood at it's best. As far as I'm concerned. The film industry has gone to sh**. Going to the cinema was supposed to be about escapism and fun. Not about the pointless remakes and franchises.
@@justvid366 All Hollywood is doing nowadays. Is pandering to 16 year olds, political correctness, and China. There are great films being made today. But nothing compared to what it was.
a powerful and strong opening for any film, as an ex soldier, the Character portrayed by Ed Harris, General Hummel I for one would respect enormously, I know it was only a film, but ask yourselves this one question, How many times have British and American troops been left to fend for them selves due to Political Expediency and left to rot and die in some hell hole because it all went tits up, More than even I dare to imagine, " I miss you so Much, There's something I gotta do Barb, Something I couldn't do while you were here, I tried, you know I tried everything, And I still don't have there attention, lets's hope this elevates their thinking. But whatever happens, Please don't think less of me " General Hummel placing his Medal of Honour on his dead wife's headstone, Strong and emotive, God bless all our troops whatever flag they march under and bring them all home, Safe and sound
Although i feel with Hummel and know he was right, like you said, they shouldnt be in a shithole country to begin with for wrong reasons. Soldiers have to defend their country in their own country and not fight for oil in someone elses country. Then yes you have that chance to be left alone, cuz you shouldnt be there to begin with and politicians know that!
@@Haarlemmer Well said. This is the truth that 98% Americans don't understand. Young patriotic people are lured into the military on the pretense of defending their homeland but what they actually do is destroying some other country.
This is a powerful opening but the attention to detail is what I appreciate most. As a former officer, it was noticing the guns clacking to the salute position as Harris walked by and returned a respectful salute, that made me really appreciate this segment most. 2:30. However, I'd be blown away if such a spur-of-the-moment salute actually happened that well!
That was the first thing that caught my attention. I was too feeble to serve, but my family’s history goes back to the Civil War. I was fortunate enough to get a good education and travel for work for a Fortune 500 company. I made lots of $. But whenever I saw service members in the airport, I always picked up the tab anonymously. I tried to pay it back for my Daddy, a Vietnam vet who was spit on when he got home.
What an opening. Dramatic music, voices of desperate men fighting for their lives, lots of slow motion, big on screen letters with fire. Nothing could be more 90s.
gotta admit, when I was a kid this scene made me teared up a bit. Now I’m about 40 and it still is epic as hell. Saw in the other comment that someone got so motivated that he joined the marines. That’s the beauty of cinema :) I grew up reading a bunch of military stuff, Tom Clancy, Dick Marcinko, that kind of thing. At the end of the day you will know this is just a movie. Generals don’t die for their soldiers. Actually it’s quite the opposite:( Still love this scene though.
Nearly 40 here too, and I know just what you mean. Like, I mostly knew Sean Connery from my dad's Bond movies on VHS. I saw this in the cinema as a very impressionable teenager and it's still one of the coolest things I've ever seen. But amongst the genre thrills, this was the first time I'd seen a "bad" guy who wasn't wrong. This turned me on to reading that military stuff too. Generals may not die for their soldiers, it's true. But the good ones wish they did.
I remember this soo vividly from my childhood, the most moving intro and score I've ever seen still to this day. I'm neither a serviceman nor an american but seeing those Marines folding the flag over the casket literally makes me sniffle and tear up, masterful.
Ed Harris is such an underrated actor man. You could feel the desperation, honor and pride in his voice. Powerful indeed
В США, в американском кинематографе, в разных американских фильмах, Эд Харрис отлично играл главные роли, и второстепенные роли, всегда было по-разному. Вообще за свою актёрскую карьеру сам Эд Харрис и не гнался за супер-славой в Высшей Лиге Голливуда, в американской киноиндустрии. Потому что как актёр, Эд Харрис хорошо делал свою работу. То есть в американских фильмах Эд Харрис хорошо играл харизматичных мужчин, со своими принципами, и кстати без всяких толерантных повесточек. Особенно в американском фантастическом сериале Мир Дикого Запада (2016-2022), Эд Харрис классно сыграл Уильяма/Человека В Чёрном, получился очень сложный персонаж, между Светлой Стороной и Тёмной Стороной 😎🤠🎩
He got the lead role here if you ask me. The characters Sean Connery and Nick Cage got are kind of secondary characters that are far less interesting because their dramatic question has a lot less impact than the dramatic question of General Hummel.
Also .... Those eyes! So charismatic!
"They're not coming for us, are they, sir?"
chills every time
All though this is a movie, that kind of scenario has happened in different military operations. Its one of the worst things that a commander will hear from his men which will haunt him for the rest of his life.
When the Phrase: "No Soldier gets left Behind." Gets taken for granted.
@ivanvillarruz8412 You are 1000% correct!! I retired after almost 24 years and I have 42 months of command time! Those words would've devastated me to hear!
Even on 31 May 2024
No soldier ever wants to hear those words.
Couldnt find a better actor than Ed Harris for this role, 10/10
Michael Sundgren I feel the same way .. James Caan is the only other guy I can think of that probably could have pulled off the role just as effectively
***** CAAAAN!!
Than*
+Michael Sundgren You see his outtakes? The MFer got SERIOUS for this role.
No i haven't, will do asap!
He left his medal of honor on his wife’s grave, there was no changing this man’s mind for a second
Он ещё этим поступком показывал, что для него возврата нет, все мосты сожжены, Рубикон перейдён.
Actually it was the congressional medal of Jesus.
@@necessaryvolitio haha nice!
"But whatever happens please don't think less of me"
Ed Harris is a legend.
Yea great actor
I tried, you know I tried everything, and I still don’t have their attention
every time i hear this i cry a little bit ...
90s movies are legendary
90's EVERYTHING is legendary... movies, music, sports, anime, video games, etc.
and demolition man
똬앍 I haven't gamed since 2004, so I can't dispute you on that.
Quake, Doom, Wolfenstein 3D, Heroes 3, Half-Life, Diablo, Mortal Combat, Final Fantasy VII, Unreal Tournament, StarCraft, need fo speed 2......
Compare to new games they are too old but they are LEGENDARY !
Roger H agree!!!!
This is how a film should be, 3 minutes in and barely past the opening titles and you already know it’s gonna be awesome
As a person having made his tour of duty, this scene makes me cry only after 3 minutes... You can ask a lot of soldiers but not dishonored himself. For all people who have served, whatever were the colors and flags you have saluted, thank you.
What a perfect ,definition
True but not anymore.😢
The opening is so well-crafted... Take for example the take where the general, after having put on the uniform will all the decorations, looks in the mirrors and his image is doubled - a metaphor for internal conflict and double loyalty (to the country and to his men). It's just professional filmmaking of the kind that used to be the norm.
I am currently 52 years old and this has to be hands-down the most epic movie score intro I've ever heard. It's absolutely beautiful.
Hans Zmmer is a GENIOUS
Titanesque
The best Michael Bay hands down
Agreed best ever
agree
@@JesseKukkohovi-l1ysecond that brother
It's still giving me the chills 20 years later. What an Amazing and powerful opening.
That is because the point is more and more valid...
I can't remember any other movie opening even close to this... terminator 2 maybe
Apocalypse Now and Drive have incredible openings as well.
And another two years after your comment, I wrote an essay on that opening for my Masters Degree in Film in my younger days, and even though I have seen it a thousand times it still gives me goosebumps! It’s the most powerful intro in a film imo, it explains so, so much with images, v.o and music.
Don't be jerk come on. It all because of the music. Without it this opening would be just shit
Ed Harris as a military character is like Clint Eastwood as a cowboy character
It's ass kicking epic
Ed Harris has that old soldier vibe, you know? Every role he plays I just feel like, "this is a man I'd follow into battle without question"
@@hailtothevic NCIS actor Mark Harmon also has that old soldier swag.
More like Clint Eastwood as a cop character ala Dirty Harry.
In the holy words of Todd Howard; "It just works"
Best fucking comment of all time
The most dangerous person in the world is a good man pushed to the point of having nothing to lose.
They'll use all the evils they've ever encountered with no qualms
@Zachary Thomas He was a bit of both. Like a real person.
amen to that
Most scary person ever. Plus they’ll got the interest too.
@@JonVoid37 not sure what you mean by this...
He gives up his Medal Of Honor because he knows there is no honor in what he is going to do 😢
100% the main hero of the movie for me.
There was no honor to live when many of his men died without being even honoured
What he was going to do was the most honourable thing in his career probably
@@3axapvladnah it was running black ops into China and being responsible for over 200 enemy kills.
He understood a medal is something the gouvernement give to the men because they were brave and mostly lucky, on the other hand, most of the time the men give theirs life for the government and they also got a medal because they were brave but this time unlucky.
agree
It’s not the cards he was dealt, it was the way he played them.
"There's something I've gotta do, Barb. Something I couldn't do while you were here. I tried. You know I tried everything, and I still don't have their attention. Let's hope this elevates their thinking. But whatever happens ...please don't think less of me."
+Gunnar Vidar nice abs, bro
Wow, you heard what he said!
My favorite line... "Please, don't think less of me".
Degree7 no if followed the movie General Hummel and read his quote to his wife. He was referring to fellow marines and in the movie when he speaks to the Admiral he is telling him he is planning to use the gas until he is paid money from slush fund to go towards fallen Marines and their families. He is angry military families are being denied benefits and men under his command died in combat and not given a decent burial instead some he explains were left to die in the streets and not even brought home.
I almost teared up in this scene
When Ed Harris plays the bad guy, he adds a human side to them.
Westworld for example...
Gen.Hummel was the hero
the movie makes it clear that politicians making bad decisions and the neglect of marine recon force on black ops missions was the motivating factor in taking the actions he did.
as written the FBI & and John mason as a unjustly imprisoned foreign agent,are the protagonists,but the Hero is in fact Hummel an honorable warrior pushed to use extreme measures to get the corrupt political establishment to do what they should of done already.
acknowledge the sacrifice of the military personnel and tell the next of kin the truth.
It would be very easy for a competent writter to have the audience see the film from Hummel's perspective,which the opening sequence tries to establish.
its kinda funny how they didnt even think about paying the 100 million from illegal weapon trades. And it wasnt even for him, it was for the families, its kinda hard to believe they wouldnt do it
I don't consider him a bad guy per se, just someone whose judgment lapsed and used the wrong means to achieve an otherwise just cause.
Yes he does
Say what you will about Bay, The Rock can never be taken away from him.
One of the best action movies, fucking, ever.
+MrBoBoTom and 20 years later, he came out with 13 Hourse secret soldiers of benghazi that was almost equally awesome
MrBoBoTom yes yes
even better that it took place in the Bay Area (San Francisco) =)
Thank Jerry Bruckheimer and loads of other talents involved for that
That and "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi"
Michael can do 20 Transformer movies if it means that he can direct another "The Rock" or 13 Hours. at some point.
'They're not coming for us are they sir' then the music hits and the fire explosion (01:39) - this is one of the best opening credit scenes of my time. Still get the chills!
This opening and Greer's funeral from Clear and Present Danger are both SO SHOCKINGLY SCARY.
General Frank Hummel is one of the most brilliant anti villain's in cinematic history. What he does is absolutely disastrous, but you still can't help but admire him.
and this is why I see him as more of a sympathetic bad guy instead of a full-on evil villain
What you call an anti-villain I call a terrorist.
@@aaronwells6608 The two categories are not mutually exclusive.
The definition of Antagonist. Not a bad guy, just the opposition. And a damn good one.
@@arkhaan7066 no. That's a bad guy. Literally a terrorist threatening civilians.
"they're not coming for us are they sir"
the acceptance and calm in that voice would be haunting to hear over combat radio
This life and the next....
My senior Marines who helped train me fought in the battle of Fallujah. A couple got cornered and they said when you accept you are going to die, a strange calm comes over you.
@@Styxswimmer 0351 1996 May. USMC VETERAN. ♣️🇺🇸☠
@@alexnunezramos1720 0341. 05-09 in battalion 1/5.
Former Marine here. The attention to detail is pretty spot on. The Marines salute him in the proper way for marching under arms (and he returns the salute). Absolutely no need to have this in movie. But it makes it that much better.
One thing about Michael bay is he always has active duty or veterans in his movies, which is pretty damn awesome if you ask me 👌 speaking of which I leave for parris island so I’ll see you in 3 months
There are no "former Marines". We earned that title.
No such thing as a former Marine.. You can take the Marine out of the Corps.. You can't take the Corps out of the Marine.. Once a Marine always a Marine.. Thank you for serving..
Only detail missing is the all weather coat is not worn. No marine would wear his dress uniform in the rain. Second the metals are wrong. Those metals are for ball room dress.
Thanks Sir, Bulgaria (NATO-Partner) here, I never understood why the marines not salute, I have to watch more detailed. Thanks, for the explanation...Sir!
The musical score for this movie is absolutely top-notch. Draws you into every scene.
The rock has one of the best soundtracks ever!
lonutzz Hans Zimmer
This was one of Zimmer’s best. He should have stayed completely electronic. I can barely relate to most of his later stuff, with the exception of “Dark Knight” and “Inception.”
THE BEST soundtrack ever
Not one of the best!
The BEST!!!
@@cubdukat no es hans zimmer es nick glennie-smith y realizó la misma Musica para The Man in the Iron Mask
"They're not coming for us, sir.' That hits like a bullet to the heart.
I watched this as a kid... It has no effect on me...
I watched this a adult... My neck was strangled and my heart starts bleed...
@@romandyk5579 agreed.
@@romandyk5579 agreed.
@@romandyk5579 watched as a kid, (like yourself) no effect
Watched as an adult: "You can't just leave them to die"
Watched as a military veteran: "I want to go after them personally (even though I am very aware that that's impossible)
Without any quesqion, General Hummel is a man of honor.
i believe in this case, General Hummel is a hero, and an honorable man trying to get justice for not only his men who've served with him, but for the families of the men who have died under his various commands.
Zack Micheal we need more general hummels on this fucking world men ....
Chelios Drake you got Trump now only
SIR YES SIR
No, thats why he returned the medal
"they're not coming for us are they sir" Always breaks my heart man... ALWAYS...
Hits my gut hard
Wonder how many times this has been uttered by our men in Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Vietnam….
The 13 us tropps that were abandoned
Specially because they know that Hummel is not the one letting them down
Lies again? Soccer United Lightning Thunder
This scene made me join the Marines in 97. The second day of your arrival into your training platoon the DIs ask you to write a short paragraph to what made you come here. No lie, I wrote the opening scene in The Rock brought me here. At the EGA ceremony my Senior DI laughed and said "your card cracked me up son but I loved that scene as well".
I'm betting he thought when he read your paragraph "I like this kid..."
I love the military, but I’ll be joining the navy. Simply because I love boats and planes and what to be called grand admiral. Lol
Rhodey Banbie better be a Boatswain mate that’s the only real navy rate
In the army they simply do not care.
@@Parktrizzle That's because its the army.. The Marine Corp is a cross between a brotherhood and a cult. I mean when the hell was the last time you saw someone fly an Army flag outside their home? Yet I can drive around my neighborhood and see a bunch of EGA flags hanging.
“They’re not coming for us, are they sir?”
After he’s said “I won’t let you down, I won’t let you down, son!”
Must have destroyed him ...
The agony in that voice
The thing which will destroy everyone is: What did he answer?
Especially knowing he were making promises to his boys that he couldn't keep.
@@TheAngelOfDeath01 To a liar it would feel nothing but to a man like him...
@@ricardoabreu4997 Oh, I fully agree with you there, sir; but to Hummels superiors... those of us who have "served time" know the environment: everyone is passing around the hat, especially politicians and the top bras.
Best action movie ever made in human history
The Rock, Terminator 2, Heat, Aliens. They are there.
This opening scene is better than all 4 Transformers films combined! IMO
jonnoweb completely different movie dude.
callofdutyguy9 all of them were directed by Michael Bay, including this one.
Still hard to believe this movie and the Transformer films are from the same director. It kinda shows how much Michael Bay has fallen in quality over the years as he makes films only for quick cash.
Maybe not include first two, I kinda like first two though
Different movie genres for different audiences and decades.
Possibly the best “bad guy” in modern action cinema. A truly superb movie with a truly superb antagonist.
The U.S Government is the real villain of the movie. Hummel was a hero trying to point out the injustice within the Government over what they did.
The real villains were Captains Fry and Darrow. They were willing to kill an entire city.
@@netrolancer1061 This, he was the good guy.
@@Thunderchild-gz4gc Hummel exposed their true colors.
Not so bad ;) I agree with Thunderchild, he only would to bluff, to fight an injustice he couldn't accept anymore. But Frye and Darrow are insane : when you're ready to commit a crime for money, your place is in jail or in a morgue. Not in the military forces :)
I love the scene when Hummel, his old friend (i forgot the character's name of David Morse), and captains Frye and Darrow are arguing : "I won't kill eighty thousand civilian people. Do you think i loose my mind !?" :)
After you hear “They’re not coming for us, are they sir?” and this music, you are already on the Hummels side until the end of the movie. What a great intro.
well yes,this is piece of art,just in any country,so motivating to join force,but we in Serbia must move away those people who are shit in military,and in other institutions,and moved them to serious shrinks and probably jail in order to my country saved her health😎😐
It's heartbreaking and even his methods are bad, you can understand Hummel during all the movie. He's not a villain, he's a desperate man.
Who else felt Hummel's sense of responsibility, brotherhood and anger from the film's opening dialogs ? One of the most spine tingling scenes in cinematic action movies 🐐
You have never felt the weight of Leadership until someone under your command dies.
@@robertguzman2179the true burden of command is making the decision to send that which you love into harms way.
One of Ed Harris's best roles. This scene almost brought me to tears. :(
I know the scene word for word and it still tears me up. Harris was born for this Role!
"The day we took hostages we became mercenaries and mercenaries *_GET PAID_* ! I want my f%^king money!!"
Technically they become mercs the day the took the generals offer and turned their back the oath they took. Remember the scene in the showers with the seals? Nonetheless, the man does have a point.
EDIBERTO "EDDIE" LEAL
I understand your point and this is semantics but simply agreeing to Hummel's offer is not a punishable offense or mercenary action as they hadn't yet done anything or taken any money. The only charge possible at that point would have been conspiracy to defraud the US Govt. For the original marines (assuming Frye & Darrow weren't already with them), the first mercenary action was stealing the missiles. For Captain Frye & Captain Darrow and their men, the first mercenary action was taking hostages with Hummel.
I see your point as well Aleatha. However, not my intent to be nit picking here but out of curiosity I do have a question for you. Why conspiracy to "defraud"? Are they conspiring to deceive the government in order to trick them in getting their demands met? From my perspective/understanding of the film I feel the word "coercion" would be a more accurate term to use...wouldn't you agree? They were pretty clear on their motivation and what they planned to do if their demands were not met. Again, just my perspective. I appreciate the feedback.
"Whatever happens, please don't think less of me" - those words get me everytime. As all of us go through life, it has a way of putting us in very difficult positions, forcing us to do things we never even contemplate before, making us all compromise and challenge our integrity and even our sanity......whatever happens, we hope we aren't think less of :(
Stop being a geek and commenting movies dialogs just watch it real life is out there this is just a movie
@@universalbishop5149 I love how you call him a geek for commenting on movie dialogue but then you proceed to comment on his comment
@@e1e20 hahaha! Very good comment sir!
True words
@@universalbishop5149 The thing is, just like quotes from Rocky, this scenario actually holds water outside a hollywood script.
The fact that he waited till his wife died and he had to go get permission from her grave is just heartbreaking
With his wife alive, he'd have one thing left to lose. When she died, he had nothing holding him back
Even more heartbreaking was the fact that he left behind his Medal of Honor...knowing that the distance that he was prepared to go he wouldn't be worthy of that Medal...
@@BlueCollarHockeyFan I'd say the fact that he did it, for the reasons he did it, meant he deserved it more than ever.
It's just... Unbelievably awesome!
They don’t make movies like that anymore🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
It's simply a classic action movie, can't be replaced, won't be a second one like this ❤❤❤
Quite possibly the best action-thriller of the 90s all things considered - cast, plot, filming and last but not least, the excellent Hans Zimmer score.
Ted Johansen it's up there with heat
I've always thought this and Air Force One are the two best action flicks to come out of the 90s. Coincidentally they're also two of the best Die Hard rip-offs ever made.
Really a majestic movie
Yes, would agree with you on that.
@@leighburne4098 of the 3 Die Hard, you meen..?
1988, 1990 and 1995:
Die Hard in New York, is still an impressive movie in my opinion.
Nr Die Hard 4 came 12 years later in 2007.
You said of the 90's, so correction to Die Hard in 1990 and 1995.
What an opening scene. It makes you bond with the antagonist within the first few minutes. He's both a hero and villain, but all the wrongs against him and his men is what created him. One of the few times you feel sorry for a villain in a movie
Especially when he changed his mind.
The main villains of the film are US government officials who sent the general's people to their deaths, and when the general demanded compensation for the victims from their illegal arms sales transactions, they decided to bomb him along with the hostages.
@@ΨΣχ_1988Ω Murrica.
@@faismasterx I don't speak Mexican. Comprende?😄
This movie doesnt even have a villain, hes like you said, an antagonist. An opposing force to the hero but not necessarily bad. And sure there are minor villains like those two marines and gov officials but thats just side characters. Its cool that its not a conventional action movie set up and it totally works!
The most legendary combination in cinematic history, Jerey Bruckheimer and Michael Bay. These two owned the previous 2 decades!
They are great storytellers with action mixed in. The action isn’t the main focus of their movies and that’s why they’re the best.
steven spielberg says hi
Bruckheimer worked as co-producer with Don Simpson on a whole slew of movies before Simpson's death in 1996. E.g. Top Gun, Days Of Thunder, Bad Boys, Crimson Tide and of course The Rock.
I just watched this the other weekend and it's still just as awesome as the day it came out. Ed Harris, Nick Cage, & Sean Connery were at their best - what a film.
This opening, will forever resonate chills to my spine. As a former serviceman, this one hits deep.
Thank you for your Service, Sir..
Sir, Thank you for your service.
Thank you for serving, Sir.
Been to one of those burials, just a handful of people, so many brothers that quietly never came
back to those roaring parades like we did after desert storm or funeral processions of Iraq war
when US flag draped coffins slowly moving along US highways. They ask me "What did you do
in the corps, we hardly heard from you?" My reply, did you ever see Clear and Present Danger?
Never trust the government. That is all I can say.
@@TheRK74 1:31 they don't have clearance to go through enemy lines and they're being told by a general to? They should be relieved from duty for disobeying orders!
Even in 2022, this scene still remains amazing and to my opinion one of the best in film openings.
Agreed, along with Transformers 1, its one of Bay's greatest openings of a film ever
I won't argue since you said one of the best, it still is to this day imo along side Conan 1982. All these movies were done before Hollywood fell down and stopped making actual good movies.
They don’t make movies like they used to anymore. All woke nonsense with fake feelings. That’s why i almost exclusively watch old movies lol
是的 用景很棒 色彩也不错
Best film in the world
The greatest opening scene to any movie. RIP Sean Connery.
Agreed. This is my favorite movie along with escape from new york. They don't make movie's like this anymore.
It really was ahead of its time for 1996. Best music too.
Присоединяюсь. Светлая память Сэру Шону Коннери.
Nostalgia has clouded your judgement
true
Thanks to Hans Zimmer and Michael Bay for the best action movie I have ever seen. Combined with my childhood memories, the emotions overwhelm me. Greetings from 🇪🇪.
"They're not coming for us are they sir?" Can't even imagine the emotional pain Hummel had after hearing that.
Am I the only one who feel Hummel was the hero of the movie?
In a way he was he had no intentions of releasing the gas on innocents he just wanted reparations for the men he loss.
+DGK201 based on the plot, it was the threat of terrorism that the general was banking on, since he had no intentions of killing civilians I wouldn't necessarily call him a terrorist or a traitor to his country
+DGK201 technically your right it is an act of terrorism, but looking at the facts leading up to the general's decision as well as the his true intentions that went against the wishes of the His men who were in it for the money I don't really fault him.
+DGK201 well since this was a movie and didn't actually happen to me or hopefully you, I think your diagnosis is incorrect, plus I believe it is possible for us as people to understand the reasoning behind someone's actions when the facts are presented without condoning or condemning.
+DGK201
The government did it's own wrong in this, otherwise he would've never did what he did.
It was made clear at the start of the film and certain parts within he'd done all he could through normal channels to right this injustice to his men. All of which to have been in vain because the government refused to listen. This is part of why Hummel is such a tragic character. Because he was left no other option to get their attention over this other than a act of terror. You as the viewer can see his intentions on why he did this, you can see the governments refusal throughout the entire film to give in to his demands, even with the severity of what he threatened (us knowing he'd never go through with that bluff but still). They never even tell at the end of the film if Hummel got what he wanted for his men. Making for a bitter sweet ending.
Nothing worse than giving so much for your country all your life, than to be forgotten and your family lied too.
Oath or not, that's an insult beyond measure to a soldier whose given so much. And why I sympathize more with Hummel than the protagonists of the film. In the end it simply depends on your point of view who you side with. Could Hummel have found another way that didn't involve killing civilians who had nothing to do with this? Perhaps, maybe he could have instead kidnapped the congressman and staff in the government who would've been responsible for this neglect, than ransomed them to get the payment for those soldiers Hummel lost.
Also, Hummel never gave the order to open fire on the Navy Seals, that was due to a twitchy Marine who dropped a brick which gave off the impression a shot was fired. Therefore starting the firefight. In fact throughout Hummel was consistently shouting, CEASE FIRE!
Best Micheal Bay film ever made.
When Hans Zimmer defined the action movie score for 20 years.
It's actually Nick-Glennie's soundtrack, not Zimmer's
@@BehindBush afaik it was written by 3 people, Herry Gregson Williams is the third. Or you mean this part?
@@pocok5000 you're right dude, sorry
@@BehindBush He's still wrong. Zimmer did it a year earlier, with Crimson Tide. This was just a continuation
@@BehindBush Zimmer wrote the main theme. Nick Glennie-Smith composed the rest with Gregson Williams.
Definitely one of the best opening scenes of all time. Don / Jerry and Michael were such a fantastic team together.
Netflix: Skip Intro?
Me: Don't disrespect me Brother..
This opening scene alone is better than what Michael Bay's done in the past decade.
Tyler Myers This movie was back when Michael Bay didn't have money fever, and actually cared about at least having a half-decent movie.
LOL!!!
Tyler Myers more likenbetter than what hea done in his entire career
He doesn't get enough credit for what, I believe, to be his best film... The Island... and even though the second half of that film went off the rails with the overdone action sequences; I swear, the first half promised to be one of the better sci-fi movies I've seen. Sean Bean and Ewan McGregor both killed their respective parts. Steve Buscemi needed more screen time, though.
PAIN AND GAIN WAS AWESOME
THE ROCK WAS AWESOME
TRANSFORMERS SUCKS!!!!!
TMNT BLOWS!!!!!!
Him leaving his Medal of Honor on his wife's grave means that he knew what he was going to do ran contrary to the values and actions that got it awarded to him.
In a sense, he felt that he was no longer worthy to wear it, both because he was about to become the monster he had fought all this while in his career, and that it was awarded to him by a government that did not care for his men.
So much power in this scene.
SoranPryde, well said
Guess you could see it as him leaving behind a representation of the best of him with his wife, its honourable/romantic/honest all in one.
He considered himself dead at that moment. His wife was gone, he felt his country betrayed his men and now he was about to betray his country. The man that was awarded the Medal of Honor was gone.
This was easily one of the most powerful openings for any movie in history, not only for its dramatic impact but because Hollywood or not, it tells the ugly story of politics and how it effects the men who volunteer to defend the constitution some of them with their lives. I understand why Hummel felt he had to avenge his men.
@SoranPryde well goddamn... I believe that best describes the general's current situation. Well said 👍
The calmness in the Marines voice when he says "there not coming for us are they sir" . He knew he wasn't coming home with a flag drapped over him salute to all those serving and who served and a special thank you to those who gave everything. 😢😢
Nope, he knew he wasn't coming home at all. These Force Recons were tasked with conducting black operations, so they were disavowed by the government so their deaths were completely covered up, leading their families being told lies (or not told anything), receiving no compensation, had all their military family benefits revoked.
@@dallasyap3064 i meant to say he knew he wasn't coming home but Auto correct felt other wise on my original comment. It's amazing how under funded marine recon is and they can still complete tasks just as well and efficient as tier 1 special operations Forces. Unfortunately for recon is it's under the umbrella of the Marines(don't know the exact name of it) which is why recon doesn't receive adequate funding but in 2006 marsoc was created under the socom umbrella which meant more funding and training but respect to both units. My dad and uncle were Marines in Vietnam. My uncle saw way more action than my dad to the point he refused to talk about it even when I needed information because I was doing my senior project paper on Marines in Vietnam. I do know that after my uncle got out of the military he was contracted to go places for the government and teach hand to hand combat survival. I learned a lot from my uncle about just life in general. Wise man
@@Too-Way-Street Yup, Force Recons are not well funded compared to SOCOM units, but they're still very capable in what they do. That's one of the things that makes them impressive. Force Recons are under the Fleet Marine Force (the umbrella that u mentioned) though administratively they're under the Recon Batts. USMC leaders finally decided to set up MARSOC under SOCOM after seeing marines weren't utilized in the early days of the Enduring Freedom, where most fightings were done by SOFs. As for your uncle, I kinda suspect that he was a Force Recon too, since u mentioned he did way more action and refused to talk about it (I'm assuming could be black ops such as those conducted by MACV-SOG of which some Force Recons were part of). To my understanding back then Force Recons were also conducting some unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense, so make sense if the government contracted your uncle to teach stuff.
@@dallasyap3064 he wasn't black ops, well he said he wasn't. According to My dad he said the reason he didn't talk about It was just because how they were drafted at such a young age and thrown into a really violent, gruesome, and unspeakable world so quickly as 19 year old kids. When he retired from military after the beruit situation in the 80s the jobs he did for contract work weren't classified because when I did ask him what he did, he did tell me which was throughout the 1990s up until 2004 he would get hired by law enforcement agencies around the united States to teach various law enforcement departments in tactics , weapons, how to properly do intelligence gathering on criminal investigations and he taught survival street combat (krav maga) Because of him I got into boxing, krav maga
@@Too-Way-Street Well he still might be one part of an intel unit, since he taught law enforcement agencies on how to collect intel during his contract work. But anyways, sounds like he's a cool guy.
This opening scene is better than the whole independence day resurgence movie.
LoL
As far as I'm concerned, Independence Day is a standalone film.
And The sun is brighter than Chicken.
you didn't set up the bar high though...
eec the same to me. ID4 is enough to itself (I hope you understand me... 🤔).
Was with the USMC from 1986-2001. Was an O-3 (Captain) when I received my honorary discharge.
I remember my now ex-wife (fiancé then) and visiting two of my younger brothers and their partners back in 1996 (one was with the US Navy from 1992-2002; the other was US Army Rangers, 1993-98 (later went into law enforcement), and one day, they took me to lunch and to see THIS movie afterwards!!!
I had just received my O-1 (2nd Lt.) commission and I was soon to be deployed to partake in Operation Balkan Peace. When asked what I thought about the film, out of patriotism and adherence to Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful), if I DID have an opinion, I didn’t feel at liberty at the time, to say what I REALLY felt (given 🇺🇸’s socio-political climate at the time!!!).
Looking back, and given everything that’s come to pass from 1996-the present, I can’t really blame Brig. Gen. Hummel for his actions!!!
My response, however, was as follows:
“Kyle, Tommy, I took the same oath as you guys, to serve this country to the best of my ability, AND to defend Her from ALL enemies, both foreign AND domestic.”
When I said that, deep down, I meant the PEOPLE of this country. Elected officials and bureaucrats come and go. In the end, nothing REALLY changes except the names of the powers-that-be who give you your marching orders.
I’m happily married for the second time now, with three adopted kids (two boys and a girl), all three all grown up now and doing well in life. I’m also retired as well. Any sworn oath I have NOW, I have to them…
🫶🏻🙌👍🏻✊🏻✌️🤘🏻💪🏻🙏💚🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💙
Oh so you bailed right when GWOT kicked off? Wow dude that’s weak
@@TheInfantry98
I WANTED to partake in the GWOT, Bro…🙁, but I’ll tell ya what happened:
In 1996-97, I was attached to UN Peacekeeping forces in the Balkans. I don’t wanna go TOO DEEP into it, but there was this one incident over there, where we were engaged with hostiles who were acting…suspicious. Turns out, following the fire fight, these hostiles (before they were neutralized!!) were covering these bodies in a mass grave and pouring lime over the bodies!!!
DUDE, that reminded me of the stories my Papa/maternal grandpa-God Rest his Soul 💐💐💐 1/31/1921-12/21/2003💐💐💐-saw in Europe during WWII. YES, he was witness to Nazi atrocities when he took part in the liberation of some of these concentration camps!!! My Nanna CLAIMED it took her 20 yrs to get The War off his mind. My friend, I can tell you FIRST HAND, that you NEVER get over SH!T like that!!! He didn’t and neither did I.
Somalia/Operation Restore Hope was bad enough!!! I NEVER sleep through the night to this very day. The “encore of WWII” atrocities didn’t help matters either…one MANY levels!!!
Following a psych eval’ a month after, I was deemed to be:
“…suitable to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a commissioned officer of the USMC…
“…however, based on a thorough psych/medical assess’, [so and so] should be deemed no longer fit for combat-related assignment.”
NOW, Dear Friend, TELL ME, is THAT “weak”, or what?!?!?!
Following 9/11, I TRIED to get reactivated. Unfortunately, my doctor WOULD NOT clear me for combat duty…☹️, especially given my newfound “commission” as a single dad AND my position w/ the Dept. of Defense. I was even willing to be simply a “uniformed field observer”, but my doctor AND my D of D boss said “…NO DICE…PERIOD!!!” I could remain a commissioned officer and gone “lifer”, but, my future military career would’ve been as a “desk jockey”…☹️.
This men died for their country and we're not even given a goddam military burial...really heart touching words
This movie started my 15-year old self to begin thinking about how a film is made behind the scenes…and Hans Zimmer’s score was a BIG part of that ❤️❤️❤️ LOVE IT!
This is one of the most compelling "antagonists" in history for me. He's a good man, an honorable one too, pushed to his breaking point because of a corrupt and indifferent govt. He wasnt after riches, or power, he just wanted justice for his men.
Putin
Putin tell it To General Francis X. Hummel
@@VarlamDWMA so many are comparing Hummell to Putin. I'll be open minded here. Please explain. I won't condemn or condone, I just want to understand your view
.. And is the true nature of men like him. A proper Warrior to the end. Sometimes you've got to kick the door down to get people's attention - sad but true.
@UCqJqu4MQTkXwvPKfZ2U4Chg More power to NATO and a free Ukraine .. Commie nut jobs like Putin need nipped in the bud - Endex
Ill be honest, i feel like this is one of the GREATEST openings for a film ever created. Just something about it, that really captures your heart and soul. I rooted for Ed Harris the whole movie when I first saw it years ago. Ed Harris quite honestly one of the greatest actors this world has seen
ed harris is like the best war movie actor ever
Emil and Sean the best action movie actor.....
will say this is the best Ed harris movie, The Rock
Enemy at the gates , he was great german sniper role
When Michael Bay directs one of his movies, with powerhouse actors in the main roles, it hits different than his usual movies he makes.
Hummel's Awards and Citations (best that I could see)
Right side: Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry
Left side: Uniform Services Diver, Marine Corp Parachutist
Navy Cross, Silver Star w/ repeat, Legion of Merit, Navy and Marine Corp Medal Bronze Star, Purple Heart with double repeat
Air Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Joint Service Commendation, Navy and Marine Commendation, Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal
Marine Corp Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/ Repeat, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Services Medal w/ repeat, Southwest Asia Service Medal
Not pictured: Medal of Honor (noticeably in his pocket before he rests it upon his wife's grave)
Congressional Medal of Jesus
Kinda reminds me of Smedley Butler. Who was at the time of his death. The most decorated Marine in history.
@@thegunslinger1363 Wasn't he awarded MoH twice? Wowwww
@@screenshottactical5201 Yeah that's right. You should read his book War is a Racket.
With all those awards you mentioned above he should have been awarded the Combat Action Ribbon as well.
I thought Ed Harris was perfectly cast. He looks and behaves like a marine officer very well in the movie.
He's an excellent actor.
And it's not the first time Ed Harris portray a Marine soldier. At The Right Stuff, he portrayed the Marine astronaut: John Glenn.
I’ve watched this movie at least 50 times. Ed Harris is criminally underrated and a great actor.
Pure goose bumps… I have long passed my youth… many things have changed… but the feeling this scene gives is still the same…. Goosebumps and tears…. Always wanted to be a soldier…
“Marine”
this scene brings tears to my eyes, "there not coming for us are they sir?"
God damn man...
this is the most american opening scene that america has ever americad
Better than India Bollywood
You've never seen Patton.
@@Murray9452 I still don’t see how he can turn bad.
What do you expect? It’s a Michael bay movie
Oh my america....
This is surely one of the best intros in movie history. The movie never got the credit which it has deserved.
ولكنة قد حصل بالفعل علي التقدير من كل مقاتلي الوحدات الخاصة في العالم . تحياتي من مصر
I love how they showed us everything we need to know about the antagonist of this movie in 3 minutes 9 seconds. That's effective writing.
This intro was 3:45 long, and it explained all there is to know about Hummel.
Bonus points for the fact that it was done without a British narrator shoving exposition down our throats the entire time.
Very well-written and shot intro that outdoes most of the crap coming out of Hollywood these days.
Yep, and what he is about to do. Justice is coming.
yes! perfect exposition done this way. very powerful, dont need to know any more. its got my attention
I seed cioka la masute!
and his wife!
This is a man who betrayed his govermont, his superiors, BUT HE NEVER BETRAYED TRULY HIS HEART AND COUNTRY, never... I dont approve his methods, but this man... I would place my life in hands of MEN like this leading me in some battle.
ed harris is a legend, classic for life, they dont make movies like this anymore, 10/10
And Seen Conery
Wie alt bist du?
27 years later, still one of my favourite movies. great cast, epic pictures and for me the most phenomenal score in modern film !!!
would love to watch it in a big movie theater again.
Aye, Bay had some real bangers early in his career. Its kinda odd how his later work doesn't stack up nearly as well.
@@KlaaismMichael Bay has done lots of good films despite all the hate he gets regularly.
Hell of an opening...just unforgettable epic...
Ed Harris is a legend..
The score itself is phenomenal, but the voiceover hits right in the feels, especially at 01:39.
Mr. Pilgrim - it is an amazing score indeed. Have the entire soundtrack on my iPod, and I can't tell you how many times I've listened to it. If it was vinyl there would be holes in it.
I just got done watching THE ROCK tonight. What a brilliant movie directed by Michael Bay. I think this is his best work especially to have three big stars on screen.
This score is what made me first realize that Hans Zimmer was not a mere composer... He was destined to greatness. I wasn't wrong.
Quite the convenient epiphany you had, considering the man already had 20 years experience and had won an Academy Award for best original score, just 1 year prior to the release of "The Rock"
If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're completely full of scheisse...
This opening is made more telling and relevant after what's happened today at Kabul airport. 13 men down in the service of their country. RIP
LtCol Scheller is going to be the modern day General Hummel.
@@ryudragonpunch9025 no, he didn’t. He retracted everything he said after suddenly realizing that continually posting right wing crazy nonsense after being ordered not to by his superiors lands you in jail. He lawyered up real fast after that.
Also the attack on Benghazi
God...this opening sequence. It just tears you apart. Really tugs at those heart strings. You can feel his anguish. They don't make em like this any more.
Best opening of any movie ever made and noone can change my mind. Incredibly powerful
Ed Harris was incredible in this film. To tell you the truth. From someone who was born in the early 2000s. I feel jealous for those who saw Hollywood at it's best. As far as I'm concerned. The film industry has gone to sh**. Going to the cinema was supposed to be about escapism and fun. Not about the pointless remakes and franchises.
Yeah, film industry is fill of inclusive and superhero shit
@@edwardmartin4169 inclusive stuff is fine as long as it's not the main point. if the story comes first then its fine
That's what everyone was saying back then lol.
💯 you are right, unfortunately
@@justvid366 All Hollywood is doing nowadays. Is pandering to 16 year olds, political correctness, and China. There are great films being made today. But nothing compared to what it was.
I first watched this movie in 1997, and this movie still gives me the chills. Ed Harris was truly the star of this movie, the PERFECT fit.
Indeed
Holy crap. Nicholas Cage was in this movie AND Michael Bay directed it. And it was actually good?!?! The stars must have aligned for this one.
In the end, a really good story can handle anything. The likes of Aaron Sorkin and Tarantino worked on the script.
If Michael Bay did not do amazing work before, Hollywood wont let me blew millions and millions dollars later.
Simpson/Bruckheimer
That duo made gold from horse shit numerous times
Too bad that cocaine was doing some work and in the end Simpson did it too much
Nicholas Cage has been in a lot of good movies.
They got Sean Connery to star as well...
최고의 명장면 중 하나...
30여 년이 지나고 나서야 이 영화를 알게 됐습니다
너무 늦게 알아버렸습니다...
Spoiler alert: Hummel was the hero, the U.S. government was the villian.
i agree...soooo much.
Always has been
every government of this world there is a villain....
@@bonyap9249 all govt is a necessary evil.
Same as in Apocalypse Now and Die Hard 2.
Music by Zimmer is one hell of an element. Dramatic and gives goosebumps all the time
a powerful and strong opening for any film, as an ex soldier, the Character portrayed by Ed Harris, General Hummel I for one would respect enormously, I know it was only a film, but ask yourselves this one question, How many times have British and American troops been left to fend for them selves due to Political Expediency and left to rot and die in some hell hole because it all went tits up, More than even I dare to imagine, " I miss you so Much, There's something I gotta do Barb, Something I couldn't do while you were here, I tried, you know I tried everything, And I still don't have there attention, lets's hope this elevates their thinking. But whatever happens, Please don't think less of me " General Hummel placing his Medal of Honour on his dead wife's headstone, Strong and emotive, God bless all our troops whatever flag they march under and bring them all home, Safe and sound
David Moyes I know im late. Alot
Although i feel with Hummel and know he was right, like you said, they shouldnt be in a shithole country to begin with for wrong reasons. Soldiers have to defend their country in their own country and not fight for oil in someone elses country. Then yes you have that chance to be left alone, cuz you shouldnt be there to begin with and politicians know that!
@@Haarlemmer Well said. This is the truth that 98% Americans don't understand. Young patriotic people are lured into the military on the pretense of defending their homeland but what they actually do is destroying some other country.
True.. Very True
This is probably the most beautiful and traumatic opening i've ever seen. And I've seen it in theatre back in the days.
One of the best opening to a movie ever!
For me, only the best ever.
Very touching.....
The emprah protects
Melvin Chong It is either this opening scene or gladiator opening scene
Yea. I think is the best
Michael Bay best movie ......ever.
kensky Watch Pain and Gain
@@rahulgunwal3097 that's a different rock.lol
This is a powerful opening but the attention to detail is what I appreciate most. As a former officer, it was noticing the guns clacking to the salute position as Harris walked by and returned a respectful salute, that made me really appreciate this segment most. 2:30. However, I'd be blown away if such a spur-of-the-moment salute actually happened that well!
Thank you for your service, Sir..
Probably due to the fact that he was clearly a decorated general
Sir, thank you for your service.
@@jeremybarcelo6486 more like a highly decorated general
That was the first thing that caught my attention. I was too feeble to serve, but my family’s history goes back to the Civil War. I was fortunate enough to get a good education and travel for work for a Fortune 500 company. I made lots of $. But whenever I saw service members in the airport, I always picked up the tab anonymously. I tried to pay it back for my Daddy, a Vietnam vet who was spit on when he got home.
The only person Hummel was ever worried about being judged by was his wife. That's a dedicated husband.
I had forgotten how powerful that scene was. I've got a feeling we're about to see something similar soon. God bless us and help us all! Semper Fi
Probably happens more than we think.
Hoorah !!!!
What an opening. Dramatic music, voices of desperate men fighting for their lives, lots of slow motion, big on screen letters with fire. Nothing could be more 90s.
Harris should get Oscar for that scene!
...
Probably, this may well be the best opening scene ever made.
gotta admit, when I was a kid this scene made me teared up a bit. Now I’m about 40 and it still is epic as hell. Saw in the other comment that someone got so motivated that he joined the marines. That’s the beauty of cinema :)
I grew up reading a bunch of military stuff, Tom Clancy, Dick Marcinko, that kind of thing. At the end of the day you will know this is just a movie. Generals don’t die for their soldiers. Actually it’s quite the opposite:( Still love this scene though.
Nearly 40 here too, and I know just what you mean. Like, I mostly knew Sean Connery from my dad's Bond movies on VHS. I saw this in the cinema as a very impressionable teenager and it's still one of the coolest things I've ever seen. But amongst the genre thrills, this was the first time I'd seen a "bad" guy who wasn't wrong. This turned me on to reading that military stuff too. Generals may not die for their soldiers, it's true. But the good ones wish they did.
I was wondering if Dwayne Johnson got his name The Rock from this.
Marine here, it’s not just a movie it’s more real than you know. Art imitates life.
Officers, especially gen, col and maj use bodies of their troops to advance their profesional goals and personal egos.
Probably the most iconic movie intro ever made!
"Congressman Weaver and esteemed members of the Special Armed Services Committee...I come before you to protest a grave injustice."
"It has to stop."
Aleatha Vogel and they didn’t listen.
He exhausted every right way to resolve the issue without any results.
I remember this soo vividly from my childhood, the most moving intro and score I've ever seen still to this day.
I'm neither a serviceman nor an american but seeing those Marines folding the flag over the casket literally makes me sniffle and tear up, masterful.
Still gives me chills, almost 20 years later. Hans Zimmer + Ed Harris = epic opening scene
Jaña
+ Michael Bay
One of Sean Connery's best film, rest in peace.