 HAMBURGER HILL is the graphically real story of the fight to take Dong Ap Bia in
the A Shau Valley during the Vietnam War. The film follows a fictional squad of soldiers
in the 101st Airborne Division just before and during the battle for the hill. Although
the soldiers in the film are fictional, the events and almost all of the individual
actions shown during the battle really happened. The
fighting for "Hamburger Hill", as it was nicknamed, was brutal and prolonged.
This film has been criticized for it's vivid depiction of the violence. Yet, all wars are
brutal and violent. This is true from Alexander's conquest of Persia to Caesar or Napoleon
or, earlier in our century, World Wars I and II. This film succeeds in capturing that
violence.
As you use the pages in this site, there are links from the plot
summary and outline pages
to the corresponding description of the real events from May 10th through May 21st 1969. You are
encouraged to switch back and forth between the pages to compare the film's depiction of
the story with the actual one.
Whatever your feelings are about the Vietnam War, I hope you gain a new appreciation of
the courage and bravery of the soldiers of the 101st Airborne "Sceaming Eagles"
-- true American heros.
HAMBURGER HILL is one of
three films on this site that cover the Vietnam War. The others are Full Metal Jacket and Platoon. They are part of the larger History in Film web site that supports teaching history
using popular films. It includes films from Rome up to the war in Vietnam.
I'd enjoy hearing your comments on this site. Please sign the Guestbook.
I hope you enjoy your visit.
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