Things are always mixed
I read a comment somewhere on this board that whatever the political beliefs of the makers of this picture, it never becomes preachy, that though Collins seems foolish, Jamison is no less foolish. This is one of the things I love best about this film. Though the film does have a anti-imperialist tinge to it, Even a man like Collins is seen as a honorable man trying to do what seems best in an impossibe situation. While there is much sympathy shown for the Chinese nationalists, they are not let off the hook either, and seem as do most human beings under great stress, capable of excessive acts of violence. Oddly, pacifist Jamison is finally seen as the most foolish of all for believing in the inate goodness of man and the idea that he might use a piece of paper as a shield.
"Things are always mixed" said Sam Peckinpah, the good and bad together. I suppose I am no different. Though I detest sham patriotism, that scene where they hoist the battle flag always gives me a chill, makes me think of all the other times in history that battle flag was hoisted and all the men that died under it, as well as the values and land and people it represents. Those things do make that scene stirring, as the prelude to battle must always be. The simple fact that this will be a nasty, nearly pointless little battle do not alter the earlier feelings of excitement and pride. Not pride in being an American, but pride in the granduer and folly of the human animal. Ah Mr Peckinpah, you knew us, and yourself too well. And it destroyed you. -D. W. Bassett