MovieChat Forums > Hell in the Pacific (1968) Discussion > 'Oh, for a second there I thought you we...

'Oh, for a second there I thought you were a Jap' (Spoilers)

posted 13 years ago by grantss
2 replies | jump to latest

This line, spoken by Lee Marvin, summed up for me how the relationship between the two characters had changed during the course of the movie. Plus, it is very funny, if you think about it.

Initially they were bitter enemies. By the time they reach the bombed-out base on the island, they are comrades.

(Marvin says these words while they are clambering about in the bombed-out base. He is startled by a noise, only to find it is Toshiro Mifune.)

Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir, I have tried in my way to be free

[–] Suzume-san 12 years ago

Yes, lovely line and very funny.

Just prior to that, when Marvin's character thinks the base may still be manned by American troops, he runs out into the open, shouting "Don't shoot! Don't shoot! He's my friend!"

They are comrades - until they get shaved, cleaned up, put on fresh uniforms, sit down and look at each other and suddenly see the enemy. And then they get drunk, of course.

[–] chrissso 9 years ago

Only point in this entire film that I laughed. All in all a pretty lame film ... great concept but poor execution.