“March or Die” is a gritty, gutsy adventure film set in the rugged terrain of the French Sahara. It follows a band of French Foreign Legionnaires led by an experienced captain as they fight against rebellious tribes, harsh conditions, and personal demons while trying to establish peace in the desert. Amidst sandstorms and gunfire, the soldiers learn hard lessons about loyalty, sacrifice, and survival in a brutal world where death lurks around every dune.”
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Review
March or Die: The Untold Story of a Legend
March or Die is a British epic war drama film, released in 1977, that tells the story of a group of French Foreign Legionnaires struggling with desert warfare in Morocco during the Rif War. It stars Gene Hackman, Terence Hill, Catherine Deneuve, Max von Sydow, and Ian Holm. The film was directed by Dick Richards and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
The movie follows Captain Foster (Hackman), an experienced soldier who is given the task of leading a group of Legionnaires to protect a Moroccan village from an uprising led by El Krim (von Sydow). Along the way, they encounter Marco Segrain (Hill), a sharpshooter who becomes their best ally against the enemy forces.
The plot takes place in 1925 and revolves around the strategic importance of French-controlled Morocco for both France and Spain. The film is based on actual events that occurred during the Rif War between 1920 and 1926. The Rif War was fought between Spanish colonial forces and Berber tribesmen led by Abdelkrim El Khattabi.
March or Die was filmed in Spain’s Almeria desert and features some breathtaking cinematography capturing the vastness of its landscape. The movie score was composed by Maurice Jarre, who created an immersive soundtrack that sets the mood for each scene.
The movie features some great acting performances from Gene Hackman as Captain Foster, who displays his leadership skills throughout the film. Terence Hill brings humor to his role as Marco Segrain while portraying him as a strong-willed fighter with exceptional shooting abilities. Catherine Deneuve delivers an impressive performance as Simone Picard – a doctor working in one of the remote African villages – providing intimacy amidst harsh conditions.
Max von Sydow plays El Krim – one of North Africa’s most notorious rebels – bringing an air of authority and urgency to his character. Ian Holm delivers a captivating performance as Major William Sherman – a man whose tentativeness and reluctance end up endangering the entire mission.
The film received mixed reviews, many of them citing the slow pace of the plot and lack of character development. Despite this, March or Die resonated well with audiences at the time of its release, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1977.
March or Die boasts some unforgettable scenes, such as the opening sequence showing French Foreign Legionnaires marching in unison under a powerful score. The scene is beautifully shot and effectively sets the tone for what’s to come.
One of the most memorable lines in March or Die comes from Captain Foster: “the only way to get out of a desert is to ride it out.” The quote showcases Captain Foster’s determination and highlights his unwavering resolve to lead his men through adversity.
The movie’s production was not without its challenges. The filming location – Spain’s Almeria desert – posed many logistical problems. Filming on location meant that cast members had to contend with extreme heat, sandstorms, and unexpected weather patterns.
Despite these challenges, Director Dick Richards managed to create an immersive world for viewers – capturing lonely landscapes, arid horizons, and expansive skies. The film’s stunning visuals are a testament to Richards’ ability to bring a vast landscape alive on screen.
The movie’s special effects also deserve praise for their excellent execution. From explosions to gunfire, each effect adds a level of realism that immerses viewers into this harsh environment.
March or Die remains a cult classic that has stood the test of time. With its epic story and well-executed production values, it continues to remain popular with war movie enthusiasts worldwide.
In conclusion, March or Die is an excellent example of how a filmmaker balances action-packed sequences with personal stories while capturing an untold part of history. The movie’s legacy is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its cast and crew, who brought the story to life with stunning visuals, powerful music, and excellent acting performances. March or Die is a must-watch for anyone interested in war drama movies that offer an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 107
- Release : 1977-09-08
- Genre : Drama, Adventure, War
- Cast : Gene Hackman as Major William Sherman Foster, Terence Hill as Marco Segrain, Catherine Deneuve as Simone Picard, Max von Sydow as François Marneau, Ian Holm as El Krim
- Crew : Jerry Bruckheimer as Producer, John Alcott as Director of Photography, Maurice Jarre as Original Music Composer, John C. Howard as Editor, Maude Spector as Casting
- Popularity 9.688
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Associated General Films, ITC Entertainment
- Summary : Just after World War I, Major Foster is incorporating new recruits into his French Foreign Legion platoon when he is sent to his former remote outpost located in the French Morocco to protect an archaeological excavation from El Krim, a Rifian leader who intends to unite all local tribes to fight the colonial government…
- Tagline : They obeyed but one command
