This is undeniably one of the most iconic macho movies ever made. The Dirty Dozen was directed by Robert Aldrich and adapted for the screen by Nunnally Johnson & Lukas Heller from a novel by E. M. Nathanson. The film stars Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Telly Savalas, Charles Bronson, John Cassavetes, Donald Sutherland, Richard Jaeckel, Robert Ryan and Jim Brown. The story unfolds in 1944, shortly before D-Day. Major Reisman (Marvin) is a nonconformist who frequently clashes with his superiors. Consequently, he’s tasked with assembling a group of criminal soldiers to carry out a dangerous mission: destroying a château in France. While the château itself isn't strategically important, it serves as a retreat for several high-ranking Nazi officials; its destruction would significantly disrupt German plans. The question is whether this collection of murderers, rapists and thieves can become an effective fighting force? Their reward for survival is amnesty, but Reisman faces considerable challenges on both sides of the conflict. A sequence of numbered instructions guides their actions: "One: down to the road block, we've just begun.. Two: the guards are through.. Three: the Major's men are on a spree.. Four: Major and Wladislaw go through the door.. Five: Pinkley stays out in the drive.. Six: the Major gives the rope a fix.. Seven: Wladislaw throws the hook to heaven.. Eight: Jiménez has got a date.. Nine: the other guys go up the line.. Ten: Sawyer and Gilpin are in the pen.. Eleven: Posey guards points five and seven.. Twelve: Wladislaw and the Major go down to delve.. Thirteen: Franko goes up without being seen.. Fourteen: Zero-hour, Jiménez cuts the cable, Franko cuts the phone.. Fifteen: Franko goes in where the others have been.. Sixteen: We all come out like it's Halloween..." The Dirty Dozen has become a beloved holiday tradition alongside films like The Great Escape, Zulu and The Magnificent Seven. While it certainly deserves this recognition, its cynicism and morally ambiguous nature are surprising additions to holiday viewing schedules—aspects that contribute to the film’s appeal. Initially receiving mixed reviews, with critics citing excessive violence and an improbable plot, the movie was a box office success, ranking as the fifth-highest grosser of the year and generating significant profit relative to its budget. Released during the Vietnam War era, audiences readily embraced the film's themes. More than 50 years after its release, Aldrich’s movie remains highly enjoyable and shows no signs of age. What makes it a great film? First is the impressive cast assembled by Aldrich and his team; established stars like Marvin (stepping in when John Wayne declined), Borgnine, Ryan and Bronson were joined by up-and-coming actors such as Cassavetes, Sutherland and Savalas (who replaced Jack Palance after he objected to the character’s racial aggression), alongside dependable performers like Jaeckel & Robert Webber. The cast also includes unique additions: singer Trini Lopez and former football player Jim Brown. Clint Walker further enhances the film's appeal. Secondly, the movie helped popularize the trend of portraying criminals as heroes, solidifying its influence on subsequent films. Thirdly, it’s consistently funny amidst the action and packed with adventure. Those seeking deeper meaning can also find explorations of questionable morals and a stark portrayal of the horrors of war. The film follows a straightforward structure: introducing the characters, showcasing their training, and then executing the mission. It has been criticized for its lack of realism, but that may not be necessary in what is essentially an entertaining male fantasy. The movie also deserves credit for acknowledging brutality on both sides of the conflict. While the characters are largely stereotypes and the plot somewhat predictable, they embody a desire many viewers share—to embrace their inner rebel. Aldrich maintained he wasn’t aiming to deliver a message but rather explore camaraderie and unlikely heroism, and the film avoids heavy-handed moralizing. The action sequences are expertly crafted from one of America's most underrated directors. It was beautifully shot in 70mm MetroColor/MetroScope by Edward Scaife (Night of the Demon/Khartoum) and features a lively musical score by Frank De Vol (Cat Ballou/The Flight of the Phoenix). It’s not a perfect film, but it's cherished by millions and continues to attract new viewers who appreciate its entertainment value. As a child, I wanted to be Lee Marvin because of this movie, and that desire hasn’t diminished with age—another reason why The Dirty Dozen is so great. 10/10

Source on TMDB