Band of the Hand

Band of the Hand is a thrilling action-adventure crime movie that came out in 1986, directed by Paul Michael Glaser and produced by Michael Mann. Penned by Leo Garen and Jack Barry, the film spans a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes and features noteworthy performances by seasoned actors like Stephen Lang, Michael Carmine and the then up-and-coming Lauren Holly, among others.

Set against the sunlit, palm-tree-lined backdrop of Miami, Florida, the film opens up with an in-depth look into the grim reality of the city’s escalating crime rates. In the attempt to restore order and reduce youth crime, the city's complicated penal system is trying to devise alternative forms of rehabilitation.

To this end, the city's criminal justice system comes up with an innovative and audacious solution: give selected young delinquents a second chance by placing them in a grueling environmental survival program. This is where the enigmatic Vietnam War veteran and wilderness survival expert, Joe (Stephen Lang), steps into the frame. Skilled, determined, and unwavering in his mission, Joe is entrusted with the responsibility of shaping these young men into better versions of themselves and ultimately, into law-abiding citizens.

Five small-time juvenile delinquents serving time in prison are chosen to be the first ones to join this experimental program. Their diverse backgrounds, far-removed histories, and inherent characteristics add a layer of richness to the narrative. Their initial interactions are marked by suspicion, rivalry, and conflict, encapsulating the challenge Joe endeavored to undertake. However, as they are pushed to their limits in the dangerous swamplands of the Florida Everglades, they learn to put aside their differences and work together, revealing the underlying theme of the movie - unity in adversity.

As the title suggests, 'Band of the Hand' arises when these five young men, after enduring and surviving harsh conditions in the wilderness and trained under the hardcore regimen of Joe, form a cohesive and disciplined team, a true band forged in hardship. After proving their mettle, they are sent back to Miami, with a painful past left behind and a daunting task in front of them.

Back in city-life, the newly formed 'Band of the Hands' must face its most formidable enemy yet - the underworld crime syndicate that is holding their neighborhood hostage. They are forced to dig deep into the skills and disciplines they learned in the wilderness to confront this threat, engaging in a tense and action-packed struggle against the drug lords who view them as threats to their unlawful empires.

In the midst of this high-stakes conflict, Stephen Lang delivers an exceptional performance as Joe, balancing the roles of a stern drill sergeant, survivalist expert, and compassionate mentor with adept ease. Michael Carmine, playing one of the juvenile delinquents, also shines, showing great character development as the film progresses. As his determination and survival instincts are tested in the wilderness and then again in the urban jungle, we see how his character truly embodies the spirit of the 'band.'

Lauren Holly, in one of her early roles in cinema, adds a layer of charm and innocence to this otherwise hardened ensemble. She plays an important part in driving the narrative forward, helping to highlight the stark difference between the harsh realities of the streets and the normal life these young men are striving to uphold.

The movie also makes innovative use of music, much of which is markedly influenced by popular tunes of the 80s, serving as an added reminder of the period during which the film was made. The title track, crafted by Bob Dylan and performed by the band 'The Heartbreakers', perfectly exemplifies the film's overarching theme – unity, defiance, and transformation.

In conclusion, Band of the Hand is an engaging and underappreciated venture from the mid-80s that combined elements of action, adventure, crime, and drama in a unique way. Its experimental approach to the reformative process, combined with a compelling narrative, memorable performances, and exhilarating soundtrack, makes this movie a must-watch for any classic film enthusiast.