Strike Commando

Strike Commando, released in 1987, is a testament to the essence of action and war genre cinema that was characteristic for the era. The movie centers on the epic adventure of an elite American soldier, starring the acclaimed B-movie actor of the time, Reb Brown, in the leading role.

In the film, Reb Brown brings to life the character of Mike Ransom, a commendable hero archetype, a formidable strike commando who finds himself facing extraordinary circumstances in the throes of the Vietnam War. In addition to his unparalleled combat skills, Ransom’s strong moral compass and indomitable spirit imbue his character with an irresistible charisma, garnering the empathy and admiration of the viewers.

Ransom, the film’s protagonist, is a part of an elite band of soldiers assigned to covertly infiltrate enemy lines to conduct a high-stakes, critical sabotage mission. Director Bruno Mattei draws us into a world filled with tense moments and unexpected turns, masterfully leading up to scenes of explosive action. The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing the horrific consequences of war, all while entrapping viewers as our heroic strike commando endures immense adversities under the vicious and ruthless regime of his opponents.

Complementing Reb Brown's performance is Christopher Connelly, portraying Colonel Radek, an uncompromising and highly-skilled Russian operative who wields considerable influence among the Vietcong troops. The interaction between Brown and Connelly’s characters heightens the movie's tension and unpredictability, leading up to a dramatic opposition between the American commando and the Russian colonel. The convincing antagonistic portrayal by Connelly escalates the film's suspense, ensuring viewers are hooked till the very end.

Moreover, the character of Le Due, enacted by the talented Louise Kamsteeg, brings another dimension to the film. As a local with a murky past, Le Due adds a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative, resulting in multiplied stakes and intensified conflicts. The diverse and nuanced character backdrop enriches the storyline, adding depth to the movie’s thrilling plot.

The movie explores themes of survival, courage, duty, camaraderie, and sacrifice that underpin the realities of war. At the same time, the triumphant spirit of our strike commando hero, his relentless willpower, and his unwavering dedication, even in the face of dire circumstances, create an inspiring subtext that resonates through the film.

Strike Commando also offers an abundance of incredible action sequences, bombastic explosions, and high-speed firefights. All these elements are brought to life using practical effects and stunt work that was a trademark of 80s action cinema. Combined with the atmospheric jungle set, all this results in an authentic portrayal of war-time chaos and destruction, providing a realistic cinema experience.

The film is enhanced by a fitting musical score that accompanies the thrilling action sequences, which judiciously punctuates the highs and lows of Ransom's harrowing journey. Meanwhile, the cinematography leverages the jungles and rivers' paradisiacal landscapes to contrast beautifully with the grim reality of war, adding a unique aesthetic to the film.

Director Bruno Mattei's Strike Commando leverages the successful formula of 1980s action cinema—replete with muscular heroes, menacing villains, and explosive action—to create a remarkable war film. The movie's narrative presents an engaging blend of intrigue, suspense, and thrill, complementing the visceral firefights and stunt sequences. It also succeeds in creating emotionally resonant moments, drawing substantial performances from its lead actors Reb Brown, Christopher Connelly, and Louise Kamsteeg.

Strike Commando, with its perfect mix of intense warfare, hard-hitting action, larger-than-life characters, emotion-loaded narrative, and technical brilliance, evokes a nostalgia for the days of old when heroes transcended the bounds of possibility, and adventures were always grandiose. For anyone fond of classic 80's action and war films, this movie is a must-watch.