Heartbreak Ridge

Name: Heartbreak Ridge
Director: Clint Eastwood
Genre: War, Drama
Released: 1986-01-01
Duration: 130 min
Rating: 6.9
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Marsha Mason, Everett McGill, Moses Gunn, Mario Van Peebles

1986Dir. Clint Eastwood2h 10m

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Runtime2h 10m

Released1986

Budget$15M

Box office$42.7M

DirectorClint Eastwood

About This Movie

Heartbreak Ridge is one of those films that blends tough military drama with a touch of personal redemption. Eastwood's performance as Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway is gritty, no-nonsense, and layered—he's not just a hard-ass, there's a hint of vulnerability beneath. The dynamics within the recon platoon are a rollercoaster; you've got young recruits who need a serious wake-up call. The pacing is deliberate, building toward a climax that feels earned, not forced. What's striking is the practical effects during the war scenes, they have a rawness that digital effects can't replicate. The whole vibe is very much early '80s military, but Eastwood makes it resonate on a personal level, exploring themes of leadership and self-worth amidst chaos.

Director: Clint Eastwood, also stars as Tom Highway.Shot on location in Puerto Rico, notable practical effects.Features a strong supporting cast including Mario Van Peebles.Cinematography by Bruce Surtees, adds a gritty realism.