Original subtitles

( ominous theme playing )

PRINCE ( narrating ):

In 1941,

the Japanese bombed

Pearl Harbor.

The U.S. fleet

was crippled.

across the Pacific,

Ten hours later,

the Philippines

they attacked

an invasion of the islands.

clearing the way for

a surprise offensive...

Japan has undertaken

ANNOUNCER:

PRINCE ( narrating ):

U.S. forces,

including 10,000 Americans

and 60,000 Filipinos

to the Bataan peninsula.

pulled back

Without a navy

to rescue them,

and with their backs

to the sea,

they were trapped.

Despite promises

to the contrary,

and his military high command

President Roosevelt

decided to focus first

on Europe,

and on stopping Hitler.

effectively sealed

This strategy

the fate of the Philippines

trapped on Bataan.

and the men

Under orders,

and against his wishes,

General MacArthur escapes

to Australia

vowing to return.

of fighting without supplies,

After four months

and Filipino troops

starving American

surrendered to the Japanese

Imperial Army.

It is the largest

single defeat

of the American military.

in the history

( cheers in Japanese )

( cheering in Japanese )

to house or feed

Unequipped

70,000 prisoners of war,

take the weakened soldiers

the Japanese

60-mile forced march.

on a brutal

Men who fall out of line

are bayoneted or shot.

in what would become known

Fifteen thousand perished

as the Bataan Death March.

The surviving POWs are herded

into various camps:

Cabanatuan and Palawan.

At O'Donnell,

The Japanese guards who view

surrender as a disgrace,

treat them viciously.

Thousands die from disease,

starvation and abuse.

By 1944, however,

the tide of battle changes.

With each new victory,

American forces advance

on Japan.

( yelling )

And with each new defeat,

becomes more desperate.

the Japanese army

Fueled by years

of propaganda,

Americans will show no mercy.

they believe that the

The government in Tokyo

encourages these fears,

that they must prepare

convincing its people

to defend their country

to the death.

( shouting in Japanese )

On August 1, 1944...

the Tokyo War Ministry

releases a memo

dictating the Japanese

army's policy

toward prisoners of war.

It reads,

"It is the aim not to allow

the escape of a single one,

"to annihilate them all

and not leave any traces."

( soldier speaking

in Japanese )

( soldiers shouting

in Japanese )

Why are they putting us

in air raid shelters?

MAN 1:

I don't know.

MAN 2:

( soldiers speaking Japanese )

Ah!

( prisoners screaming )

( screaming )

( gunfire, soldiers screaming )

( screaming )

at Lingayen Gulf

The landing

was the largest

naval operation

ever undertaken

in the Pacific.

Over a quarter-million troops

came ashore

ready for the final push

into the Philippines.

who had entered the service

I was a Stanford graduate

through the ROTC.

in being a career soldier.

I wasn't interested

I just wanted to do my part

and go home to my wife.

with the 6th Ranger Battalion.

I was a captain

My commanding officer

was Lieutenant Colonel

Henry Mucci.

You still in this hand,

lieutenant?

Thinking about it,

colonel.

If you're thinking about it,

you already lost.

You want me to take my hat off

so you can get a better look?

I don't want you to--

No, colonel,

A West Point graduate,

Mucci was one of the most

driven men I'd ever met.

He took on what seemed to many

like a hopeless task:

The job of turning a group

of raw, untested recruits

of elite soldiers.

into a new unit

to handle livestock,

Originally assigned

they were mostly farm hands

from small towns

and rural areas

or no combat experience.

with little

First sergeant.

Have you seen Colonel Mucci?

Overlays are ready.

Yes, sir. He's in the Waldorf

playing poker.

Wouldn't interrupt him right

now. I think he's losing.

Got it.

Oh, for crying out loud.

( all laugh )

of cards. This one's unlucky.

Foley, get me a new deck

Every time you stick that pipe

in your mouth,

you're in trouble.

I just know

you smart son of a bitch.

Just you wait,

Colonel, overlays.

Any idea who that is?

PRINCE:

No, sir.

Corporal of the guard.

MUCCI:

Yes, sir.

Hello, Terry.

who the cowboy is.

Find out

Sir.

We'd spent months training and

had seen very little action.

concerned we were nothing more

As far as the Army was

personal experiment.

than the colonel's

Mucci was determined

to prove them wrong.

Henry.

General.

And this is Major Lapham.

You know Colonel White.

Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci,

Major, this is

CO, 6th Ranger Battalion.

behind from the Bataan campaign.

Henry, Major Lapham is a stay

here in north Central Luzon.

He runs guerilla units

the Philippine guerillas

As you know,

have been the primary source

of intel

for General MacArthur

since the fall.

It's an honor, major.

Thank you.

Major Lapham,

KREUGER:

what you've told us.

tell Colonel Mucci

of Cabanatuan City here

Five miles east

there's a Japanese POW camp

holding about 500 survivors

of the death march.

As we advance on this area,

will murder these prisoners

I believe the Japanese

rather than release them.

Major Lapham is probably right.

Unfortunately,

There was an incident

at a camp on Palawan

American POWs were herded

A hundred and fifty

into air raid shelters

and burnt alive

that MacArthur invaded.

on the news

is headed right for that camp.

Our axis of advance

Unless we run into something

unexpected,

we're gonna be in Cabanatuan

at the end of the week,

and that may be too late.

got to say about this.

Horton, what's G2

Because of our rapid advances,

the Jap troop movements

increasingly fluid.

have become

hiding during the day

Retreating at night,

to avoid our aircraft.

is we can't be sure

What that means

where the enemy is.

They're only 30 miles

from our front lines.

There's over 30,000

Japanese troops

in that area alone,

colonel.

Henry, you develop a plan

to get to the G3

by the morning.

Sir.

I'll make my decision then.

hasn't made up his mind yet

Now, General Kreuger,

MUCCI:

so I need you to come up

with a hell of a plan.

are briefing us in five.

The Alamo Scouts

you've got till the morning.

After that,

Yes, sir.

you were going to that company

Sir, when you said

that's on this mission--

Don't worry, captain.

You'll be leading the raid,

not me.

How many guards in the compound?

PRINCE:

Could be as many as 200.

SOLDIER 1:

Any tanks?

PRINCE:

the metal roof looks like

This building with

its protecting something.

Are these the best photographs

we have?

They'll have everything

you need

when we hook up with them

at Balanceren.

It's hard for me to determine

the number of men we'll need

without more specific intel.

we don't have that luxury, Bob.

Well, unfortunately,

for your flexibility.

I selected you

Now, you've got a 24-hour jump

on us, lieutenant.

Does that give you enough time

to get Captain Prince

all the dope he needs?

We'll be ready to report to you

at 0800 hours

ABLE:

on the 29th, sir.

in the morning

SOLDIERS: Yes, sir.

MUCCI: Get it done.

is the final approach.

Sir, the tough nut

for over 800 yards.

No cover

It's as flat as a pancake.

( dramatic theme playing )

( dog snarling )

Hey. Hey!

( barks )

How far do you think

Hewitt's got by now?

MAN 1:

What difference does it make?

MAN 2:

Japs are gonna catch him

sooner or later.

distantly in Japanese )

( soldier shouting

something easier to chew.

You couldn't have got me

A mango, banana.

Duke's found graveyard rats,

that'd be overindulging.

but I thought

or your teeth hurting?

Is it your gums

Hmm.

It starts at the gums,

around the back of my head,

works its way

in my neck somewhere.

then ends up

It's not malaria.

Don't worry.

Take a kneel, lieutenant.

Sir.

a telegram to Colonel Mori.

We've just translated

MacArthur's conquered

the southern islands.

He's landed here on Luzon.

Good old Dugout Doug.

He can take in the sun

for a few days

and head on back to Australia

like he did the first time.

The information's good, major.

COHEN:

I'm in that office every day.

how close MacArthur is

We don't know

or when he will reach

Cabanatuan.

the best thing to do

Tell the men

is sit tight and stay calm

till we find out more.

Make sure McMahon gets that.

Yes, sir.

JAPANESE SOLDIER:

Come on, get up!

JAPANESE SOLDIER:

Come on, get up!

( soldier speaking Japanese )

They caught Hewitt.

Who's watching them?

Poor dumb bastard

couldn't even wait

till it got dark.

( soldiers speaking Japanese )

( speaking Japanese )

( Hewitt yelps )

( Japanese soldier grunting )

( Hewitt yelping )

( shouts in Japanese )

( flogging continuous )

( soldier speaking Japanese )

( soldier shouting in Japanese )

Ready? It's time.

GIBSON:

( speaking in Japanese )

( grunts )

Cohen, watch his back.

How much?

Five.

You should not have come.

Neither should you.

We had no choice.

People are too afraid

to help us.

Thanks.

How's Margaret?

She's fine.

( soldier speaking Japanese )

Ah!

The guards are getting harder

to bribe.

What we really need

is more medicine.

Carlos and my father

were questioned

by the Japanese last week.

They are watching us.

not to take any more risks.

Then tell Margaret

But you think

she'll listen?

( soldier speaking Japanese )

you want me to tell her?

Is there anything else

Just to take care.

There's some quinine

in the peanuts.

Take some yourself, huh?

You don't look well.

Who's Margaret?

COHEN:

Why?

He was just asking

about her.

She's an American nurse

who was married

to his commanding officer.

He died of malaria

about a year ago

in one of the other camps.

Is the major involved with her?

COHEN:

What makes you say that?

REDDING:

Nothing.

COHEN:

Just sounded concerned.

Well, he wasn't involved

with her,

but he should have been.

Her husband didn't give a damn

about her,

and Gibby couldn't give a damn

about anyone else but her.

do something about it?

Then why didn't he

He's a gentleman.

with another man's wife.

He'd never fool around

I, on the other hand,

might.

Where is she now?

COHEN:

She's still in Manila

REDDING:

the underground.

working with

all the medicine into the camp?

Who do you think smuggles

We heard rumors the underground

is being run by a woman.

RUDI:

she was a foreigner.

We had no idea

( speaking Filipino )

This is not enough.

We agreed on 300.

Miss, there's very little

quinine left in Manila.

This is worth at least 500.

How else will your POWs

survive?

Huh?

I'll go get the money.

Let's get out of here.

It's a setup.

Get in the truck.

What about the medicine?

( man shouting in Filipino )

Cora, get in!

MARGARET:

Ah!

( gunshots )

( grunts )

( whistle blowing )

( gunfire )

Come on.

( shouting in Japanese )

( whistle blowing )

Company! Atten-hut!

At ease.

the latrine rumors are true.

I'm here to tell you men

We finally got a mission

worthy of rangers.

right through our front lines

We're going to push

and into the Jap's backyard

American prisoners of war.

and rescue 500

a rough son of a bitch.

It's going to be

A textbook-style raid

that can only succeed

and overwhelming firepower.

through speed, surprise

you've been chosen.

That's why

Before you start congratulating

yourselves,

remember that you haven't

achieved a damn thing yet.

You're the best trained,

least proven battalion

in this whole Army.

to do something about it.

This is your one chance

And I mean one chance.

How you acquit yourselves

over the next 48 hours

how you are judged

will determine

of your lives.

for the rest

of serving in this Army

Men worthy

or an embarrassment

will eventually forget.

that history and time

It's up to you.

Now, I happen to think

it's the former.

That's why I'm accompanying you

on this raid.

of men in this or any other Army

There's not another group

trust my life with.

I'd sooner

best-prepared soldiers

You're the finest,

this country's ever sent to war,

and I expect you to prove it.

Is that clear?

ALL: Yes, sir!

ALL: Yes, sir!

Are you sure?

Carry on.

Company, atten-hut!

General liked your plan.

take charge of your platoons!

Platoon leaders,

I can't believe the colonel said

don't wear no insignia.

ALITERI:

that pencil moustache,

I mean, he's got

even the nips are gonna know

he's an officer.

I can't wear my helmet?

Just shut up.

Come on, I use it to cook,

to clean, to wash.

The, uh, the helmets,

they make too much noise

out in the field.

I'm sorry, I didn't hear that,

Aldridge.

You?

I heard him.

Aldridge.

You're the best shot

in the company.

Ever fire one of these?

No.

No, sir. I like my M1.

Choose yourself a loader.

Lucas.

Yeah.

Sure about that?

Rookies.

TOP:

you got a minute for me?

Captain,

Sure, Top.

I was, uh, going over

the personnel roster,

and I ain't on it.

Well, Colonel Mucci said

he preferred

unmarried men on this trip,

so I had to take you off.

Well, with respect, sir,

you're married.

that your wife would miss you

And I imagine

than mine would miss me.

a hell of a lot more

I'm the one planning

this raid, Top.

against my instructions.

Don't make me go

No, I'm not, sir.

I'm asking you

company commander.

to be a smart

out there that ain't heard

Now, we got some rangers

the first round go down range

in combat yet.

You need me on this mission.

Just like you need something

on that jungle rot.

Top, when I was in ROTC,

from being shipped to Bataan.

I was four weeks away

by an impacted wisdom tooth.

I was held back

ended up in those camps.

Guys I knew

I think I can live

with the feet.

but you're gonna find it

Well, that may be,

to live without me.

a lot harder

( laughs )

I'll talk to the colonel.

All right,

Anything else, first sergeant?

No, sir.

Thank you. Good night, sir.

We left 6th Army Headquarters

PRINCE ( narrating):

with very little

information.

was the element of surprise.

The only advantage we had

We faced a two-day walk

through open terrain

patrolled by the enemy.

All it would take is a single

Japanese scout to spot us

and our mission

would be over.

Riley, load them up!

Let's go!

Yes, sir.

RILEY:

Pack them up!

MUCCI:

Let's move!

Moving out!

SOLDIER:

the idealistic notion

We all knew

of rescuing the POWs

its strategic value.

far outweighed

We didn't spend much time

thinking about it.

As far as we were concerned,

we were going to rescue them

or die trying.

They're gonna just leave us?

GIBSON:

what they're doing.

I have no idea

REDDING:

Get this quinine to the doctors.

GIBSON:

You know the drill.

Worst cases first.

( soldier speaking Japanese )

They must be retreating.

REDDING:

Even the brass is leaving.

Hey, major, Mori's leaving too.

DUKE:

( Redding clapping )

you were right, kid.

Looks like

General MacArthur's

got them on the run.

They're not on the run.

to fight to the last man.

They've got orders

It's a trap.

Goddamn elaborate one.

We walk out those gates,

the perfect excuse to kill us.

it'll give them

Since when did they need

an excuse?

I don't know about you,

but I'm getting out

before they change

their minds.

How far do you think

you'll get, captain?

Even if the Japs

are retreating,

the jungle's gonna be crawling

with them.

We're still soldiers, ain't we?

What's wrong with that?

Hey, major's right, Red.

COHEN:

when most of us can't walk?

Where are we gonna go

inviting you, kid.

I don't recall

What happens to the ones

we leave behind?

I never said we'd all make it,

but at least some of us might.

all of us will make it.

But if we sit tight,

Our troops can't be far now.

Looks like you've got yourself

a disciple, Gibby.

It might do you some good

to listen to him.

GIBSON:

They're out there.

Don't make it any easier

for them.

( Redding grunts )

Don't worry, I won't escape

without your permission.

Get the padre, Duke.

REDDING:

still believed in God.

Poor son of a bitch

SOLDIER:

Well, if we can't escape,

we might as well eat.

( indistinct chattering )

Where do you think

Mori sits?

I'll take a shit

on his plate!

Damn it!

Where'd you learn

to do that?

I wasn't always a saint.

( gasps )

These food portions

What's the matter?

were meant for us.

Bastards were starving us

deliberately.

Make sure you get some of this

back to the men in the ward.

Easy, Red, your stomach

ain't used to it.

More like feels like I'm sucking

on Rita Hayworth's tits.

I was thinking

more Mae West.

What is it, Top?

MUCCI:

Japs.

TOP:

Only left a few hours ago.

Must have been hiding

from our planes.

No telling where they are now.

PRINCE:

a look around before we go on.

We might wanna take

They're retreating, captain,

that's all we need to know.

Let's move.

SOLDIER 1:

Move out.

Ready the platoons, let's go.

PRINCE:

Let's go. To the left.

SOLDIER 2:

Let's go, Charlie 1. Follow me.

SOLDIER 3:

You look a little shaky

in those pins, Bob.

of boots wouldn't fix.

Nothing a new pair

He can be an almighty pain

in the ass.

I know.

But there's a method

to his madness.

It's his battalion.

Damn it.

They're Kempeitai. Looks like

they're heading to the camp.

The river branches out about a

half a mile to the east of us.

but there might be a bridge

It's not marked,

that can get us around

this convoy.

The Japanese will be guarding

a major artery

at a choke point

like that.

I think we ought

to check it out.

This traffic isn't getting

any thinner.

Go.

In 1941, Manila was considered

PRINCE ( narrating ):

the pearl of the Orient,

an international city

from all over the world

where people

lived and worked.

when the Japanese took over.

That all changed

that as a conquered people,

They believed

the Filipinos should do

as they were told.

were jailed, tortured

Those who disobeyed

or executed.

the Filipinos and the Americans

This made the bond between

even stronger.

throughout the country.

Resistance grew

By 1945,

hundreds of ordinary people

had joined the underground.

It's like they have been

watching me for weeks.

The Japanese have questioned

our people before.

It doesn't necessarily mean

anything.

They know that the Americans

are closing in.

ANTONIO:

And they know

that we have evidence

of their war crimes.

Don Antonio is right.

This...

This wasn't like before,

Margaret.

Now, they know of things

could have told them.

only an informer

Then why'd they let you go?

I'm sorry, Carlos,

but if you're worried,

you're free to go.

I won't hold it

against you.

against any of you.

I won't hold it

unless we all go.

I wouldn't leave

You know that.

I can't leave.

MARGARET:

as there is a single prisoner

Not as long

left in Cabanatuan.

MINA:

Ate.

Ate Margaret.

I saw Daniel.

How is he?

He did not look well.

he has malaria again.

I think

has said to wait.

I know my father

it may be too late for Daniel.

But if we do that,

=No.

Your father's right.

It's too dangerous.

Don't listen to me.

outside the hospital.

No. I will meet you

In the usual place,

okay?

I should go.

It was thanks to me

REDDING:

in the first place.

you met Margaret

Sure it was.

at the sky like this,

When I look up

I could be anywhere

in the world.

Where are you now?

Halfway across the jungle.

REDDING:

I disobeyed your orders

and now I'm only a few miles

from civilization.

Well, have a drink for me

when you get there.

What do you want me

to tell Margaret?

she's still interested?

Assuming

I'll propose to her myself.

Well, if she's not,

And you know what?

I'll make you best man

you won't run off with her.

because I know

If I had someone like that

waiting for me

on the other side

of an open gate...

( truck engines rumbling )

That's not regular army.

REDDING:

They're not.

GIBSON:

They're military

secret police.

( speaks Japanese )

Don't.

Don't give them

satisfaction.

( speaking Japanese )

( speaks Japanese )

( soldiers shouting

in Japanese )

( speaks in Japanese )

You fought in Bataan,

major?

You commanded a battalion

of the 31st Infantry

near Mamala River.

in operations

I can give you my name,

rank and serial number.

in your barracks.

We found these

I assume they were smuggled in

by the Filipino resistance.

They say,

MacArthur is coming."

"Take hope,

like that for three years.

We've lived off rumors

Only this time

they are true.

Your forces will recapture

the Philippines

within a few weeks.

Why are you telling me this?

Because it isn't long

to wait.

You're the senior officer.

If you help me keep order,

of your time here tolerable.

I can make the rest

But if any of the prisoners

try to escape

I will kill ten others

in his place.

Are you married, major?

No.

But you have a reason

to survive this war?

I'd like to be here

for your surrender.

Will that be all?

( speaks Japanese )

SOLDIER 1 ( whispering ):

Looks like they're heading

toward Balanceren, sir.

That's our rendezvous point

with the Alamo Scouts.

Son of a bitch.

the last of it, sir.

That seems to be

There's nothing else

in sight.

At least not for now.

Good job.

let's not waste any more time.

Well, gentlemen,

We're already behind

by two hours.

Let's move.

MUCCI:

Let's go, come on.

Let's move.

Let's go, go, go.

Move out.

Let's move.

( soldier speaking Japanese )

Sta--

( soldier shouting in Japanese )

( grunts )

( shouts in Japanese )

( Gibson coughing )

Hey. Hey.

( moans )

( panting )

You were delirious.

it's malignant malaria.

Wittinghill thinks

How long is he giving me?

unless we get you more quinine.

Three or four days,

He tried to convince me

to send you

to St. Peter's ward.

You're my next of kin now.

No.

Hey, it's no joke.

If you die on me,

leaving this place?

what's to stop me

( chuckles )

I told you what Nagai said.

The war will soon be over.

Stay out of trouble.

is I don't believe Nagai.

The problem

don't you believe?

Which part

The part about ten of us

getting killed

for every one that escapes?

That's the reason why I didn't

wanna make any friends here,

in case I let them down.

Unfortunately, you I was

stuck with from before.

( coughs )

through this, pal.

You gotta pull

you got to look forward to.

Just think of everything

in a see-through cheongsam

Think of Margaret

walking on your back.

No.

Are you ever gonna stop?

Come on, you bastard.

Pull out of it.

in Japanese over PA )

( woman speaking

Twenty mils of iodine,

please.

Thanks.

( speaks in Japanese )

( footsteps approaching )

( soldiers shouting

in Japanese )

( woman screams )

( soldiers shouting

in Japanese )

( nurse gasps and whimpers )

( soldiers shouting

in Japanese )

( woman screams )

( gunshot )

( gunshot )

( women screaming distantly )

( speaking Filipino )

They murdered Cora.

I'm being followed.

in the brown vest.

Behind us

Is it just him?

I think so.

Mina, I have to get you

out of here.

Go to your father's. Pack--

The quinine's in the bag.

No, I'm leaving--

Mina, leave!

the medicine to Cabanatuan, try.

If you think you can get

If not, head for the mountains.

Don't worry about me.

What about you?

Go.

( trolley bell clanging )

What are you doing?

MARGARET:

( both grunting )

Balanceren?

MUCCI:

Yes, sir.

PRINCE:

All clear.

What is it, Top?

Tanks.

( women wailing distantly )

( woman screaming )

You better go get

the colonel.

Yeah, Top.

( woman crying )

Bob, hang back a little.

Let me walk ahead.

( woman speaking

in Filipino )

( speaking Filipino )

( women crying )

Captain Juan Pajota.

Captain. Lieutenant Colonel

Henry Mucci,

Sir.

CO6 Ranger Battalion.

What happened here?

into the village yesterday

The Japanese came

with tanks.

To punish these people

for helping my men.

Over a hundred

were killed.

hold your fire.

Alamo Scouts,

Charlie Company CO.

This way, follow me.

The camp is divided

into quarters.

ABLE:

in the southeast quadrant. Here.

We only spotted POWs

The Jap guard barracks

are here in this area.

in each guard tower,

There's sentries

five in the guardhouses.

two at the gates,

We couldn't get a precise fix

on the numbers.

from 50 and a hundred of them.

Could be anything

This isn't enough, sir.

Enough of what?

There's too many unknowns.

We can breach the wire,

but once we're inside,

between 50 and a hundred men.

there's a big difference

about the arithmetic, captain.

Well, it isn't always

you gotta take on faith.

Some things

If we get into an overwhelming

firefight inside,

then a lot of those men

we're trying to rescue

are liable to get killed.

Lieutenant Able,

till this raid kicks off.

you've got 12 hours

Can you get in there and bring

back more detailed intel?

Well, it's dicey, sir. All that

open terrain in broad daylight.

Maybe we need more time

to get the Alamo Scouts

a chance to work in close.

No more delays, goddamn it.

have had three years of delays.

Those poor bastards

We're gonna stick

to your plan, Bob.

With respect, sir,

you said you chose me

for my flexibility.

In present circumstances,

the safety of those prisoners.

I cannot guarantee

Sir, you may be forced

to delay.

And why is that, captain?

There's a Japanese convoy

traveling north.

Division strength.

in front of the camp tonight.

They will pass directly

And how is it you came by this

information, Captain Pajota?

in Cabanatuan City.

From our spies

Are we talking hard facts

or the bamboo telegraph?

It was the bamboo telegraph

that told me

are coming here today, sir.

you and your men

Lieutenant Able,

get some of our own people

on this.

As of now, we leave tonight.

Sir.

Captain.

ABLE:

You heard the colonel.

Do what you can.

Yes, sir.

( Pajota speaking

in Filipino )

PRINCE:

Captain.

to discuss this plan with you.

You have a minute? I wanted

My men have been watching

this camp for three years.

PAJOTA:

We planned to raid it

many times ourselves.

Why didn't you?

Most of your POWs

can't walk.

They're either sick

or crippled.

The healthy ones were shipped

to labor camps in Japan.

how would we care for them?

If we rescued them,

to move them from the camp?

How did you plan

In carabao carts.

You have enough carts

for 500 prisoners?

If you give me 24 hours,

I will.

But you have to convince

your colonel

to move to another village.

to bring them here.

It isn't safe

do you suggest?

What village

PAJOTA:

Platero.

Sir?

out of line before.

Sorry if I was

to Captain Pajota, and--

I just spoke

We're delayed 24 hours.

to General Kreuger.

Get a message

That'll be all.

Yes, sir.

Margaret Utinsky?

Yes?

the Manila Hospital?

You work at

Why?

I am with the Japanese

Military Police.

Please come with me.

Utinsky is a German name?

Lithuanian.

You were born

in Lithuania?

Kovno.

You speak good English.

I was raised in Canada.

You have a passport to prove

you are Lithuanian?

My papers are back

at the apartment.

I can...

May I have your keys?

I can go get them for you.

Your keys.

in Japanese )

( speaks

( shouting in Japanese )

( goats bleating )

Why did you stay in Manila

when the war started?

MAN:

I wanted to help people.

I'm a nurse.

this country want American help?

You think the people of

I'm Lithuanian,

not American.

Your passport is forged.

I've traveled everywhere

on that passport.

Do you know a woman

called Mina Kolklia?

No.

you assaulted a man

This morning

who was following her

in the street.

I was assaulted myself if that's

what you're talking about.

( man sighs )

of the Filipino Underground.

Mina Kolklia is a member

She and her father

are responsible for stealing

many things

Japanese soldiers

from wounded

to American prisoners of war.

and smuggling it

( shuddering )

of a neutral country.

I'm a citizen

I have no dealings

whatsoever

any American prisoners of war.

with any underground or

Is this your bible?

I don't know.

from my apartment?

Did you take it

You were married to an American

officer before the war.

I've never been married.

Then...

who is this man?

Your husband?

Your lover?

No.

But you keep a picture of him

in your bible.

( slams book )

( soldier shouts )

( shouts )

( soldier shouts )

Why do they have us digging

air raid shelters?

Who knows?

( speaks Japanese )

( soldier speaking Japanese )

SOLDIER:

Get up.

Get up!

( grunting )

Would you like

to sit, major?

Some water?

Do your doctors think

they can cure you?

to some medicine perhaps.

If they had access

to a Japanese hospital.

I could send you

Our medics would be able

to save your life.

Why would you wanna

save my life?

You know her?

I knew her briefly.

Why?

she knew you well.

She claims

She claims she stayed behind

in the Philippines

to be near you.

hard to believe.

I find that

of an impression on her.

I didn't make much

an impression on you.

She clearly left

to see her again?

Would you like

What's that to you?

We know this woman

is the head of an underground

movement in Manila...

stolen medicine into this camp.

responsible for smuggling

If you convince her

to confess

and give us the names

of her accomplices,

I guarantee the two of you

will be free

to leave the Philippines

together.

And if I don't?

to your hospital ward to die.

You will be returned

I assume your colleagues

made her the same offer?

I wouldn't know.

turned them down,

She must have

otherwise I wouldn't

be here now.

your future, major.

I'm offering you

isn't in your hands.

My future

( speaks Japanese )

( whimpering )

( door creaking open )

( speaks Japanese )

She informed

other people.

People are looking

for her.

( soldier speaking Japanese )

Ah!

( bell tolling in distance )

( gasps )

Ah. Shh.

It's all right.

vYou're safe now.

They killed Mina.

I know.

I wasn't always conscious.

I don't know what I told them.

( crying ):

tell them anything.

You didn't

were arrested last night

Mina and her father

to Cabanatuan.

on their way

to do with you.

It had nothing

She went because of me.

She knew I wanted

to help Daniel.

to help him too.

She wanted

I should have

stopped her.

I should have stopped her.

But all I could think about

was him.

Whatever you feel

you've done wrong,

you've more than

made up for it.

owe you their lives.

Hundreds of POWs

No. I did it for him.

I stayed for him.

You'll be with him soon.

I have friends who will take you

to the mountains

till the Americans come.

and hide you there

But, Margaret, listen to me.

You have to trust in something

stronger than yourself.

Father! Father!

The Ja-- The Japanese.

They're here.

I'll deal with them.

Take Margaret.

( shouting in Japanese )

Ah! Ah!

Don't look back.

Run. Run.

No need to go in the church.

There's no one in there.

Look, there's no one

in the church.

Oh, honey, you look great.

So do you.

a Cabanatuan beauty contest.

Pity there ain't

Shucks.

I got you something.

( sighs )

I hoped it would be

some Quinine.

You're getting fussy now, huh?

Sure am.

It didn't get through.

stopped all work details

Your friend, Nagai,

to Cabanatuan City.

air raid shelters instead.

He's got us digging

Oh, they'll find some other way

to smuggle it here.

for you by then, old pal.

It'll be too late

leaving me, are you, Red?

You ain't thinking of

I don't think Nagai's men

want me here.

I can think of 10 of us

that do.

Like I said,

you're the only one

I give a damn about.

You and the kid sometimes.

Don't try it, Red.

I'll see you, Gibby.

to keep an eye on him.

Tell Duke and Pitt

Colonel, may I discuss

with you

the role of my men

in your mission?

Your men will be screening

our flanks, captain.

Sir, this is our war too.

We've been fighting the Japanese

for three years.

I understand your anger

Captain Pajota,

to your people today.

of what the Japs did

If I were in your place,

I'd also want revenge.

But this mission has objectives

of its own.

are disciplined fighters.

Sir, my men

What happened at Balingarin

is nothing new to them.

Your men will be of great value

on our flanks.

Lieutenant O'Grady?

You want to step away?

My compliments to the villagers

for their hospitality.

I'll see to it,

sir.

Colonel.

Captain.

Want me to take a look

at those feet, captain?

Yeah.

you walk on these, Bob.

God only knows how

You're lucky the colonel

doesn't know about this.

figure him out?

Doc, can you

PRINCE: Yeah.

DOC: Mucci?

Every time I think I have,

he surprises me.

Not always in a bad way.

I joined the Rangers.

He's the reason

There was a time I'd follow him

anywhere, no questions asked,

but all we seem to do now

is butt heads.

You know, he may not like you

standing up to him.

But I suspect that's why

he chose you.

I can't imagine

any other reason

jungle runner dogs of yours.

why he'd ignore these

I think he's out there

And besides,

feeling on top of the world.

That's the convoy Captain Pajota

was talking about.

Damn.

Looks like they're reinforcing

the camp.

Hey, Duke. Wake up.

to keep watch on Red.

It's your turn

Yeah. Yeah.

( soldiers shouting

in Japanese )

( speaking Japanese )

( whimpering )

( shivering )

( vehicle doors open and close )

( speaking Japanese )

( sighs )

( woman speaking

in Filipino )

( speaking in Filipino )

No. No.

Okay. Uh, here.

For the three of us. Huh?

in Filipino )

( speaking

( sighs )

He's gone.

He's gone, damn it.

You fell asleep.

( shouting in Japanese )

( shouts in Japanese )

Because one man

disobeyed me,

then others will pay the price.

( speaks Japanese )

( speaking Japanese )

No. No, my fault.

Please, please.

My fault.

( soldier shouting

in Japanese )

( gunshots )

( gunshot )

( body collapses )

( gunshot )

( shouting in Japanese )

They resupplied the camp

last night.

and fresh troops.

Brought in fuel

Looks like they're up

to something.

How many?

Between 150 and 200

of them, sir.

Captain?

on the second platoon

I was depending

the Cabu Bridge, sir.

to foxhole

300 men inside the camp,

But if the Japs have

we're gonna need everyone

on the raid.

hold the bridge

Maybe we can

than we allowed for.

with less men

one squad from Riley's platoon?

Can you make do with just

I don't think so, sir.

Pajota said the Japs reinforced

the bridge last night.

( sighs )

I wish Pajota had shared this

information with me earlier.

Let's take a look.

( soldiers shouting

indistinctly )

Get a count.

With respect, sir,

what's the kill?

Lieutenant Riley's

right, sir.

That's a thousand men

over there.

Captain, may I show you

something?

Here's the bridge.

Colonel.

to lose faith, aren't they?

The others are beginning

They won't let you down.

It's not a question

of letting me down.

to raise a fine unit.

We worked hard

They deserve their shot

at glory.

are in this for the glory, sir.

I don't suppose many of us

about publicity, Bob.

I'm not talking

I'm talking about the glory

you carry inside you

for the rest of your life

knowing you've done something

worth remembering.

Something that made

a difference.

is from those boys in that camp.

The only recognition I want

ever be as important as this.

Nothing in our lives will

Yes, sir.

to change my mind?

You come here

No, sir.

that whatever you decide,

I came to tell you

it'll be the right choice.

you gotta take on faith.

Some things

Captain Pajota has volunteered

to hold the bridge

if you're willing

to hear him out.

Well, then you better give me

a moment alone with him,

some humble pie.

so I can eat

Yes, sir.

They will respond with tanks.

PAJOTA:

We wait until they are

at this point,

then we'll blow up

the bridge.

We don't have enough explosives

to bring it down.

All we need to do is damage it

enough to stop their vehicles.

We want the soldiers

to come.

on either side of the road,

If I place my men

we'll trap them in a cross fire.

They won't use the bridge.

and try to outflank you.

They'll go around

don't go around.

The Japanese

Not when they're fighting

Filipinos.

They don't have enough respect

for us as soldiers.

How are the others?

Scared.

what you have to say, sir.

They're waiting to hear

to tell them anymore.

I don't know what

on your behalf, sir.

I can say something

Until you feel better.

at writing letters?

Are you any good

what kind of letter.

It depends

I'm not sure myself.

I already started a dozen times

and tore it up.

There's a pencil and paper

under my mat.

Who are you writing to?

A lady named Margaret.

I'm not sure how well

I know her anymore.

in my imagination so long,

I've been living

I'm afraid I'll write

some crazy love letter

and-- and embarrass us both.

Red didn't seem

to think so.

What'd he tell you?

the same way you did.

That she felt

That she'd have left her husband

if you'd wanted her to.

that if I did the right thing,

I guess I thought

would come of it.

some good

It's funny.

I've spent the last three years

thinking of all the things

I want to say to her.

Now, I don't even know

how to begin.

How about "Dear Margaret"?

( chuckles )

( paper crinkles )

Gents, here it is.

PRINCE:

At 1700 hours our combined

forces will leave Platero.

at the Pampanga River.

We'll split up here

Captain Pajota, you'll continue

to the Cabu Bridge,

where you'll set up

a roadblock.

Captain Joson,

do the same on the highway,

send reinforcements

in case the Japs

from Cabanatuan City.

The objective is to seal off

the area of operation

during the raid.

get through you, they get to us.

Any Japanese reinforcements

Now, we'll need as much

darkness as we can

to get the POWs

out of the camp,

which means we'll have

to begin our approach

and risk detection.

during daylight

When we break the tree line,

Lieutenant Riley's platoon

will head

to the east side of the camp.

Sir.

a low crawl for the main gate.

The rest of us will advance

How much cover, captain?

up to 200 yards from the camp.

There's intermittent cover

After that we're totally exposed

until we reach a ditch

from the front gate.

30 yards

This is the camp.

This is the main

service road.

POW barracks all

enemy occupied.

Suspected tank shed,

main gate.

we're trying to reach.

This is the ditch

Again, until we get there

we're completely exposed.

So we may need to create

some diversionary action

in this wooded area

to the northeast.

Sir, how about the plane?

planes fly over to the camp?

Could you have one of your

Not without breaking

radio silence.

It might be worth the risk.

It's not a bad idea, Bob.

Good.

Now as we make

our approach,

Lieutenant Riley's men

will make their way

along this ditch, leaving men

at 20-yard intervals

and reduce the enemy.

to engage

as you're in position here,

Lieutenant Riley, as soon

in the southeast corner,

your first shot will kick off

the action.

Understood.

Good.

will be in position here.

Meanwhile the rest of us

As soon as we get

the signal,

Lieutenant Foley's

second squad

will take out the guard tower

and sentry shack.

will open the main gate.

And cover first squad

As soon as first squad

is inside,

lay down suppressing fire

they'll flank right,

on the enemy officer area,

heading toward the tank shed.

and cover the guys

his loader to run the 200 yards.

I want Corporal Aldridge and

in case they don't make it.

I want a backup team

we're all in trouble.

Any tanks get loose,

Yes, sir.

Lieutenant O'Grady,

Extractions next.

their way through the main gate

second platoon will make

into the POW area.

and force entry

First squad will spread along

the south fence

and lay down suppressing fire

to the enemy rear.

Objective is to make sure

the POW barracks

is protected from enemy fire

in all directions.

Once that's achieved,

Lieutenant O'Grady's

second squad

will round up the POWs

and lead them

to the front gate

where Dr. Fisher

will be waiting.

and the medics

Our aim is to make it

to the Pampanga River

where the carabao carts

will be waiting

to escort the prisoners.

we've left no one behind,

As soon as I'm satisfied

I'll fire a red star cluster

to signal the raid's over.

Any questions?

Uh, who's the last man out?

Uh, yes, sir.

That'll be me.

at the front gate.

You'll cover me

Yes, sir.

Anything else?

and get them ready to go.

Brief your people

We leave in two hours.

What's that?

Why?

Just curious.

Nothing.

Two hundred and fifty Japs

at that camp.

Another thousand

at the river.

Ten thousand more nearby.

Only 120 of us.

I figure we're gonna need

a little miracle.

I got plenty to spare.

Go ahead. Take it.

What do I gotta do?

Kiss it?

The time is now 1715.

MUCCI:

And....mark.

We plan to bust the camp

at 1800.

fires his first shot at 1930.

Lieutenant Riley

blows the bridge at 1945.

Captain Pajota

we'll be out of there by 2100.

And God willing,

Any questions?

Let's all try to get back

in one piece.

Good luck, gentlemen.

( soldier shouting

indistinctly )

in Filipino )

( speaking

( soldier shouting

indistinctly )

( panting softly )

are those goddamn flyboys?

Where the hell

( footsteps thudding )

( airplane flying overhead )

( shouting in Japanese )

( ticking )

( soldiers shouting

in Japanese )

( man whistles )

( all cheer )

It's one of ours, sir.

( gunshots )

( both speaking Japanese )

( soldiers shouting

in Japanese )

( sighs )

( Japanese soldiers chattering )

( pants )

( speaking in Filipino )

Sir.

It's time.

First Sergeant...

if I'm going to be the one

to start this thing,

I want to be damn sure

everyone's in position.

( sighs )

I'll check it out.

Lieutenant Riley.

Come on,

( soldiers chattering

in Japanese )

is Riley doing, sir?

What the hell

( ticking )

Lieutenant wants to make sure

your squad's in position.

for the last 10 minutes.

We have been

I'll tell him.

Sir, the guerillas

are getting edgy.

They're afraid the bridge

is gonna blow

before the raid begins.

Damn it.

( panting )

We're in position, sir.

Sir.

It's your shot.

( gunshot )

Fire!

( screaming )

The Japs are shooting us.

They're gonna kill us all!

( murmuring in Japanese )

( machine-gun fire )

Go! Go!

Aldrige, Lucas, go, go!

Shoot the damn lock!

( panting )

Get out of here!

MAN:

Fire!

Up!

( men screaming )

Let's go! Two!

You heard him!

Move, move!

Go! Run, run!

Go! Let's move, move!

Go!

We're good to go!

Take your squad to the left!

Push them out of here!

Lay some fire!

Go, go, go!

Go, go!

( bullets ricocheting )

Cover fire!

Cover fire!

Jammed! Jammed! Riley!

Come on!

( all shouting indistinctly )

It's all right.

We're Americans.

We're gonna get you

out of here.

those who can walk,

All right,

head for the main gate.

Those who can't, wait.

We'll come back for you.

You're going home.

All right, let's move!

Everybody out! Move!

Tank!

Come on!

Fire!

Come on, Lucas!

Up!

( machine-gun fire )

Shift fire left!

Shift fire left.

Cover me!

Covering!

( screaming )

Covering fire!

Covering!

Son of a bitch!

Get in, get in!

MAN:

( indistinct shouting )

in Filipino )

( speaking

( ticking )

Ah!

( gunfire )

Hey!

It's okay.

I'm an American.

to take you home.

We're here

Don't be afraid.

We're not gonna hurt you.

We're here to help you.

You're going home.

You understand?

You're going home.

I-- I can't leave him.

I'll take him myself, all right?

We won't leave him.

Look, soldier, I need you

to go out there

there's people here

and tell my men

who need to be carried.

Can you do that?

All right, let's go.

Let's go.

I got you.

No, no, no.

Here you go.

Let's go!

MAN:

sick men back there.

Wait, there's

PRINCE:

( shouts in Japanese )

( soldiers shouting

in Japanese )

are holding so far,

Pajota's men

are trying to flank him

but the Japanese

about 100 yards

down the river.

Better take a look.

All right.

Keep moving. Let's go.

MAN 1:

Sir.

Get in there and help them out.

can move, get on your feet.

All right, everyone who

MAN 2:

Let's go! Let's go!

SOLDIER:

( soldiers chattering

indistinctly )

( soldier whispering

in Filipino )

Miller, give me the flare gun.

Hold your fire.

I light them up.

Wait till

( all shouting in Japanese )

Withdraw! Withdraw!

Let's fall back!

First Sergeant, get 'em the hell

out of here! Let's go! Move!

( grunts )

( both speaking Japanese )

Let's go, let's go!

Move!

Head to the gate.

Head to the gate.

Dr. Fisher, sir, stay back.

It's not safe yet.

All right. I'll be on the other

side of the road.

give you a hand.

Here, let me

Let's go! Move out!

Pull back!

Pull back!

Daly, pull back!

Fox Two, back to the rally

point! Let's go, move!

( speaking Japanese )

( wheel clicking )

( soldiers chattering

indistinctly )

Keep going!

( speaks in Japanese )

Mortar! Get down!

Down!

on that son of a bitch!

Lay some fire

Aliteri, Guttierez,

take this man.

Yes, sir.

Keep moving! On your feet!

Come on, let's go.

Easy.

Don't stop! Push them through

that front gate.

the dock point!

Front gate's

Keep going, guys.

Keep them moving!

Daly, come on.

I'll cover you. Ready?

Charge the gate.

Ready.

Mortar! Everybody down!

PRINCE:

Down!

Get up! Move!

Keep moving!

Go! Get them on their feet!

Keep them moving!

Get them out the gate!

Let's go!

( shouting in Japanese )

Keep them moving!

let's get a medic!

Come on, man,

Get them through the gate!

Mortar!

ALL:

Go!

Daly, hold him down!

I'm gonna flank him!

Son of a bitch.

( panting )

( machine-gun fire )

( screams )

( screaming )

( both grunting )

( gunshot )

( gasps )

Sarge!

Unh!

You all right?

Daly, where the hell

have you been?

Clear!

( panting )

Take everybody with us.

Everybody goes out.

MAN:

Someone get a medic

over here!

Soldier, you all right?

( groaning )

Jesus.

Jimmy.

It's a mortar wound, sir.

He's lost a lot of blood.

I don't know if we can

move him, captain.

We got no choice. Jimmy?

Move me.

All right.

him the whole time, understand?

Get him to Platero. Stay with

Yes, sir.

Hang in there, Doc.

SOLDIER:

Clear!

Clear. Last man.

( gunshot )

Sniper!

Enemy fire on your left!

In front of the window!

Cease fire!

Cease fire!

Hold your fire!

SOLDIER:

Fall back. Let's go!

Fall back! Fall back!

SOLDIER:

Daly. Daly! Daly!

Mack, Stratton,

on me now!

Come on, Daly. Come on.

We've lost him.

Let's move!

( chattering in Filipino )

Come on, Fox Two,

keep it moving.

Let's get them across.

You okay?

Move.

MAN 2: Watch it. Watch it.

MAN 1: There you go.

Don't worry, we got them.

MAN 3:

all right, major.

It's gonna be

We're going home.

Captain Prince.

How did we do?

Got them all, sir.

How many casualties?

One KIA, PFC Daly.

And Doc Jimmy's

wounded too.

I think it's critical

we moved him to Platero

to operate.

he's gonna make it, sir.

I don't think

Thanks, Captain.

Possible liver involvement.

MAN 1:

Certainly colon.

any morphine, Dr. Jimmy?

MAN 2: You need

DOC: No.

No, that's for you to keep.

More plasma.

Did we get them out?

Did we get them out?

All of them.

Oh.

Good.

Better keep moving, Henry.

We're heading out now.

( groaning )

( indistinct chattering )

Excuse me, have you seen

Major Gibson?

Sorry, ma'am.

MAN:

Six bucks.

I can't sell it.

I told you.

Ten bucks?

I can't do it.

It's the only one I got.

it's the only one you got?

What do you mean

you had plenty to spare.

I thought you said

I lied to you.

gave this to me.

My mom

Well, how's your mom feel

about 10 bucks?

( both laugh )

feels about 10 bucks.

I know how your mom

( laughs )

Hey!

I'm sorry, have you seen

Major Gibson?

Yeah, he was with us

at the river.

Check with the medics, ma'am,

down by the carts.

Thank you.

Margaret.

Where is he?

( crying )

to give you this.

He wanted me

"Dear Margaret.

GIBSON:

"After three long years

destruction and suffering,

"of witnessing so much

seems so pointless.

"a simple letter

my life would have been like

"I've often wondered what

"had we been together.

"However, as time passes,

this may never happen.

"I realize

I wanted you to know.

"There is one thing

"You've come to mean

the world to me.

"And not just to me,

to all of us here.

"You've given me the strength

to give these men hope,

"and maybe one day

a second chance.

than you can imagine,

"I miss you more

than you can ever know.

"and owe you more

All my love, Daniel."

( inaudible )

Captain Prince!

MUCCI:

General, this is the man who

let the raid, Captain Prince.

Congratulations,

Captain Prince.

about your losses.

I'm very sorry

But I want you to know

you men have done

for your country.

a great service

Gentlemen.

Thank you, sir.

After you, Major.

Nice job.

So how do you feel?

All right.

I'm proud of you.

Thank you, sir.

Never in our history had

such a large group of men

PRINCE:

and complained so little.

endured so much

to shake the belief

Many were unable

that their country

had abandoned them,

in a foreign land.

left them to die

significance to the war effort.

It was said to be of no

Although for me,

of setting things right.

saving them was a way

It's true.

They had been left behind,

but never forgotten.

( all cheering )

( whistling )