The various global conflicts throughout human history have spilled countless gallons of blood, but have also given us many tales of heroism, where quick wits and nerves of steel have helped change the course of battle. The media tends to love this, spending myriad hours retelling these stories. In 1981, with strong financial backing, Director Terrance Young attempted to retell the lives of those involved with The battle of Inchon!

With the destruction of World War 2 behind it, the Asian front is in a precarious position. Ideological differences and foreign influences have split the Korean peninsula in two. Both sides want reunification with them in charge. That is, until six years later, after receiving backing from the Soviets, the North Koreans launched an invasion force that pushed the South to the brink of extinction. If Operation Chromite can be made a success, the fight to retake the peninsula can begin.

The main selling point of Inchon is the film’s depiction of the many perspectives of the people involved. I say many perspectives, but the film doesn’t focus on the North much. From the high decision-makers trying to plan Operation Chromite, to the lowly troops and civilians who lie in the balance, Inchon shows the human struggle in all avenues affected by the titular Inchon landing. In almost a similar perspective to the hit dramedy M.A.S.H. However, if you want to see plenty of daring action scenes, Inchon still has you covered.

The story behind the film might be more infamous than the film itself, with lots of figures you wouldn’t expect financing a feature film lending 40 Million, a lot of money for a film back then. But you can see that investment is reflected in the talent assembled. The film casts Laurence Oliver as General McArthur, who campaigned in the region during W.W.2 and whose expertise is called on again here. You also might recognise the original Shaft himself, Robert Roundtree is here too. Terrance Young, who you might remember from some of the more iconic ’60s James Bond films, was picked to direct this film. Robin Moore, who wrote the novel that The French Connection was based on, wrote a large part of the script too. Along with Jerry Goldsmith providing yet another iconic score.

While this infamous film is hard to find, and its reception is still talked about to this day, Inchon is more than just the fascinating story of how it came to be. If you do find a copy, watch it because you can. If the gathering of big names doesn’t impress you, then the opportunity to see some more perspectives on the Korean War, outside M.A.S.H. The tapes are circulating, still making sure that as far away as the film was from the battle, you can still see Inchon!

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