As an unknown independent filmmaker, I tried to meet as many Vietnam veterans as I possibly could. I wanted to listen to their incredible stories and to learn the truth of their experiences. Many years later when the film was completed, I wanted all of our Vietnam veterans that see FORGOTTEN HEROES to come away from this film with the same feelings and emotions as describe in the film reviews posted below.
After 37 plus years of Hollywood making films about the Vietnam War with their distorted stereotypes of drug addicts, murderers, and rapists. I developed this script in 1986. I believed it was time to come out with a pro-Vietnam film that honored the Vietnam veterans. What has evolved over the years is that this film now honors all of our veterans from all of our wars.
Today, Hollywood is doing it all over again and they are going after our young brave men and women in films that are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. FORGOTTEN HEROES is a timely film that I feel will change the perception; that we Americans fight these wars of liberation to establish freedom and liberty to people of different nations that are oppressed by evil tyrants and or evil political systems.
General George Patton, Jr. said it best in his prayer at Bastone in 1944. "Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies and establish Thy justice among men and nations."
In 1987, I met my partner Executive Producer John R. Lebert and he just loved the script and believed that this story was long overdue. He felt that the title FORGOTTEN HEROES was a powerful statement that represented our heroic Vietnam veterans.
John who is a US Navy Veteran, committed to backing my first directing effort. He put his heart and soul into making this film a reality. For the past 19 years, he has done everything in his power to make sure FORGOTTEN HEROES has survived the rough and tumbled seas of Hollywood.
I want everyone that reads this site, to know that because of John Lebert's determination and dedication to FORGOTTEN HEROES that after 19 long years is now being marketed from our web site. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FORGOTTEN HEROES
MARINO FILM GROUP is selling each DVD for $19.95 plus S/H and is donating $5.00 from each sale to THE AMERICAN VETERANS DISABLED FOR LIFE MEMORIAL FUND.
The DVD's are projected to be ready for sale by late January of 2008. We will keep everyone updated of our progress. (Unless Murphy shows up) Thank you for your patience and understanding.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FORGOTTEN HEROES NOW
FILM REVIEWS
Forgotten Heroes: Setting the Record Straight about Vietnam Veterans
Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 8:56pm |
In a refreshing departure from the usual Hollywood fare, Jack Marino’s film presents a positive portrayal of the most maligned members of our military
It may not have the big name actors, the lavish on-location sets or the fêted Hollywood directors, but Jack Marino’s film Forgotten Heroes possesses something money can’t buy—a willingness to paint an accurate picture of Vietnam veterans. Disgusted by liberal Tinsel Town producers with an agenda, not to mention access to nearly unfathomable amounts of money, Marino set out to create an alternative to military-bashing films like Platoon that preached an anti-American message to an American audience forking over hard-earned money for two hours of theatrical entertainment. Long enamored of World War II-era films, Marino endeavored to create a Green Beret-style tribute “to the generation that answered President Kennedy’s call to defend freedom anytime and anywhere.”
The result is an engaging drama that follows the mission of an eclectic squadron of Marines as they attempt to rescue a Russian General who has defected to the United States. Representing the ethnic and racial diversity of America, this group of heroes includes a blond-haired surfer boy from Venice Beach, a young Latino from Los Angeles, a wise-cracking Italian-American from Brooklyn, and a stocky cowboy from Oklahoma. In keeping with the film’s tagline, “it was a time that turned boys into men and men into heroes,” when we first meet our core characters, they appear to behave more like frat boys than American soldiers, playing drinking games and fantasizing about girls on the beach.
However, we get the first glimpse of real brotherhood upon the arrival of new recruit Ramon, fresh out of boot camp and unaccustomed to the haunting “smell of the Nam.” Young Ramon has never been in combat, but gets his first taste of the grim reality of war when a fellow soldier named De Luca—hours away from flying home with honor—is blown up by a grenade planted by the his Vietnamese shoe-shine boy. Devastated by the loss of their friend, the squad nonetheless rises to the occasion when the dreaded word “Cambodia” turns out to be the site for the critical mission they’ve been assigned. When Ramon admits to a fear of being shot at, his self-appointed mentor, Leo Rossetti assists him in working through his apprehensions in one of the films simultaneously lighthearted and ominous scenes.
Veteran movie actor William Smith turns in a compelling performance as Russian defector General Zelenkov, a man who loves his country but not its oppressive government—a point of view rarely presented on screen by communist-lovin’ Hollywood. An honorable man, Zelenkov prevents his American rescuers from instantly killing young, militant Lieutenant Colonel Viktor Brazinski, an act of decency that puts all of their lives in jeopardy. Once awake, Brazinski calls in the Russian forces, leaving the Marines and the General no choice but to abort their helicopter rescue at the original pick-up zone and embark upon a treacherous jungle journey through enemy territory, to a secondary pick-up zone. Along the way, the men transition into heroes, as they encounter an endless onslaught of horrific circumstances. In one scene, Ramon finds himself the sole protector of a Vietnamese woman and her daughter after Joe “Cowboy” Geer is shot to death by the communists he bravely fends off in order to give them a chance to escape. In another, Nick Govostos, American son of Greek immigrants, is called upon to make a gut-wrenching decision most of us will never have to confront in our lifetimes, when fellow soldier Darryl Huckins is brutally skinned alive.
Through it all, the men come to appreciate valor, courage, brotherhood and the price of freedom as they develop an understanding and respect for the man whose rescue comes with the highest of costs. Those who are fortunate enough to make it home in the end, have nothing but affection for their fallen heroes and the country that sent its young men into harm’s way for the cause of freedom. No wonder the power-brokers of Hollywood rejected this film!
Fortunately it is available as a DVD at www.forgottenheroesthemovie.com. A true patriot, Jack Marino is donating $5.00 to The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Fund for every copy purchased. Please support this wonderful film and our forgotten heroes!
-Daria Anne DiGiovanni
Author of the book, Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renew
"The first impressionistic war film!"
"Jack Marino conveys the horror of war, not through depictions of violence and atrocities, but through the stresses placed on emotional relationships.
The Vietnam war was tough to "get a grip on." Many of us loyal Americans wanted to support our troops, but we couldn't quite figure out what it was all about. The protesters converted the stresses to their own internal war. The troops either didn't question the matter, or did but decided to fight anyway.
Now, some time later, all Americans have learned the difficulty of fighting against a faceless and terror-based enemy. In Jack's film, we can even more appreciate the freedoms we have in America, and the likely need to take up arms against all threats to that. See FORGOTTEN HEROES...it fulfills all of Harry Warner's "three e's" for movies: educatiing, entertaining and enlightening."
- Eric Sherman - Filmmaker/Author DIRECTING THE FILM
"I am watching FORGOTTEN HEROES again tonight and am reminded of what a beautiful, heartfelt film it is. You've seen it so many times it's impact may be lost on you. It's truly a great film, beautifully shot. I loved the nods to Errol Flynn, particularly the incredible scene where the surfer has been tortured and asks the Greek to kill him. It reminded me of the great scene in Objective Burma - but you took it further and the emotional impact was profound.
I don't know if it was an intentional make-up choice but Bill Smith, in this film, looks like Flynn, circa THE SUN ALSO RISES/ROOTS OF HEAVEN. When I see Smith in this film - with this character - I see Errol Flynn. I feel every Flynn fan would want that movie just for the various nods to Flynn in the picture... the park location on the old Flynn's estate, the score, the swordfighting in shadows, the quotes from Objective Burma.
I have made over 35 movies in my career. I have always wanted to make a film that would affect people lives in a profound and positive way. I haven't yet done so. I've often said I'd give up my career if I could make one film like that. You did it right out of the gate.
I am and continue to be in awe of your passion and envious of your talent."
- Steve Latshaw, Writer, Producer, Director
"I received my copy of FORGOTTEN HEROES and enjoyed it immensely. Thank you again for bringing this wonderful film to the world and to my attention. It is refreshing to see a movie of this caliber and integrity. I put you right up there with John Wayne and the GREEN BERETS. I know you must have sweated blood all these years in your effort to get this film made. The cast was terrific and Mr. Smith, as always, was excellent in his portrayal of the Russian General. I only wish DeLuca could have made it home.
Good Job and thanks again."
- Robert Hubbard – Vietnam Veteran USAF 1963
"As a Vietnam veteran I can tell you that you have captured the essence of every platoon, and squad and small unit that ever served over there. I led an infantry platoon of the 1st Air Cavalry Division and I had a little bit of every one of your characters in the guys in my unit. What a pleasure to see in your film was that you didn't cop out to the clichés of most of the movies out on the war with the standard atrocities and racial, drug, psycho themes. The kids in your movie are just like the tens of thousands of 19 year olds who served over there. And there were hundreds of small unit missions with heroics such as you portrayed in your film, many which have been long been forgotten because of security classifications, and quite frankly, time because people back home just didn't want to hear about it anymore. It's good to see the Vietnam soldiers and marines presented in a positive light for a change."
- R. Flynn - Platoon Leader 1st Air Cav Division - Vietnam 66-67
"In an age when heroism and patriotism have been consumed by guilt and shame, "Forgotten Heroes" offers a welcome and inspirational antidote. A heartfelt tribute to the young men who lived, served, fought and died in the jungles of Vietnam, "Forgotten Heroes" is a throwback to the great films of the World War II era, when traits like courage, camaraderie and conviction were revered and rewarded - no matter who won. As most Vietnam films continue to focus on the ideological and moral implications of the war, "Forgotten Heroes" dares to turn its sights on the brave young men who lived it. Producer/director Jack Marino has created a tale of courage, conviction and camaraderie reminiscent of the great films of the World War II era."
- Wade Major Associate Editor Entertainment TODAY
"After seeing your film "Forgotten Heroes" I can say that your concept of American's helping Russians is far ahead of its time. Who would have known then the the United States and our former adversaries could be friends and work together for world peace.
William Smith's performance of a Russian officer is outstanding and gives insight to some of the attitudes that prevailed in the former Soviet Union. The actors who portray the "Forgotten Heroes" show that young American warriors will give their all to carry out the mission in spite of overwhelming odds. We wish you success with your film, it is one that shows Americans serving in Vietnam in a positive light. Thank you for that."
- Vaughn Binzar - Editor/Bravo Veterans Outlook - Vietnam veteran, U.S. Army 1965-66 - 1991
"Forgotten Heroes" is a time capsule of what a unit of ten men witnessed deep in the Vietnam War jungles my generation only read about and is still trying to understand almost 30 years later. "Forgotten Heroes" is an excellent portrait of some of the Vietnam war experience America's young men and women of the time endured fighting a war that many at home questioned and protested. The talented and charismatic cast portrays a believable mixture of Americans who came from many racial/ethnic backgrounds and fought together in the Vietnam war."
- Tom Hickey - Movie/TV Marketing Magazine - 1992
"Forgotten Heroes", is a film with a thought provoking title which offers the possibilities of a Vietnam era movie with a slightly different slant to it. "Forgotten Heroes" depicts the war with less emphasis on the graphic violence, language and emotional trama You might call it the "Kelly's Heroes" of Vietnam war films.
Until now we have been brainwashed into believing all the men who fought in "the Nam" were drug using, psychotic, women and children killers, sometimes resorting to the unforgivable crime of "fragging" their own superior officers. Vietnam vets everywhere know that just isn't true. Which is why so many of them who have reportedly found it refreshing in that it goes against the grain of other more celebrated films of the past decade.
"Forgotten Heroes" is in no danger of sweeping the Academy Awards. But at the same time, the film was refreshing and entertaining and in a day of multi-million dollar extravaganzas spewing out of Hollywood at an almost dizzying rate, a respectable low budget film that entertains is a rarity."
- Mike Merrett - Everett/Malden Daily News Mercury/The Boston Film Festival - 1990
"Forgotten Heroes" is a good, solid, old-fashioned entertainment in a Vietnam setting without the distorted stereotypes of drug addicts, murderers, and rapist. I particularly liked the ending with President Kennedy's Inaugural ceremony pledge to defend freedom anywhere, anytime, at any cost. It was not only very effective but helped to put our Southeast Asian involvement in context. "
- Col. Joseph N. Smith (USMC Ret.) Director of Department of Military and Veterans Affairs - County of Los Angeles - 1990
Apocalypse Now has the big movie stars. Platoon has the budget. Full Metal Jacket has Kubrick. But Forgotten Heroes has the truth. And when history does what history always does best and shakes itself loose of the blistering lies told of and about America's involvement in Vietnam, it will be Jack Marino's Forgotten Heroes that's first acquitted.
Watching the history of Vietnam through the eyes of mainstream Hollywood you'd never know our goal was to help a people retain their self-determination. You'd never know that what the critics wrist-flicked as a civil war was in fact a national act of fratricide; one brother trying to oppress and butcher another. You'd never know the consequence of our leaving -- our breaking our promise to our allies -- our caving to the anti-war left -- was a holocaust of millions. And you'd never know that our men and women over there were honorable, self-sacrificing, heroes. You'd never know this because in order to present its twisted view of the war mainstream Hollywood must demonize our troops. It must lie.
In Forgotten Heroes we finally see an honest portrayal of these good and decent men who left their homes and risked their lives for something bigger than themselves. Marino's film reminds us how that once meant something. Marino's film also reminds us that when those men are forgotten by a government unwilling to finish what it started, the price they pay doesn't end with the war.
Using relatively unknown actors and a meager budget, Marino expertly mixes themes larger than politics with a briskly paced emotional story and action scenes that defy that meager budget. And watching Forgotten Heroes is a reminder of just how far Hollywood has fallen.
There was a time Hollywood believed in spreading liberty and stopping tyranny. There was a time it marshaled every force at its disposal because it believed everyone, regardless of skin color or religion, deserved freedom. That belief died sometime in the late 1960's. And from it sprang an ideology of anti-Americanism and pro-Communism that has infested our films for forty years and lives on today in the form of Michael Moore, Oliver Stone, and all the others who find the tyrants Castro and Saddam more tolerable than our own President.
But that's just politics. We can disagree on politics. But what about the men? Why must the heroes of Vietnam be slandered in film after film to support the misguided political agendas of the Hollywood left? Can't we draw a line of decency somewhere?
Well, Marino has drawn a line. He put his money and talent and reputation on the line to tell the truth about these men. And for over nineteen years he's shown this film to anyone willing to listen. Anyone with enough of an open mind to consider that there are still stories left untold in Vietnam. Stories of heroism and sacrifice. In other words: The Truth.
Every viewing of Forgotten Heroes makes these heroes less forgotten. Every viewing jabs a finger in the eye of a Hollywood that lies about them. The forgotten heroes of Vietnam have a friend in Jack Marino. And so do maverick filmmakers everywhere with a dream. With a love of country. With a love of freedom. With a love of truth.
- John Nolte - Internet Film Reviewer - 2006
"Platoon", "Pearl Harbor", make room for "FORGOTTEN HEROES" very well produced, directed and REAL. After viewing this Vietnam war film (five times) I actually thought I was in the action, with the troops in Nam. When "F.H." reaches the BIG silver screens, it will definately draw huge fans of the war/drama genre and then some. William Smith's portrayal as a Russian officer is flawless, the direction by Jack Marino is perfect! Reminds me of the movie "BATAAN", gut wrenching suspense, and ALL ACTION!
- Anthony Cardoza - Producer, Director, Writer, Actor
"Forgotten Heroes" is a feature film about the Vietnam War. Producer/Director Jack Marino made this film to dramatize the underlying reason for this war, which was a confrontation between freedom and communism.
Freedom is portrayed by the desire of a Russian General, played by William Smith, to defect and the supreme sacrifice of the platoon that went into Cambodia to rescue him. What is unusual about this film is not that it is a positive portrayal of the American soldiers that served their country and the cause of freedom, but that the film shows heroism of the Vietnam war veterans.
By putting an American platoon against a Soviet squad, Producer/Director Jack Marino achieves a great cinematic feat, since for the first time as a movie audience we can see what the Vietnam war was all about. It was not about killing Vietnamese farmers, oppressed by an ancient feudal system that was supported by communism, but a fight between Soviet communism and American democracy.
In scene after scene the drama is played out, the apparent contradiction between the aim of the American Platoon in fighting for their life, yet risking death to rescue an enemy general. The stark realism of this movie and its climatic sequence makes this film a very unique experience for all audiences, but especially for the children of the Vietnam veterans who can see for the first time a movie that portrays their fathers as heroes no longer forgotten.
The last sequence of the movie is a classic of the independent cinema. Demand to see this film in your theaters, you won't regret it. "Forgotten Heroes" is a movie for those who no longer need to regret that the Vietnam war veterans have not been properly recognized."
- Victor Alexander - Independent filmmaker and author
"Forgotten Heroes" is a stunning film which captures the tension, action and comradery of men in combat. It was a pleasure to watch, and I look forward to your next production.
- Gregory J. Maradei, 1st Lieutenant (USMC Ret.) - Gulf War Veteran
Jack, seeing your film at the Quintus Montreal Italian Film Festival, only inspired me to be a true and honest film maker no matter what the obstacles. The fact that you put together such a terrific piece of work with what you had to do it with is totally remarkable. I tip my hat to you sir! BRAVO!
- Johnny Roastbeef Williams, - Actor - Goodfellas, Mama & Son, Mafiso II
Dammit, Jack.... YOU MAGNIFICANT BASTARD!! YOU are the forgotten hero! I'm heartend by your website. You attack the stone walls of the pigheaded resistence with a burning piano leg in one hand, your banner in the other...and a straight razor in your teeth! By God, man...let me go up the wall beside you...or bleed in the mud, brothers of the same sticky crimson puddle! YOU are "still here" as Steve McQueen cries out in the ending of Papillion. WE are still here. When the liver is gone, the man goes on. When the man is gone, his works remain. To the high seas and GLORY!
- Duke Sandefur - Writer & Executive Story Editor - Walker Texas Rangers, Soldiers of Fortune, Inc
"I would highly recommend it to other Nam Vets for sure! Thanks Jack for showing us in a different light than we normally are. One thing you can surely do is to say that the first Nam Vet to watch it will guarantee that all that I have read about FORGOTTEN HEROES is true and highly recommended by me Mike Rozar, Combat Vietnam Veteran, 1970/1971 Americal Division. I think you did an awesome job on the movie Jack! Thanks again for sticking by your guns and putting this out for the Vietnam Vets! - 2/10/08
- Mike Rozar, Combat Vietnam Veteran, 1970/1971 Americal Division
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