Based on anything?
I know there are a number of books titled Retreat, Hell. Is this movie based on one of them? Or is it based on another book of a different title?
shareThis movie is based on an actual historical event. In November, 1950 the 1st Marine Division was surrounded and outnumbered about 4 or 5 to 1 at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. They fought their way through about 70 miles of enemy held territory in mountain terrain, dead of winter, temps of 30 below zero in order to be rescued by the Navy. It's one of the greatest feats of the Marine Corps. They were hung out to dry by General MacArthur.
For the history buffs, the scenes where the naval shore bombardment takes place were shot aboard the USS Missouri during actual combat firing. It's one of the few times films were ever made of the firing sequence of a battleship's big guns in action, including the fire control center and what happened inside the turrets themselves.
Another note: When this movie was made, the Korean War was still going on and could be seen as a criticism of MacArthur's decision to advance across the 38th parallel into North Korea. His drive to the Yalu River (Chosin Resivoir is just south of the Yalu River border with China) caused the Chinese to enter the war.
The enemy outnumber them a paltry 4 to 1, good odds for any Marine. :)
shareThe film title comes from Major General O.P. Smith:
When asked if the Marines were retreating, Smith explained that their fighting withdrawal through Chinese lines did not constitute a retreat. His explanation was abbreviated into the famous misquote, "Retreat? Hell, we're attacking in a different direction!"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chosin_Reservoir
meanwhile most of the Army units that far north were routed and fled leaving almost all their guns, transports, supplies and even their wounded
What are they doing? Why do they come here?
Some kind of instinct, memory, what they used to do.