"Death Before Dishonor" review

Death Before Dishonor (1987)

Directed by Terry Leonard
Writing credits John Gatliff

Fred Dryer .... Gunnery Sgt. Burns
Joseph Gian .... Sgt. Manuel Ramirez
Brian Keith .... Col. Halloran
Paul Winfield .... Ambassador
Joanna Pacula .... Elli

I bought this video for two bucks. "Death before Dishonor" is one of those shameless pro-American military flicks they used to make back in the 80's. And what the heck is wrong with that? I mean, granted, Fred Dryer is no Rambo but he gets the job done. He destroys anyone he perceives as a threat to the American way of life. Dryer has to guard the American embassy in some fictitious Arab country. Soon the rebel army will attack his embassy, kidnap his colonel and generally upset him. They've pushed this marine to the breaking point.

As a ridiculous action movie, "Death before Dishonor" is mildly enjoyable. One car chase scene has him driving after the bad guys through various back alleys. He then takes his windshield out and shoots a rocket at them while driving! Yeah! That'll show them not to mess with the marines. Of course, they never learn and soon they're back to harass Dryer again. If you're expecting subtlety from this flick or any particularly enlightened attitude toward affairs in the Middle East, you will be sorely disappointed. "Death before Dishonor" is all about the Americans, (good guys), killing rebel Arabs and their Russian masters, (bad guys). So if you're looking for a simple, (and cheap), B-war flick, "Death before Dishonor" fits the bill.

SCORE: 2 out of 4 angry marines