Bat★21 1988
"Trapped behind enemy lines. A whole army after him... And only one man can save him."
Bat★21 (1988) plunges viewers into the high-stakes drama of the Vietnam War, following Lt. Col. Iceal "Ham" Hambleton, a brilliant but isolated weapons expert whose plane is shot down over hostile territory.
Director: Peter Markle
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bat★21 (1988) about?
Bat★21 (1988) follows Lt. Col. Iceal "Ham" Hambleton, a weapons expert whose plane is shot down over Vietnam. Stranded behind enemy lines, he must evade enemy forces and await a rescue while the Air Force races against time to save him before devastating bombing raids begin. The tension escalates as he teams up with a reconnaissance pilot to navigate the deadly terrain.
Who directed Bat★21?
Peter Markle directed Bat★21, bringing a visceral, grounded tone to this Vietnam War survival thriller.
Who stars in Bat★21?
The film stars Gene Hackman as Lt. Col. Iceal "Ham" Hambleton, Danny Glover as Capt. Bartholomew Clark, with Jerry Reed, David Marshall Grant, and Clayton Rohner rounding out the key cast.
Is Bat★21 (1988) worth watching?
Bat★21 (1988) is a solid pick for fans of gritty war dramas with strong performances and a tense survival narrative. While not a blockbuster, it delivers compelling character dynamics and a realistic portrayal of wartime stakes. If you enjoy films like *The Deer Hunter* or *Platoon*, this is a worthy watch.
How long is Bat★21?
Bat★21 runs for 105 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Bat★21 (1988) — A Vietnam War survival thriller with Gene Hackman
Bat★21 (1988) plunges viewers into the high-stakes drama of the Vietnam War, following Lt. Col. Iceal "Ham" Hambleton, a brilliant but isolated weapons expert whose plane is shot down over hostile territory. Played with gripping intensity by Gene Hackman, Hambleton faces a terrifying reality—his position lies directly in the path of impending heavy bombing raids. With helicopters in short supply, the Air Force scrambles to mount a rescue, but time is running out. Teaming up with a resourceful reconnaissance pilot, Capt. Bartholomew Clark, played by Danny Glover, Hambleton crafts a daring escape plan through dense jungles and enemy strongholds.
Directed by Peter Markle, this action-war drama blends relentless suspense with deeply human stakes, as two soldiers navigate trust, survival, and the brutal realities of war. The film's tense atmosphere crackles with authenticity, anchored by stellar performances from its veteran cast. Bat★21 (1988) isn't just a battle for survival—it's a story about courage, strategy, and the unbreakable will to outlast even the darkest odds.