M.A.S.H.

The big problem with Robert Altman's M*A*S*H is that the vast majority of viewers saw it only after becoming fans of the famous TV series. While the series took inspiration from Altman's film, it is a completely different style, format, and genre. So, those looking for the pleasant humor of the TV series will be quite disappointed. The TV M.A.S.H was a mainstream affair, a pleasant break with an anti-war message, designed for the broadest audience, whereas Altman created a cynical film about the misery that war leaves on people. As a comedy, it doesn't work very well in my opinion, but as an absurd war story about people frustrated by the insane conditions they must endure, it's a strong piece. The main character is a cynic who just wants to have fun, survive, and forget. He's simply not the likable guy we know from the series. Overall impression: 60%. (18/06/2006)

The M*A*S*H film is almost two hours long, a sequence of various scenes and skits, so one simply cannot help but feel that the serial format is better suited for it. Fortunately, though, the sequence is so interesting, as dry as a Hawkeye martini, and chillingly realistic during the bloody operating room scenes, that it holds the viewer's attention even during the somewhat drawn-out second half. The cast is also one of a kind and Donald Sutherland, Elliot Gould, Sally Kellerman and Roger Bowen are all up to par with their series counterparts. It's a great pity, however, that Robert Duvall's Frank disappears so quickly. Three and a half. (15/11/2015)

If I saw the movie first, I would probably be more impressed than when I saw the series for the first time. But the series is just more timeless, it still works and its jokes survive where the movie ones lose their impact as time advances. Nevertheless, the film is still a quality spectacle, but it doesn't have the same great gateway as the series. I was surprised that Radar's character is played by the same actor throughout. (28/07/2015)