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Tom Berenger, Joaquim de Almeida, Daniela Romo, Mark Moses, Stuart Graham ... see more see more... , James Gammon , Stephen Tobolowsky , Carlos Carrasco , Patrick Bergin , Don Wycherley , Jorge Bosso , Gregg Fitzgerald

A little known chapter from the Mexican-American War is brought to the screen in this historical drama based on fact. In 1846, shortly before the United States turned its aggressions against Mexico in... read more read more...to armed conflict, John Riley (Tom Berenger) and a group of U.S. soldiers crossed the border into Mexico to attend Mass. Riley and his fellow soldiers were Irish nationals who had come to the United States to escape the economic devastation of their homeland, brought on by the Potato Famine. Like many other Irish immigrants, Riley was promised citizenship in exchange for serving a tour of duty in the Army, but the Irish Catholics soon found themselves treated like second-class citizens in the largely Protestant American military. Riley and his men are severely punished for traveling into Mexico, and Riley decides he can no longer abide the United States Army and its treatment of his fellows. Riley engineers an escape from the stockade and the Irish troops travel into Mexico, a peaceful Catholic nation where they believe they will be welcomed. However, as Riley and his men march into the mountains of Mexico, they encounter guerilla leader Cortina (Joaquim de Almeida), who is naturally suspicious of soldiers in U.S. uniforms. The Irish soldiers are taken prisoner and Riley is wounded in the skirmish, but in time Cortina and Riley come to see each other as allies rather than enemies. Riley also falls in love with Marta (Daniela Romo), a Mexican patriot and Cortina's lover. In time, Riley and his men form The Saint Patrick's Battalion and become one of Mexico's most effective fighting units. Tom Berenger served as co-producer for One Man's Hero as well as playing Riley. The film was originally slated for release in the fall of 1998, but was shelved for a year after Orion, the studio which produced the film, was purchased by MGM, who eventually released it in Ireland in August, 1999, and the United States and Mexico later in the fall. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

50% liked it

1,126 ratings

Critics

38% liked it

8 critics

R, 2 hr. 1 min.

Directed by: Lance Hool

Release Date: September 24, 1999

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DVD Release Date: March 7, 2000

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Stats: 46 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (46)

  • flbeachboy
    January 28, 2011
    flbeachboy
    Extrodinary movie!!!!!!!!!! Once again Tom Berenger gives an outstanding perfomance backed by a good cast and a great story. I loved movies like this that are based on a true story. I recommened this for any movie lover.

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Critic Reviews

Michael Dequina
December 27, 2009
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

Weighed down by the traditional Hollywood trappings. Full Review

Chuck O'Leary
October 6, 2005
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily

An interesting historical drama about a little-known incident that would have been much better had someone like John Milius directed it.

Steven D. Greydanus
January 30, 2004
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide

An earnest, flawed film for thoughtful, critical viewing. Full Review

Robert Koehler
May 26, 2008
Robert Koehler, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

July 21, 2005
Houston Chronicle

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Kevin Thomas
February 14, 2001
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Joe Baltake
January 1, 2000
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

Click to read the article Full Review

Emanuel Levy
July 27, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Dragan Antulov
July 14, 2004
Dragan Antulov, rec.arts.movies.reviews

No review available.

Leon Wood
January 1, 2000
Leon Wood, Apollo Guide

Click to read the article Full Review

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