The Huertgen forest battle is probably unfamiliar to most people,being sandwiched between Market-Garden and Battle of the Bulge,but it takes centre stage in this tv film made by H.B.O.

Impressive and expensive -looking action sequences aren`t just the forte of this film which also has some memorable scenes as the reluctant hero takes command of his "green" recruits and tries to teach them how to survive.He`s often brutal in his methods but the most fascinating part of the film is you`re never really sure if he cares about his men.Is he just out for himself and screw everyone else-you decide?

Tension abounds as an overweight recruit gets lost on point and hears a German patrol.Run,fight,hide,surrender? It`s a great early scene,with a really evil looking German, but I won`t spoil it.More tension as the desperadoes are chased through the forest by some very hacked-off Germans after completing a mission.

A virtual cast of unknowns are excellent in what is a quality tv film.Made around the same time as Private Ryan, it`s clearly a more modest production, but don`t let that put you off.Dvd is tv ratio 4/3 .I`m just curious why it didn`t get a proper theatrical release-certainly would have deserved it.

I loved this film the first time i saw it a few years back, it was made by American TV company HBO and has no real stars of note other than Ron Eldard (ER). The acting is good, the effects and battle scenes are first rate considering the budget that was available, I like little war gems like this that dont get the notice they deserve while big budget movies like Saving Private Ryan and others get all the glory, if you like WW2 movies then give this a shot.