This was a great movie apart from the strange ending. I liked the alternate ending better where they reverted back to hating each other more than the one where the building blew up.

Exciting, intriguing two-hander as Marvin and Mifune stand-off against each other in the pacific. An excellent show-case for the two stars, who both prove their formiddable movie star charisma, even while given little dialogue to work with. Boorman's direction remains taut throughout, and the story develops in interesting ways, helping the film break free of any claustrophobic problems. Abrupt, quizzical (and I understand studio imposed) ending is the only problem in this otherwise fine film.

the ending ruins it

Marvin and Mifune are the only characters in this pretentious, visually complex drama. Despite the insistent allegory, Boorman's visual contrasts redeem the UNESCO message, aided by spectacular lensing by Conrad Hall.

People are people.

Boorman is bizarre (in this case not because of Zardoz). General plot progression is obvious right from the start; two sworn enemies fight to death, unable to manage, become friends in the common fight for survival. Well, that is not exactly it. And Lee Marvin's character being a totally stupid ,stuborn useless asshole prolongs the plot and becomes real fun. Direction is barely above average and pacing is usually off, what can I say, this is something unusual. Unconventional ending.

Great film.

Minor believability issues aside, and although I am not entirely sure what to make of the finale, I think this film is superb, second only to Deliverance in John Boorman's oeuvre. Its beginning is almost frustrating (the characters' stupidity is just angering), but it just keeps getting better and more mesmerizing as it goes. Marvelously directed and shot, and perhaps needless to say - stellar performances from Marvin and Mifune.

COME AND GET IT

Good movie with only 2 actors. Great was the Jap who spoke his own language. A sort of cat and mouse game on a lonely island. Comparable with an other movie Enemy Mine of 1985.

An American WW2 pilot crashes in the ocean and washes up on a tiny deserted island, only to find a Japanese Naval captain already marooned there. They have to overcome their natural desires to kill each other and work together to survive. Neither speaks the language of the other so there's very little dialog...Lee Marvin and Toshiro Mifune carry the film with a pair of excellent physical acting performances. Cop out ending, but a great flick nonetheless.