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)

Der fast zweistündige Film M.A.S.H. besteht aus verschiedenen längeren oder kürzeren Szenen. Deshalb hat man den Eindruck, dass das Serienformat für ihn doch besser ist. Zum Glück ist die Sequenz derart interessant (trocken wie Hawkeyes Martini und bei den blutigen Szenen vom OP erschreckend realistisch), dass sie die Aufmerksamkeit des Publikums auch im Laufe der ein wenig langwierigen zweiten Hälfte nicht verliert. Die Besetzung ist toll und Donald Sutherland, Elliot Gould, Sally Kellerman sowie Roger Bowen kommen ihren Serienkollegen gleich. Schade, dass Frank, gespielt von Robert Duvall, so schnell verschwindet. Dreieinhalb. (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)