Doctors look for sanity during war.

Rating: 7/10 (26 August 2009)

My second impression of M*A*S*H has more clarity and understanding. Director Robert Altman gets to the point and hits the core that some may not find amusing in the least. This dark comedy written by Ring Lardner, Jr. follows the antics of military doctors and nurses at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. This film seems directed at an anti-war counter-culture. Much needed is the welcomed release of steam for the brave people doing something they don't really want to do and doing it where they really don't want to be. I admit being jaded by the ever popular TV series that make most of these same characters more charming and genuine.
The whole feel of the movie is honest and can still stand on its merits. Some real fine performances from Donald Sutherland as Capt. 'Hawkeye' Pierce, Sally Kellerman as 'Hot Lips O'Houlihan' and Elliott Gould as Capt. John 'Trapper' McIntyre. Rounding out this talented ensemble: Robert Duvall, Tom Skerritt, Gary Burghoff and the ever hot Jo Ann Pflug. Definitely intended for mature audiences due to strong language, drug use and sexual content.