The technical limitations of 1929 are unfortunate - there's insufficiency of light and or sound that peeks through at one point or another to humble the film. Though characteristic of the timeframe, some of the generally suitable or even clever dialogue is less than savory. And in a runtime of just over one hour, it's noteworthy that the movie keeps a relaxed pace that means very little happens generally, and the impact of story beats in the latter half is perhaps dampened for lack of emphasis.
It's hardly perfect. Yet nor does 'Hell's heroes' pretend to be anything it's not: it's a simple story being told, and there's no effort to needlessly embellish the tale. Three bandits come across a dying mother who entrusts them with her newborn, and they endeavor to save the little one. The details that pad out this abbreviated saga are few and minor. Even so, it manages to be consistently engaging and entertaining, with just enough eventfulness in the plot to build and sustain drama.
Uncomplicated as the feature is, there are admirable themes at play of redemption, and of the tangled morality that even those of ill repute can bear; there's a massive grey area between broad notions of Good and Evil. And just like that, seemingly as quickly as it began, the movie is over.
Any viewer seeking a film that's especially exciting, gripping, or profound is better off looking elsewhere. This picture isn't particularly remarkable in any regard, and it won't stand out in a crowd. But if you're looking for something to watch when you're short on time, or just want an untroubled slice of basic diversion, 'Hell's heroes' will fit the bill. It's not great, but it's good, and it's not a bad way to pass the time.
It's hardly perfect. Yet nor does 'Hell's heroes' pretend to be anything it's not: it's a simple story being told, and there's no effort to needlessly embellish the tale. Three bandits come across a dying mother who entrusts them with her newborn, and they endeavor to save the little one. The details that pad out this abbreviated saga are few and minor. Even so, it manages to be consistently engaging and entertaining, with just enough eventfulness in the plot to build and sustain drama.
Uncomplicated as the feature is, there are admirable themes at play of redemption, and of the tangled morality that even those of ill repute can bear; there's a massive grey area between broad notions of Good and Evil. And just like that, seemingly as quickly as it began, the movie is over.
Any viewer seeking a film that's especially exciting, gripping, or profound is better off looking elsewhere. This picture isn't particularly remarkable in any regard, and it won't stand out in a crowd. But if you're looking for something to watch when you're short on time, or just want an untroubled slice of basic diversion, 'Hell's heroes' will fit the bill. It's not great, but it's good, and it's not a bad way to pass the time.