Leathernecks (1989)
A scrappy Italian-produced Vietnam War exploitation film, shot in the Philippines and packed with relentless jungle combat action.
Leathernecks - Movie Information
- Original Title: Leathernecks
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Ignazio Dolce
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, War
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 16, 1989 (France)
- Alternative Titles: Colli di cuoio (IT), 越南浴血戰 (HK)
- Production Companies: DMV Distribuzione, Gico Cinematografica S.r.L.
- Production Countries: Italy
Leathernecks - Plot
An action-packed, brought to us by Ignazio Dolce - the guy who directed several other 'Nam action flicks including "The Last Platoon". It's a plot less little exploitation movie, filmed on a shoestring budget in the Philippines.
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Leathernecks - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ignazio Dolce
Main Cast
- Tanya Gomez
- Richard Hatch
- James Mitchum
- Robert Marius
- Antonio Marsina
- Vassili Karis
- James McKenzie
- Anthony Sawyer
Writers
- Tito Carpi
Producers
- Gianfranco Couyoumdjian
Leathernecks - FAQs
What is Leathernecks (1989) about?
Leathernecks is a lean, plot-light Vietnam War exploitation film from Italy, shot on a shoestring budget in the Philippines. It delivers relentless action sequences in the jungle warfare tradition of the genre, leaning heavily on firefights and combat set pieces rather than narrative depth or character development.
Is Leathernecks a typical Italian Vietnam exploitation film?
Very much so. Leathernecks fits squarely into the wave of Italian-produced Vietnam War action films that flooded the market in the late 1980s. Director Ignazio Dolce, who also helmed The Last Platoon, brings the same formula: jungle locations in the Philippines, a small international cast, and wall-to-wall combat action on a minimal budget.
Where can you watch Leathernecks online?
You can check current streaming and rental options for Leathernecks on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Given its niche status as a late-1980s Italian exploitation title, availability may be limited, so JustWatch is your best bet for finding it.
Who directed Leathernecks and what else did he make?
Leathernecks was directed by Ignazio Dolce, an Italian filmmaker who specialized in low-budget action and war films during the 1980s. He is also known for directing The Last Platoon, another Vietnam-themed exploitation film that shares a similar style, cast pool, and Philippine shooting locations with Leathernecks.
Who are the main actors in Leathernecks?
The cast is led by Richard Hatch and James Mitchum, alongside Tanya Gomez, Robert Marius, Antonio Marsina, Vassili Karis, James McKenzie, and Anthony Sawyer. James Mitchum, son of Hollywood legend Robert Mitchum, was a familiar face in European genre productions of this era.
Was Leathernecks filmed in Vietnam?
No — like many Italian Vietnam War films of the period, Leathernecks was actually shot in the Philippines. The country's dense jungle landscapes served as a cost-effective stand-in for Southeast Asian war zones and became the go-to location for European exploitation filmmakers working in the genre throughout the 1980s.
What are some movies similar to Leathernecks?
If you enjoy Leathernecks, you might also like Hell Hath No Fury, Hounds of War, USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage, and Lost Command. These films share a similar taste for gritty, action-driven war narratives. The Codes of War and Sniper: The Last Stand are also worth a look for fans of the genre.
Who wrote and produced Leathernecks?
The screenplay was written by Tito Carpi, a prolific Italian genre writer with credits across dozens of action, war, and adventure films. The film was produced by Gianfranco Couyoumdjian, with cinematography by Guglielmo Mancori and a score composed by Stefano Mainetti, who went on to earn wider recognition in Italian cinema.
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