User Reviews

A Vietnam war vet (Chuck Norris) and previous POW goes back to Vietnam ten years after . When Braddock arrives is accused of war crimes by a Vietnam general (James Hong) . He then schemes to free some American soldiers still held prisoners in a far prison camp into Vietnam . As long as he's there , Braddock decides to head Thailand where is pursued by a former enemy who tortured him in the concentration camp where he was prisoner . He's helped by a gunrunner friend (M. Emmet Walsh) . The two-fisted Colonel Braddock tries continuously to free the prisoners held captives suffering various tortures in charge of the camp wardens and the evil ruler.

This is a routine actioner with Karate star Chuck Norris as the Vietnam veteran resulting go be one of the best roles he'd made to date , as he's nice as tough , cold and stubborn Colonel Braddock . It's a predictable , shallow and brainless film , though it will appeal to Chuck Norris enthusiasts because of it contains some excellent action sequences (when Braddock shoots with his machine gun or scenes about bounds and leaps aboard a motorboat) . Chuck stated that he made this picture as a memorial honor of his younger brother who was a war casualty in the long Vietnam conflict . In the wake of ¨ Uncommon courage ¨(by Ted Kotcheff) and ¨ Rambo II ¨(George Pan Cosmatos) with Norris attempting to imitate Silver Stallone or Arnold Schwarnezzegger like an one army man .

The film is the original from a trilogy , concerning the second part (directed by Lance Hool , the first one 's producer) about tortures and Braddock suffering in a prisoner camp , and the third part (directed by Aaron Norris , Chuck's brother , who in 'Missing in action 1' was the stunt coordinator) upon looking for his wife after downfall Saigon . Shot right after Missing in action 2 (1985) , this movie was supposed to be the follow-up . Nevertheless, when ¨Cannon¨ realized this film was the better of the two , they re-titled them and made the other film a prequel . In the three movies there are some nasty , ominous villains well played by Asian players : James Hong , Soon Teck Oh , and Aki Aelong , who bear offensive racial stereotypes . Appropriate musical score by Jay Chattaway and adequate as well as atmospheric cinematography by cameraman Joao Fernandez , filmed in Philippines . The motion picture produced by Cannon films (Mennahem Golan and Yoram Globus) was professionally directed by Joseph Zito (USA invasion , again with Norris). The motion picture will appeal to Chuck Norris fans .

This is a typical Chuck Norris film and typical 80's action film. It follows a simple and commercially successful script: Lots of action scenes, lots of nudity, one liners, plenty of stunts and some moments of pure fantasy.

This film is great for those wanting to sit with popcorn and watch a film where you know what you're going to get. But this film sacrifices a lot of realism to achieve it. Scenes of helicopters making outrageous pick ups or so many Vietnamese henchmen with poor aims when it comes to shooting Chuck are some examples. This film is pure action based, as the movie went on, it was action sequence after action sequence and personally, I was fed up with too much.

There is so much wrong with this film technically and is you want to watch a clever, powerful dramatic and original action film ,then this isn't for you. If you want to watch a predictable, satisfying, simple adrenaline fuelled kill-fest, then you'll like this.

Chuck Norris stars as Col James Braddock a Vietnam vet who goes behind Vietnam to save American P.O.Ws and wipe out his enemies in this strictly routine yet very popular bodycount flick which appeals to die hards of the genre. Not as bad as movies like this get, but not good either, watch Rambo:First Blood Part II instead.

This was filmed back-to-back with part 2, and was originally intended to be released as the second film in the series, but Cannon executives moved it to be the first entry after realizing it was much better than the other film. It is indeed a better movie, but it still can't be called a good movie. To be sure, the production values are decent, and director Joseph Zito occasionally creates an effective moment. But for the most part, the movie is extremely dull; it takes more than halfway through the movie before Norris starts his primary mission, and the action sequences (the few that there are) are mediocre at best. Zito also shows no sense of pacing; there are a number of scenes that serve no real purpose, or are let to run on for what seems like forever. As for Norris, he is his usual stony near-mute self, though he is to be admired for doing some of the risky stunt sequences himself.

Hilarious! There is not another word to describe this film. I remember I've seen this when I'm 15 and I could not get a ticket to another film. This weekend I rented it – just to review what i already thought, 20 years ago, it was a disaster. It was a period of ufanistic productions where one hero could destroy anything that threats America or its ideal of freedom. Films like Rambo II, Red Dawn, Commando or Rocky IV looked seen to be wrote by someone at Reagan's office, but at least they had some qualities. This Braddock had none. Chuck Norris leads the scariest cast of all times (M Emmet Walsh should be punished to do a film like that - how come he had done Blood Simple later?). The screenplay does not make any sense (Braddock kills a character vital to the story – a big shot Vietnam general – and there are no consequences), the action scenes are primary (the sequence with the boat – that should be the climax! - seems to be shot by high school students), the cinematography is awful (mixing up sequences on a bright day and others made on a numb one). So... if you want to remember how the action movies in the 80's were disastrous without its great icons (Stallone and Schwarzenneger), take a look at Braddock... I only wonder if "Invasion USA" is even worse...but that you can tell me.

Colonel James Braddock (Chuck Norris) was a POW during the Vietnam war. He escaped ten years ago and has tried repeatedly to get the government to go back in looking for other POWs. Finally, he gets fed up with the cowardly politicians and decides to go back in and get them himself!

This is not a bad movie. Get real, haters. Yes, it has something of a cheese factor but even the best action films do. It just adds flavor. It's a great action movie tailored to Chuck's strengths -- namely being the strong, silent hero who kicks ass and can't be bothered to take names. I'm not surprised certain types hate this so much. No doubt it reminds them of their inadequacies. Some people derisively refer to movies like this and Rambo as "revisionist fantasies." Well, so what? What is fantasy without wish-fulfillment? That's what this is -- a movie for Americans who wish we could have gone back in and gotten our boys out. If you're an American, put your petty politics and misplaced sympathies aside and tell me what's wrong with that?

There's awesome fist-pumping action as well as lots of drama but there are some lighter moments with foxy Lenore Kasdorf and sidekick M. Emmet Walsh. Despite the serious nature of the story, neither of these seem out of place. It's one of Chuck's best movies. If you're a fan of his and haven't seen this one yet, you're in for a treat. Followed by a prequel and sequel. Children of the '80s -- this is the only time you're ever going to catch Chuck Norris watching Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends so cherish that memory.

Hard to believe this kind of movie could have such success ! I saw this as a kid and was appalled. I remember one scene when somebody shoots a machine-gun at Norris for two minutes and not a single bullet approaches him ! Worse for an action movie, the pace is snail-like and there's not an ounce of tension.

There has been great controversy about U.S. prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIAs) during the Vietnam War…

While Colonel Braddock - one of the outspoken proponents of the theory that Americans are still being held in Vietnam today - is now in Saigon at the president's request to see if there are more MIAs in Vietnam…

The American delegation hopes Braddock's presence would increase their ability to negotiate… But General Trau (James Hong) believes that Colonel Braddock is not a prisoner of war, but a common criminal, brought to Saigon only in an attempt to embarrass his government…

The sexy aide of Senator Porter, Lenore Kasdorf, thinks that Braddock is the most undiplomatic man she has ever met…

The action begins when the Vietnam vet - not supposed to leave the hotel without an escort - assaults General Trau's residence, pays for a bullet-proof speed riverboat and blazes his way with an old war buddy called Tuck (M. Emmet Walsh) through the jungles of Saigon…

Norris, challenging several unpredicted attacks from his enemies, takes at last his revenge after he experiences the fear, chaos and atrocities of the Vietnam hell

I saw this on TV and still somehow feel like I'm owed a monetary refund.

Of course that may be in part because I'm a fan of the Rambo series and am offended by cheap knock-offs. Actually I'd like to see a Celebrity death match with Rambo and Braddock, though it wouldn't be much of a fight.

And then there's good old Chuck Norris, who for some reason a few people find entertaining, but honestly, the greatest entertainment he gives me is the "Chuck Norris Facts".

This film is pretty easy to laugh at though, but I don't think it was meant to be funny. If you don't believe me, just try not to bust a gut when you see the last frame of the movie.

The subject of forgotten American soldiers left behind in Viet Nam served as a catalyst for some decent action flicks in the 1980s. This film and Rambo: First Blood Part II were the most prevalent of them. The film has some good action, but not much proof of the existence of POWs was found, however.

When I was about ten, these types of films really psyched me up. I really wanted the US military to stage a massive operation to go back in and get those guys. But my father who was an intelligence officer in the Air Force told me not to get too excited about things. We really never did have any concrete proof that a great number of our soldiers were being held in camps or used to harvest the rice and whatnot. Still, films like Missing In Action are a lot of fun to watch. My father did tell me that Bangkok is just as sleazy as the film makes it appear, though.

Joseph Zito does a good job making Chuck Norris look his best as he fights his way in and eventually out of Viet Nam looking for POWs. Lots of bullets fly, bombs go off, and people get the crap kicked out of them. Norris was perhaps the most wooden of all action stars during the period, but it was always fun to watch him whip up on the enemy.

There are two great supporting performances here, as well. M. Emmet Walsh and James Hong are two terrific character actors, and they are well used. Many people recognize Hong for being the host at the Chinese restaurant in Seinfeld when they have to wait for an entire episode to be seated.

If you get the chance, take another look at this film which has been forgotten by many. Norris was in his prime, and you'll likely be satisfied with the conclusion.

6 of 10 stars

The Hound.

Chuck Norris is a terrible actor. He may be good at that karate stuff that he does, but that's all he has going for him. Well, I guess the ladies like his body (I know of a couple who do). The story stinks, the acting stinks, the special effects are decent, but pretty much everything else about this film stinks. It smacks of patriotism and tries to strike that chord in the viewer. It fails at that by being just plain blatant. Overall, a real lousy film. Don't waste your time.

In Thursday 4th May Chuck Norris arrived in Ljubljana Slovenia and he visit us to make a car commercial. He stays by us till tomorrow then he returns back to his homeland. I love Chuck Norris I grew up watching his movies and Missing in Action defines my childhood and I grew up watching this movie. I am writing this review in honor of Chuck Norris. Slovenia loves Chuck Norris!

Missing In Action is an underrated solid, very decent, good, pure bad-ass action war flick. It is my number 1 favorite Chuck Norris movie! I love this movie to death and I have it on Blu-ray in Hi-def in my collection. I love the music score from Jay Chattaway it is a beautiful score. it is rated Hard-R RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. It is not for kids it is a pure sample entertaining flick, it has explosions, a lot of gun shootouts, martial arts, climbing the electric wire and walls, you have even bobby traps, you see a lot of boats on the water, a lots of jungle and it is one-man army action hero type. One man on a mission to find American POW's who are still imprisoned in the country. You'll see lots of heavy automatic and explosive weapons, and you'll see them used well. This is my favorite Chuck Norris film for the simple fact that it has one of the best action hero moments ever with Braddock coming out of the water in super slo- mo and blasting bad guys to pieces.

Missing in Action and Missing in Action 2: The Beginning were made back-to-back, with part 2 being ready first, so they released it as this movie, Missing in Action. I am defending this film: Why I am keep hearing from film critics and assholes like Maziun who has no dick about movies how bad this movie is, it is as a rip-off of the Rambo film series. Rambo was better, Rambo was looking for American POW's and blah, blah, blah! Shut up all of you!! Missing in Action and Chuck Norris is not yours kind of type action hero or his movies, they are just not for you so f**k You!

"It was more like 20,000. Why don't you tell us why there was a price on my head?" *For your war crimes, of course.* , "For killing assholes like you!"

I am big fan of Rambo movies I love all of them, but Missing in Action is different Vietnam action-War movie who is really fictional portrayed. The movie is not perfect, it is not great, realistic, or the best it does have a plot holes which I am little confused but I love Colonel James Braddock I love the character portrayed. Chuck Norris does a fine and solid job as the hero. I love the action the rescue mission I love this movie from the 80's and I miss these kind of action movies today. They don't make'em like this anymore. He saves people, he saves 4 American POW prisoners and he help them I love the ending of the movie. I love the jungle I love how Col. James Braddock (Chuck Norris) uses the M60 during the POW rescue mission and he opens fire with the M60 mounted on the fast boat classic scene and he blast all the bad guys away.

There's a lot of Chuck Norris sneaking around in this movie more than Norris smashing guys, but that's present too. Norris doesn't take any crap, and I love the muscle duel between him and one enemy where Chuck slaps a knife right into his heart, literally. James Hong makes an appearance as General Trau as the villain and he's good at his job. He constantly taunts Braddock until Braddock literally attacks Trau in his sleep! The movie really lets you know where they stand on the issue of whether or not there are POWs being secretly kept in Vietnam with its exhilarating, "In your face, Vietnamese government!" ending.

Missing in Action get's 8/10 it my favorite Chuck Norris film a brisk action/adventure with good old Chuck playing a stoic American super soldier fighting for America's freedom no matter the risks. It's a great Regan-era action flick, unapologetic and brutal.

Missing in Action is a 1984 American action film directed by Joseph Zito and starring Chuck Norris. It is set in the context of the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue. Colonel Braddock, who escaped a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp 10 years earlier, returns to Vietnam to find American soldiers listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. The film was followed by a prequel, Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1985), and a sequel, Braddock: Missing in Action III (1988).

8/10 Grade: B Studio: The Cannon Group, Inc. Starring: Chuck Norris, M. Emmet Walsh, Lenore Kasdorf, James Hong Director: Joseph Zito Producers: Menahem Golan, Yoram Globus Screenplay: James Bruner Story by John Crowther, Lance Hool Based on the characters by Arthur Silver, Larry Levinson, Steve Bing Rated: R Running Time: 1Hr. 42 Mins. Budget: $2.550.000 Box Office: $22,812,411

You had to know that after Norris saved all the hostages from the terrorists, he would be sent back to 'Nam to save the POWs. Here he goes back to battle with an old nemesis.

This is mindless, escapist, macho B-action from the 80's featuring Chuck Norris in the same vein as Steven Segall, Charles Bronson, Dolph Lundgren or Jean-Claude Van Damme. Don't think, just enjoy him as he kicks ass and takes names.

James Hong makes the perfect Vietnamese bad guy. Lenore Kasdorf and Norris have good chemistry.

If you like Rambo, then you will like this one.

My expectations for muscle movies aren't that high - but this one failed miserably to even come close to meeting those low expectations.

This is a piece of exploitation, trying to build on popular sentiments over the possibility of US POWs in Vietnam, but without showing enough respect for its subject to make a decent movie. Instead, we are offered offensive stereotypes (the weasel politician, the noble veteran, the trusty sidekick, the so-evil arch-enemies) and idiotic plotting.

Even the action scenes fall flat - the hero is so heroic (if careless, walking into traps over and over again), the villains so incompetent, that there's never any suspense. Braddock just goes through the motions, because that's what the plot calls for.

Rating: forget this one - watch Rambo instead.

I was staying over-seas with nothing to do. As i searched through the rented room, all i found was Missing in Action. After popping it in I couldn't stop watching. I have never laughed harder at a movie since watching this. This movie was utterly ridiculous. The first scene alone made me fall out of my chair. This is the cheesiest and fakest movie EVER! I'm not saying it's even decent as a movie, at all, but it sure is funny to watch.

That's perhaps one way to think of this movie, but personally I do separate the two and Chuck Norris does is own bad ass work here as Colonel James Braddock. Right from the start of the film you are thrown right into the action as Norris is trying to escape enemy territory. Soon though, we see Norris as the hurt, lonely, beer-drinking soldier. And he is suffering from some PTSD as he is swallowed in horrific nightmares and flashbacks. He agrees to join the American government and is flown in Vietnam where he believes there still are some MIAs. It's there he is thrust into action in his search for MIAs to save.

I would suggest filing this film under good Chuck Norris movie. To me does have a surprisingly low rating, maybe because of the similarities with RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART II (which I think this film is better than). But, I thought director Joseph Zito did a good job with this film. Just know that Norris is no Sylvester Stallone in the acting department. But, Norris will roundhouse you in the face. If violent war movies are your thing give this one a try. If you like the second one is just as good.

Also starring M. Emmett Walsh as Braddock's old war buddy Jack Tucker and James Hong as General Tran.

Missing in Action (1984) was the first in the Col. Braddock series. Shot in the Phillipines (yes, with Filipinos playing Vietnamese). This Cannon Films Production launched the "bring back the P.o.w.s" genre during the mid 80's. Chuck Norris plays Col. Braddock, an unconventional officer who'll do anything to "bring back the boys that were all but forgotten". Filled with mindless chop-socky and very uninspired action scenes, Missing in Action is a movie for die-hard Chuck Norris fans, lovers of Cannon Films or Grade Z action films. Watch Chuck break international law and defy the laws of logic and realism in Missing In Action!!!

Terminally bad Chuck Norris film. But a masterpiece compared to it's nonsensical sequels. Chuck doesn't even dress or have the presence of an officer. I mean who would take this person seriously? Not recommended for viewing unless A.) You and your friends want to watch a bad movie or B.) You're too lazy to change the channel because you lost your remote. If I were you I would get up and change it manually.

Not recommended.

Filipinos don't even look like Vietnamese people.

Angered by a Vietnamese General's claims that there are no prisoners-of-war in his country, an American soldier goes on a rogue mission to rescue the missing-in-action US troops that he suspects are still held in Vietnam in this Chuck Norris action thriller. The film benefits from a rousing music score by Jay Chattaway and a delightful supporting turn from a moody M. Emmet Walsh who accompanies Norris on his mission. There are solid action sequences too, though much of it is shooting and explosions rather than hand-to-hand combat, and they are surprisingly few and far between with most of the excitement saved until the end. The plot is also a tad half-baked. James Hong is perfectly charismatic as the Vietnamese General, but his motives for lying to the US about the POWs are never made clear. By lying about their existence, the Vietnamese are not able to use the MIA soldiers for bargaining purposes, and if they are lying to cover up the fact that they took so many Americans prisoners, it would make more sense to execute them rather than keep them alive in camps. Even if the finer details do not quite add up though, Norris is saddled with an interesting enough character to keep things plodding along, and the film suffices quite well as a story of a man reluctantly returning to Vietnam to settle unfinished business that he would really rather forget.

At first view, I must say I was disappointed at this one. It wasn't because of the quality. I was expecting much more action. Competing with the Rambo First Blood 2 film at the same time, this one comes up of course, much more realistic. Norris plays legendary Colonel Braddock who works with government officials, as being informed, MIA's are still out there. He enlists his old friends help, a likable aging codger, Tuck (M Emmet Walsh- Blood Simple) and the two go back to the jungle to free the MIA'S. Of course sounding Ramboish, this film, surprisingly takes itself really seriously, while not always being exciting, but what formulates is not a bad quality pick drama, with some naked titties, an asset at least. Too the film really works the government side of it, Norris remembering one now Asian official, as an old torture which is the standout moment of this film. Although I must say I'm not in love with this film, it is worth a watch, not just for Norris fans. Also it's good to see where the series started, although that trashy second one was a prequel, which makes this MIA quality stuff, but just happened to disappoint in the action quota, mostly until the trip back to those diseased charlie filled jungles.

This must rate as one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Norris is appalling and hardly says a word in the entire film. Almost laughable if it wasn't trying to be serious. Very poor.

CLASSIC.........bad movie. It does all the things that critics would laugh at and more. It has bad acting, and a lame story. However, it's a lot of fun for those of you that enjoy lazy afternoon cheeseball films (such as myself).

The best scene has to be the slow motion shot of Chuck Norris emerging from the swamp water with a rifle letting rounds off and keeping a "stone face"...hahahaha.

Oh wow, how i love this movie. You really cannot argue a movie's credibility with a powerhouse lead actor such as Chuck Norris.

RATING: 8/10 - Because it's an entertaining bad movie...great for those times when you're bored out of your mind on a rainy day.

Former `Nam veteran goes back into the jungle to save American POWs from nasty commie scum . Hey didn`t Sly Stallone .... ?

Believe it or not this film managed to offend me more than RAMBO:FIRST BLOOD PART 2 . Both films show the Vietnamese as being cruel , stupid incompetent communist vermin but MIA shows a Vietnamese general begging for his life like a sobbing schoolgirl . I`ve read a lot about the war in South East Asia from a myriad of American sources , everything from Jane Fonda to Soldier Of Fortune magazine and there`s many different angles as to what observers thought of the VC but they all agree on one thing - There were no cowards in the Viet Cong . I was also taken aback with seeing the concept of the Vietnamese secret police travelling to Thailand to bump off our hero like an oriental KGB , sorry but I was under the impression the Vietnamese just wanted to be left alone and wouldn`t have the inclination to bump off Americans in foreign lands , but why let reality get in the way of a film that screams America good , pinko commie scum bad .

When this film was released in 1984 more than a third of the world`s population lived under a communist system . You`ve got to wonder if there`s a connection between the two