You are here:

Commandos

Name: Commandos
Director: Armando Crispino
Released: 1968
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

1968

Director

Armando Crispino

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Commandos is a traditional 1960s war film that relies heavily on genre clichés rather than social commentary. The narrative is driven by masculine archetypes, particularly the tension between Sgt. Sullivan and Lt. Valli, reinforcing traditional leadership roles. Representation is limited by the era’s standards. While the plot includes Italian-Americans performing as Italian soldiers, this serves the espionage storyline rather than exploring identity. The female character is sidelined to a marginal role. Overall, the film functions as a straightforward tactical action piece. It lacks the intention to challenge social hierarchies or provide meaningful perspectives on diversity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Commandos have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. It sticks to the traditional heterosexual relationships typical of 1960s action movies.

How does Commandos portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on a male-dominated military structure. Although there is a female character, she is portrayed through a marginal role, leaving the main conflict centered around male interactions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Commandos?

Fair

The plot uses Italian-Americans pretending to be Italian soldiers as a spy tool. Despite being set in North Africa, the story mainly focuses on Western characters.

How does Commandos represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film follows standard mid-20th century Western war themes. It emphasizes tactical goals and military hierarchy over any deep examination of Western cultural institutions.

Does Commandos include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the story.

Present on Screen

Uses an intriguing espionage plot involving Italian-Americans in disguise.
Highlights a clear, character-driven conflict between experienced and rigid military leaders.

Limited or Absent

Needs to provide more meaningful representation for women, who are currently confined to traditional, marginal roles.
Should include LGBTQ+ visibility or diverse identity stories.
Could benefit from engaging with disability representation or deeper racial exploration.

Official Synopsis

Sgt. Sullivan puts together a group of Italian-Americans into disguise as Italian soldiers in order to infiltrate a North African camp held by the Italians. After the soldiers have knifed the Italians in their beds, they find a hooker living at the camp. Sullivan's commandos are to hold this camp and its weaponry until an American battalion arrives, all the while these Italian-Americans pretend to be Italian soldiers, often hosting the enemy. Lt. Valli is a young, "green," by-the-book officer who constantly argues with Sgt. Sullivan, who tells his superior that he has no idea what he is doing. One man on the base, probably a touch from Argento, is an entomologist who is needlessly killed. Things go terribly wrong after that.

How are these scores produced? →