Back to Bataan

Back to Bataan

Year: 1945

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Edward Dmytryk

DramaWarWar and historical adventureMilitary combat and heroic soldiersBravery in War

SEE! Battle of Bataan! March of Death! Guerilla Raids! Fierce bolo fighters in action! An Army colonel leads a guerrilla campaign against the Japanese in the Philippines.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Back to Bataan (1945)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Back to Bataan (1945). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1942–1944

The narrative moves from the brutal defense of Bataan in March 1942 to a climactic guerrilla campaign and liberation efforts on Leyte in 1944. It captures the arc of occupation, surrender, and organized resistance. The period is defined by brutal combat, propaganda, and acts of sacrifice.

Location

Bataan Peninsula, Leyte, Philippines

The film unfolds across two Philippine fronts during World War II: the besieged Bataan Peninsula in early 1942 and the Leyte island during the 1944 American liberation. The landscapes range from rugged jungles to mountain passes, shaping guerrilla tactics and survival. The Philippines' wartime spirit, resistance, and renewed hope are central to the plot.

🪖 War 🌍 Philippines

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:13

Main Characters – Back to Bataan (1945)

Meet the key characters of Back to Bataan (1945), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Colonel Joseph Madden (John Wayne)

A seasoned U.S. Army Ranger leader who inspires and coordinates American and Filipino fighters. He is pragmatic, stern, and driven by duty, yet cares deeply for his men. He orchestrates covert operations and leadership under pressure, including the Leyte mission.

🪖 Leader 🧭 Strategic 🛡️ Protector

Captain Andrés Bonifacio (Anthony Quinn)

Filipino guerrilla officer and grandson of a national hero, Bonifacio rises to command under fire. He is resourceful, courageous, and capable of fierce improvisation when facing Japanese forces. His loyalty to his people strengthens the resistance.

🗡️ Guerrilla Leader 💪 Courage 🧭 Strategic

Bertha Barnes (Beulah Bondi)

An American schoolteacher who joins the guerrillas, providing morale, education, and a humane voice to the group. She helps unify villagers with the fighters and embodies resilience amid tragedy. Her acts bind the community under fire.

🏫 Educator 🤝 Ally 💪 Resilience

Dalisay Delgado (Fely Franquelli)

Initially suspected of collaborating with the Japanese, Dalisay secretly uses the broadcasts to relay information to the resistance. Her loyalty is revealed through a pivotal broadcast that spurs Filipino uprising. She embodies moral ambiguity and personal sacrifice.

💡 Double Agent 🧭 Hidden Loyalty 🔥 Determination

Maximo Cuenca (Ducky Louie)

A young student who becomes entangled in the conflict when captured and used as a lure for Madden's hideout. He is beaten into revealing the guerrilla location, then dies heroically, highlighting the war's brutality on innocents.

👦 Child 💔 Tragedy 🕊️ Sacrifice

Lt. Cmdr. Waite (Lawrence Tierney)

U.S. Navy officer who coordinates the Leyte operation with Madden and Bonifacio. He is composed under pressure and helps bring American reinforcements to support the Filipino resistance.

⚓ Navy Officer 🧭 Strategy 🤝 Ally

Col. Coroki (Philip Ahn)

A Japanese commander who pursues the guerrillas and attempts to suppress the resistance. His presence represents the occupying force and the stakes of each raid.

🎖️ Japanese Commander 🗡️ Opponent

Gen. Homma (Leonard Strong)

A high-ranking Japanese general whose strategic decisions impact the broader occupation. He embodies the martial hierarchy opposing the resistance and the challenge for Filipinos and Americans alike.

🏛️ General 🗡️ Opponent

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:13

Major Themes – Back to Bataan (1945)

Explore the central themes of Back to Bataan (1945), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪖 Courage

Bravery under fire drives both American troops and Filipino guerrillas. The characters repeatedly risk their lives to defend their comrades and civilians. The story emphasizes resilience in the face of overwhelming odds and loss.

🎭 Loyalty & Deception

Propaganda and covert information create tension as characters hide true loyalties. Dalisay's broadcasts reveal a dual allegiance that tests trust within the resistance. The film explores moral complexity when survival hinges on tricky choices.

🎖️ Resistance & Liberation

Guerrilla operations, bold raids, and the planned invasion paint a picture of a people fighting for freedom. Strategy, unity, and timely reinforcements turn the tide of battles. The finale juxtaposes the human costs with the hope of liberation.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:13

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Back to Bataan Summary

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Back to Bataan Summary

Back to Bataan Timeline

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Back to Bataan Timeline

More About Back to Bataan

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