This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

We have always been interested in U.S./Mexico history and relations, but somehow never knew about the St. Patrick's Batallion. I saw a comment somewhere that this movie 'glossed over' some of the American nasties, but we watched with growing horror as it became clear to us that not only was treatment of the Irish immigrants terrible within the U. S. Army, but the American attitude towards Mexico, Mexicans, and the Irish soldiers who went over to the Mexican side (with obvious good reason) was really terrible. Aside from the valuable history lesson, this is simply a good movie, with good acting, and a gripping storyline. If you haven't seen it, go rent it!

I saw the movie, One Man's Hero at Chicago State University in 2002 or 03,on cable, and I enjoyed the movie. Althrough One Man's Hero had some historical inaccuracies, it is symbolic of the period in American History that have few coverage. I enjoyed the scenes with the battle of Churubusco and Chapeltepuc Castle. Nevertheless, more description of the Battle of Buena Vista, and the actual desertion of the soldiers should been presented. The movie, One Man's Hero, should be shown on available time periods on CBS, NBC,PBS, and UPN or CW.In addition, more movies about the Mexican War 1846-1848 should be made in Hollywood, such as Shaara's book, Gone for Soldiers, for big screen and/or television.

John Riley did indeed lead Irish deserters for Mexico in the war. The Irish were ill-used by Nativist officers who didn't like 'croppies.' Protestant America was feeling threatened by the huge influx of Catholic Irish flooding into the US from famine-struck Ireland. Few troops have been given more reason to desert. However, the movie tells it all wrong. Riley wasn't a sergeant and didn't plan to return after getting his men to safety. He was a private who swam the Rio Grande a month before the war was declared. He responded to 'desertion leaflets' that the Mexicans had sneaked into American Camps. No US army ever had higher desertion rates.The treatment of Winfield Scott is rather harsh. Riley was actually sentenced to hang with virtually all of his men but it was Scott who commuted his sentence (the still harsh 50 lashes and branding), along with that of more than a score of his men. This infuriated Scott's Nativist officers.Riley remained in the Mexican Army after the war for a year or so and almost certainly returned to Ireland thereafter. Also, he was a young fellow, about thirty, which made it hard to accept Tom in the role. Another thing that was irritating is that there is a list of the men who served under Riley and it is amazing that the screenwriter decided to create fictional replacements instead. Why? Also, one must not forget that most Irish, despite poor treatment by prejudiced officers, did not desert. Who was more heroic, those who deserted or those who didn't?All in all, a disappointment. However, it is one of the very few films that deals with the Mexican American War, and for that I commend it.

"One Man's Hero" is a beautiful film. Beneath any flaws in style and editing, discussions of touchy subject matter, etc. etc., it presents the incredible true story of a group of Irish immigrants who deserted the US army to fight with Mexico during the Mexican War to become the San Patricios. For an $18 million film and fairly unknown director, it stands the test well and emerges an educational and compelling piece of moviemaking. Truth be told, there's nothing spectacular about the battle scenes or any groundbreaking aspects, but the collective strength of the cast and the solid script pay homage to these men. The film boasts several brilliant "moments", a sub-plot romance, wonderful performances from supporting cast, a thought provoking subject from the archives of history, and the drama and charismatic profundity of a lost cause and ultimate tragedy. Kudos to great score and utilizing the terrain to the benefit of the film. Though it's not a blazing Oscar candidate, this is a wonderful, sad, and highly personal film about human beings trying to make the best of an unusual and dangerous situation. It has a layered cultural atmosphere that is refreshing and enlightening, and no doubt you'll end the film with a new appreciation of history and belief in good film.