"MASH" has always been one of my favorite comedies of all time. It isn't as funny as it is great (although it IS very funny), and the main reasons that I find it to be so great aren't even because I find it to be funny. Probably the main thing I love about "MASH" is the film's style. It broke the rules of mainstream cinema, and gave us something different, something new! It gave us Robert Altman, one of the greatest, most influential, and most unique filmmakers of all time. The way Altman made "MASH" is very important. He let his actors improvise and he used tons and tons of (hilarious and chaotic) overlapping dialogue. The film also has excellent cinematography, a fast pace, and an anti war message.

The gory surgery sequences seem like they belong in a horror film rather than a comedy, but they may be the most important part about the film. Without them, the characters aren't fully developed, and the powerful anti war message is completely removed. Those surgery scenes allow us to see the more serious side of the wacky, prankster characters. We get to see them get that big grin off their face, and replace all of that childish behavior with serious medical work.

"MASH" is one of the most entertaining and funny films ever made, but, more importantly, it's influential, intelligent, and an important part of film history, and one of Robert Altman's best and earliest films.

The Late/Great Robert Altman was a visionary & his vision is amplified in 'MASH', which is based on Richard Hooker's novel MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors. This satirical black-comedy war film, has an ingenious plot & the master director nails it to the hilt.

'MASH' Synopsis: The staff of a Korean War field hospital use humor and hijinks to keep their sanity in the face of the horror of war.

'MASH' is about the human spirit, above everything. Though horrible things happen (well, whats worse than war), the characters find some humour to keep their sanity. 'MASH' raises many intentionally laughs, but this is quite a dramatic subject, which is brave enough to offer some amount of optimism in a bleak situation.

The Late/Great Ring Lardner, Jr.'s Oscar-Winning Adapted Screenplay is nearly perfect. 'MASH' is undeniably funny & also daring, as it tackles something that's hard to execute or narrate. Altman's Direction is excellent. He's handled the film with precision. He's truly missed! Cinematography, Editing, Art & Costume Design merit a special mention. Johnny Mandel's Score is super.

Performance-Wise: Donald Sutherland is a scene-stealer. The now Hollywood Legend is a delight here, delivering a funny, eased out performance, that ranks among his best works to date. Elliott Gould is first-rate. Tom Skerritt is perfectly in sync with his character, while Robert Duvall bristles in a cameo. Sally Kellerman, in an Oscar-Nominated Performance, is absolutely fantastic. Others lend very good support.

On the whole, 'MASH' is A Must See. Let The Altman Magic Continue!