The Delta Force!

 Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good Morning! Today we are looking into a really cool and interesting film, The Delta Force! I was even lucky enough to ask the writer of the film; James Bruner, a couple of questions!

The 1986 action film “The Delta Force” emerged during a decade when Hollywood often drew inspiration from real-world events and rising public interest in elite military units. Directed by Menahem Golan and starring Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin, the movie was loosely inspired by the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847. The story imagines a daring rescue mission carried out by a fictionalized version of the U.S. Army’s elite counterterrorism unit, the Delta Force, blending real tensions of the era with high-octane action storytelling.

The idea behind the film was to capture the heroism associated with special operations forces while crafting a suspenseful rescue narrative. Producers at The Cannon Group wanted a large-scale action film that emphasized American resolve and cinematic spectacle. Filming took place primarily in Israel, which allowed the production to stage desert and urban sequences that stood in for locations across the Middle East. The movie became known for its explosive action scenes and for Norris’s motorcycle-mounted rocket launcher, one of the film’s most memorable visual moments.

Upon release, “The Delta Force” received mixed reviews from critics, who often commented on its overt patriotism and stylized approach to real-world events. However, audiences responded strongly to its straightforward action and the pairing of Norris and Marvin as seasoned commandos. The film performed well at the box office and later became a staple of 1980s action programming on television and home video, helping cement its reputation as a cult favorite among fans of military thrillers.

Screenwriter James Bruner played a key role in shaping the film’s narrative structure. Bruner worked on the screenplay alongside the production team, helping translate the era’s geopolitical anxieties into a dramatic rescue story. Known for writing several action and adventure films during the 1980s, Bruner specialized in clear-cut heroes, tense missions, and high-stakes conflict. His work on “The Delta Force” contributed to the film’s fast-moving plot and memorable set pieces, leaving a lasting mark on one of the decade’s recognizable action movies!

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: What was it like working on “The Delta Force”?

James: It was really fun. Lee Marvin was one of my childhood movie heroes and it was a blessing to work with him. He was a terrific guy- very funny.

I also got to meet some real life heroes- guys that were members of the real Delta Force and in the Special Operations community.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

James: Don’t ever give up. If someone tells you that you cannot do something, do it proudly anyway.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo