It is not a particularly uplifting film, but there is no denying that Platoon (1986) is a fine piece of cinema. Oliver Stone flexes his true auteurship as the writer and director here, while a top shelf cast of Charlie Sheen, the menacing Tom Berenger (pictured above), and William Dafoe dominate the screen. Also noteworthy in the caste are John C. McGinley, Kevin Dillon, and Johnny Depp.
From imdb:
Chris Taylor is a young, naive American who gives up college and volunteers for combat in Vietnam. Upon arrival, he quickly discovers that his presence is quite nonessential, and is considered insignificant to the other soldiers, as he has not fought for as long as the rest of them and felt the effects of combat. Chris has two non-commissioned officers, the ill-tempered and indestructible Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes and the more pleasant and cooperative Sergeant Elias Grodin. A line is drawn between the two NCOs and a number of men in the platoon when an illegal killing occurs during a village raid. As the war continues, Chris himself draws towards psychological meltdown. And as he struggles for survival, he soon realizes he is fighting two battles, the conflict with the enemy and the conflict between the men within his platoon.
Of all the Vietnam movies, Platoon most closely reflected my late brother Ron’s REAL experiences, having served 2 tours there (1st Air Cav) jumping out of Huey’s into the jungles of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It will always be my favorite and remain closest to my heart. =^.^=
It is excellent.
Siskel said there are no thumbs down in heaven.
Siskel liked it.
No doubt in my mind, Patrick, Gene was right about that!! =^.^=
BTW, guys in Platoon are 1st Air Cavalry! =^.^=
Great movie.
+1 classic film…watched JARHEAD this weekend for some comic relief…always a good watch