We Were Soldiers

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Crafted Film
Review: I saw this film today - and like everyone in the movie theatre audience, I was crying nearly all throughout the entire two and a half hours.

The emotion that's in this movie can't be beaten. And I think it's one of the best films released this year - Mel Gibson's performance as Lt. Col Moore is amazing and should be Oscar nominated.

I also loved the narration in the movie. It's true that Vietnam wasn't a popular war and the soldiers that gave their life and the ones that made it and ones were injured - in fact were rarely shown as heroes as they fought the war that no one else wanted to fight.

The war scenes are amazing - you can see the bombs coming down, soldiers on both sides being killed and the ones that were badly injured.

The camera work on this film was one of the best I've seen in such a long time. And the movie ends with a touching tribute to the soldiers that gave their lives.

Also the film goes between the US Army, the Vietnamese soldiers and the wives at home - especially when Madeline Stowe who plays Gibson's wife and Keri Russell handing out telegrams to widows of the soldiers.

This movie shouldn't be missed and is Oscar caliber.

Rating:
Summary: We Were Soldiers
Review: A truely great film! One of the best movies I've seen in years. This movie is very realistic and shows not only what the soldiers went through, but also the reactions of the wives or fiances they left behind.

Rating:
Summary: Good war movie
Review: We Were Soldiers is one of the few good vietnam war movies. The characters are pretty interesting and sometimes help lighten the mood of the war. The war action was well done and has plenty of it. Go see this one after you have seen Black Hawk Down (another great war movie).

Rating:
Summary: A 1st Cav. Vietnam Vet Comments on "We Were Soldiers"
Review: I live with a Vietnam Vet who served in the late 1960s with 1st Cav. Medivac. During service he earned two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal. Since WE WERE SOLDIERS concerns the 1st Cav., Randy wanted to see it. I reluctantly agreed; I am not partial to war films and I dislike Mel Gibson, and Randy is very hard on Vietnam War films. He dismisses PLATOON as a Hollywood 8x10 glossy; says APOCALYPSE NOW is an interesting movie that captures the paranoia, but all the technical details are wrong; and describes DEER HUNTER as excellent in its depiction of the strangeness of coming home but so full of plot holes that he can hardly endure it. And about one and all he says: "It wasn't like that."

He was silent through the film, and when we left the theatre I asked what he thought. He said, "They finally got it. That's what it was like. All the details are right. The actors were just like the men I knew. They looked like that and they talked like that. And the army wives too, they really were like that, at least every one I ever knew." The he was silent for a long time. At last he said, "You remember the scene where the guy tries to pick up a burn victim by the legs and all the skin slides off? Something like that happened to me once. It was at a helicopter crash. I went to pick him up and all the skin just slid right off. It looked just like that, too. I've never told any one about it."

In most respects WE WERE SOLDIERS is a war movie plain and simple. There are several moments when the film relates the war to the politics and social movements that swirled about it, and the near destruction of the 1st. Cav.'s 7th Battalion at Ia Drang clearly arises from the top brass' foolish decision to send the 7th into an obvious ambush--but the film is not so much interested in what was going on at home or at the army's top as it is in what was actually occurring on the ground. And in this it is extremely meticulous, detailed, and often horrifically successful. Neither Randy nor I--nor any one in the theatre I could see--was bored by or dismissive of the film. It grabs you and it grabs you hard, and I can easily say that it is one of the finest war movies I have ever seen, far superior to the likes of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, which seems quite tame in comparison.

Perhaps the single most impressive thing about the film is that it never casts its characters in a heroic light; they are simply soldiers who have been sent to do a job, and they do it knowing the risks, and they do it well in spite of the odds. Mel Gibson, although I generally despise him as both an actor and a human being, is very, very good as commanding officer Hal Moore, and he is equaled by Sam Elliot, Greg Kinnear, Chris Klein, and every other actor on the battlefield. The supporting female cast, seen early in the film and in shorter scenes showing the home front as the battle rages, is also particularly fine, with Julie Moore able to convey in glance what most actresses could not communicate in five pages of dialogue. The script, direction, cinematography, and special effects are sharp, fast, and possess a "you are there" quality that is very powerful.

Randy did have a criticism. "I don't think there would be time for casualty telegrams to actually get home while the battle was going on," he said. "After all, it only lasted three days." I myself had a criticism; there were points in the film when I found the use of a very modernistic, new-agey piece of music to be intrusive and out of place. And we both felt that a scene near the end of the movie, when a Vietnamese commander comments on the battle, to be improbable and faintly absurd. But these are nit-picky quibbles. WE WERE SOLDIERS is a damn fine movie. I'll give Randy, who served two tours of duty in Vietnam, the last word: "It may not be 'the' Vietnam movie. I don't think there could ever be 'the' Vietnam movie. But they get everything right. That's how it looked and sounded, and that's what I saw, and this is the best movie about Vietnam I've ever seen."

Rating:
Summary: They Were Soldiers.....and Heroes
Review: I went into my first viewing of We Were Soldiers with high expectations(I have seen it twice now, and plan to see it again) Being a Mel Gibson fan, as well as a war movie aficionado, I could hardly wait to see this screen interpretation of retired Lt. General(Colonel at the time of the battle)Harold Moore's novel entitled We Were Soldiers Once...and Young, a true account of the first battle of the Vietnam War which involved American soldiers in combat. The movie covers the events leading up to the battle, including the massacre of a French regiment in 1954, 11 years before the battle takes place, which plays a role in Col. Moore's battle strategy against a much larger Vietnamese army. The story develops several important characters. Gibson delivers another rock-solid performance as Col. Moore, a highly intelligent and seasoned commander whose life is guided by a firm dedication to his family and his country. A quick note: Mel Gibson is seriously considering retiring from acting to focus on producing, which will allow him to spend more time with his wife and seven kids. His next movie, Signs(from the wrier/director of The Sixth Sense, which is done filming, may be his last as a lead actor, so relish this one if enoying watching his performances. Madeline Stowe is excellent as his wife, Julie. Some of the most emotional moments in the movie occur when Mrs. Moore takes on the difficult task of informing some of the other wives of their husbands' deaths in battle. Sam Elliott(Tombstone) turns in an excellent performance as Col Moore's 2nd in command, Sgt. Major Plumley. Chris Klein and Keri Russell do a fine job as Lt. Jack Geoghegan and his wife Barbara, who have a child shortly before the fighting begins. Greg Kinnear once again delivers as Major Bruce Crandall, a helicopter pilot who provides invaluable assistance by transporting supplies and troops, as well as provoding cover fire under extreme pressure. And last but not least is Barry Pepper, who follows up his amazing portrayal of Roger Maris in 61* with another wonderful performance as Joe Galloway, a photograper who risks his life in an attempt to help himself(and his country) understand the nature of a war that divided this country more than any before it had ever done. We Were Soldiers does an excellent job of portraying the American side, but it really distinguishes itself by giving a face(as well as respect) to the Vietnamese soldiers who fought and died along with many American soldiers. Many movies about the this war villianize the Vietnamese people, but this movie takes an important step by showing us a glimpse of the actual people on the other side. While we obviously give unyielding support to our own soldiers, it is also important to remember that the soldiers on the other side were real people who belived strongly enough in their cause to give their lives for it. We Were Soldiers does an excellent job of creating extremely intense and realistic battle scenes. This movie is not for the squeamish, but if you're like me, you want the battle scenes to be as realistic as possible in order to give the most accurate portrayal of what really happened to the men out there. We Were Soldiers is a story about a group of men showing extreme courage and dedication to one another under the most dire circumstances. While one might say that this is a fairly common theme in war movies, let us not forget that this is a TRUE story. The men who died on the battlefield weren't just fictional characters, they were real people with families who died serving their country. These men became a family themselves, and went to extraordinary legnths to help one another. Their dedication and sacrifice truly somthing to be respected and admired by everyone. We Were Soldiers is an excellent film, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the Vietnam War and the men who fought in it.

Rating:
Summary: We Were There!
Review: Speaking from my personal experience with the conflict in Vietnam from 1960 thru 1976, I can highly recommend the film "We Were Soldiers." No one film can tell all the stories of that war, however this one tells in a powerfully graphic story all about this battle. And it tells it pretty much like it was. Probably too graphic for most of the younger generation who do not remembmer seeing some to these scenes on the evening news during the 60's and 70's, but I feel it is a "must see" for that same and any following generations, especially in view of the current world situation involving the military.
I was in a remote area of Vietnam as a civilian nurse with a civilian health organization, my husband was one of the first advisors to volunteer to go to Vietnam, and served two tours there, the last as an officer on General Westmoreland's staff, my father was in Saigon with AID from 1960 thru 1966 as an engineer advisor to the Vietnamese civilians building Tan Son Nuit Airport, so I feel I have some history with the country and the times. I remember the first American advisors who were wounded and killed, the first Marines who went down in helicopters and my first case of Napalm burns, they were on Vietnamese children. The scenes in this film " We Were Soldiers" were as realistic as they can be using special effects and special make-up. The sounds of battle, the helicopter flights, the terror the soldiers on both sides is accurate and necessary.
I once rode a helicopter from Danang to our hospital with an Army Major who gave me his flack jacket to sit on, in those days, the V.C. would lie on their backs and shoot up at the choppers as they passed over them. Rounds would come up through the bottom of the choppers and those guys were more worried about that wound than any other.
I also remember the first American woman killed in battle to be a famous war photographer, I attended her memorial service in Saigon. I feel honored to have known so many of the people whose paths I crossed in Vietnam and I know they would appreciate finally having a realistic film of one small part of that terrible war.
I recommend seeing it if you are over 60 for one reason, and if you are under 60 for another.
Those who cannot remember the horrors of war are doomed to repeat them in the coming generations. Hopefuly
credible films like "We Were Soldiers" will help us to remember these lessons of war.
God help our sons if we cannot learn from this war's mistakes.
Barbara Boyd Moore

Rating:
Summary: A Fitting Tribute
Review: This film was a tribute to those Americans and Vietnamese soldiers who gave all for their countries when called upon. It gave balance from the perspective of the home front and the battle front.The battle scenes were graphic but not gory (although no children under 13 should probably see it). It leaves you with a sense of gratitude toward those men who gave all in an "unpopular" war. It will do for the Vietnam War what "Private Ryan" did for WWII veterans in my opinion. Great movie, one of the few that I'll see twice.

Rating:
Summary: Astonishing! Riveting! Compelling! Dynamic!
Review: I never used to be a big fan of war movies, and even avoided them like the plague because I felt they portrayed the soldiers as arrogent, cocky, warriors who had big egos and GI Joe mentalities. Until Saving Private Ryan and some of the more recent war movies, did Hollywood finally produce a war movie with a real storyline filled with raw and realistic emotion. This movie is definitely worthy of that caliber! Mel Gibson does an incredible job of portraying a real life hero, who is down-to-earth, courageous, and actually very believable and humble. No big egos here! These are real men with real fears, real emotion, and real brotherhood. They fought for America and their President, only to find out they really were fighting for each other. A nation turned against them, their Commander-in-Chief deceived them, and the only honor they had was the courage they faced on the battlefield. The stunning performances only enhance the incredible storyline by giving the viewer a real sense of what the Vietnam War was really all about. While many Americans turned their backs on the veterans of this horrific war, there is a story - about real people with real lives, and real emotions that needed to be told. It's long overdue, and highly regarded. This movie tells a story. It reminds us that there is more to a great war movie than just killing, guts, and blood. Definitely Oscar worthy!! It deserves Best Picture and Best Actor for Mel Gibson!! You'll have to see it twice just to experience and understand it all.

Rating:
Summary: Vietnam 1965
Review: The Vietnam War has been a constant source of inspiration for writers, moviemakers, songwriters and singers for many years now. We've had the Viet Vet home from the war story in "The Deer Hunter," the LSD drenched, hallucination of "Apocalypse Now," as well as "Platoon," "Full Metal Jacket," and the recent "Tigerland" to name several. Even Oliver Stone's "JFK" is partly, a thought provoking treatise not only on JFK's assasination but on Lyndon Johnson's motives in regards to the US's initial involvement in Vietnam. "Soldiers" is not concerned with the whys at all but with the hows and the wherefores.
"We Were Soldiers" is fascinating on several fronts: first of all it takes place in 1965 after the defeat of the French in "Indo-China," while all the other films dealing with the Vietnam conflict are "en medias res" or in the 1970's. Secondly the Mel Gibson character, Hal Moore is not only a Colonel...but a Harvard scholar and war tactician. Upon receiving his orders to Vietnam, he researches the French's massacre there as well as that of George Custer at Little Bighorn. In fact Moore's Regiment is assigned the number 7...the same as Custer's.
We, along with Moore, are thus filled with a deep feeling of dread and forboding much like that engendered by Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) as he makes his way towards Col. Kurtz's lair in "Apocalypse Now."
Much has been made concerning the battle scenes; and yes they are as graphic as anything in "Saving Private Ryan" but the director, Randall Wallace and producer, Mel Gibson should be congratulated for not pulling back from the horror and carnage especially since at several points it seems that Moore's regiment might indeed fall victim to the same fate as Custer's. This film is the exact opposite of the recent "Black Hawk Down" in that the war in "WWS" is fought on the foot soldier level with Moore right on the scene giving orders and strategizing.
The " Back Home" scenes are handled well: barely missing going overboard into the corny and maudlin. Madeline Stowe is stoic, sympathetic and quite beautiful as Moore's wife Julie, who nobly takes it upon herself to deliver the "US Government regrets to inforn you that" telegrams that arrive for the surviving wives.
"We Were Soldiers" is ultimately then, a revisionist war movie; one that harkens back to those of the 1940's like "Iwo Jima" and "Back from Bataan" in which the American foot soldier is glorified and enobled but it also serves as a reminder that all wars are ultimately paid for with the universal currency of human lives.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Captivating....
Review: This movie couldn't get any better. It has well placed humor, gut wrenching war scenes, and depicts the horror and stark terror these guys went through to a t. Whether you believe the Viet Nam war was right or wrong, and whether these men believed the war was right or wrong....they fought it and fought it bravely. They were true hero's.....and they make me proud to be an American.