Platoon Reviews

Welcome to the 'Nam

There has been much debate about what was the best film of the 1980s. 'Platoon' deserves real consideration. I don't think it was the best (I am partial to 'Raging Bull'), but 'Platoon' is easily in the top five of that decade. Writer-director Oliver Stone's experiences in Vietnam were the catalysts for this amazing masterpiece, which won four Oscars in 1986, including the Best Picture of the year. Young Charlie Sheen experiences a year of hell as he witnesses atrocities and learns first-hand that innocence is the initial casualty of warfare. At the heart of 'Platoon' is the conflict between veteran sergeants Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe (both Oscar-nominated). Berenger is crazed and has distorted views about war. His twisted views will lead to conflict with peaceful and deep-thinking Willem Dafoe who acts as the voice of reason in a time and place of total chaos. Sheen, Berenger and Dafoe all have the best performances to date. They are solid in every way imaginable. Familiar faces like John C. McGinley, Keith David, Johnny Depp, Forest Whitaker, Kevin Dillon and Tony Todd are all perfect in limited, but important screen time. Oliver Stone, regardless of what else he has done or will do, will always be remembered for his stunning creation of this film. A true modern-day masterpiece.

There are better Vietnam films

Despite some revealing scenes of the brutality and confusion that characterised the Vietnam experience for many Americans, this is a poor movie overall; lacking a substantial plot or sense of direction and smacking of heavy studio-editing of a project intended to be much longer and grander.

Considered the definitive vietnam film

This is one of the first Oliver Stone films, and also one of the most truthfull insights into the Vietnam War, as experienced by the soldiers. Faultless screenplay, and classic Stone provocative dialogue and visuals. this is still considered to be the ultimate Vietnam film, starring a young Charlie Sheen, who plays the part awesomely. A great cast, including many A list actors; Willen Dafoe, Tome Berenger, and many others. Excellent cineamtography, sound and story. Highly recomended, and if you've already seen it, watch it again. It is that good.

Greatest War Film Ever

The acting in this is superb. Sheen has never acted as well in his career. Berenger was nominated for an oscar in his role, but did not get it. His performance is probably the greatest I have ever seen anyone act.

The story is a condensed version of director Oliver Stone's own tour of duty in Vietnam. This really shows up in the authenticity of the film, and in the whole story. Ever single detail of the film is correct.

The action in the film is superbly realised and incrediblly intense. The plot of the film is great and the script is superb.

Quite simply not just the greates war film ever made but the greates film ever made.

Really enjoyed this film. Not in an Intolerable Cruelty way, but more of a Philadelphia way. It's not fun to watch, it's truthful gruelling warfare at it's most cinematic, but at the same time I found it a pleasure from start to finish. Good performances from Messurs Sheen, Dafoe, Whittaker, Beringer, etc etc etc and well directed to boot. Good work.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Possibly the best film ever

This film is possibly the best film I have ever watched. If you have not seen it you are missing out.

The story line is just fantastic, acting is brilliant and the action scenes are great, I really cannot fault this film in any way.

The film follows a group of soldiers in the Vietnam war and the hell they have to go through every day, the soldiers are split into groups one side lead by William Dafoe and Forest Whitaker the other Tom Berenger kind of like a good and bad scenario, Charlie Sheen plays the rich kid who volunteers to fight in the war unlike the rest who are forced. As the story develops you are shown the battle within the war between Dafoe and Berenger and the influence of Charlie Sheen as he grows ever more confident.

The film does a fantastic job of luring you in a making you really feel attached to the characters to the point where you fear for them and what is going to happen next.

If you have not seen it put it on your list now! If you have seen it watch it again its well worth it.

A Tension filled Masterpiece

I read the review's about this movie and I thought that it looked interesting. I am pretty interested in the Vietnam movies and I thought that this one would be a good one to add to my collection.

I watched it and I have to tell you that it has to be the first time I actually felt like i was there with them. I actually felt like I was there with the soldiers inside the forest feeling what they felt. When it first began the tension was intense, I wasn't sure when the enemy were going to attack, and whether they were going to attack at all. When watching the battle scenes I really didn't know who was going to be hit or killed, I felt as though anyone would be killed at anytime, and I really didn't want any of them to die. I really cared for each character and I wanted to see them get out alive, but I knew that they wouldn't in the end.

I loved every minute of this movie, it was as realistic as it was tension-filled, if you ever get the chance to buy this film, then buy it or rent it, I don't care you just have to see it!

Violence & Vietnam

If you liked Saving Private Ryan, you may also enjoy watching this. The movie is based on a personal experience of the Vietnam war, and although violent, is worth seeing.

There are some suprising and moving moments in the film, as well as some fast-pacing action.

The movie mostly follows, and is concluded by, a young man volunteering a year in the army. Commentrary is used now and again; of the same guy's letters to his grandma back home. It is interesting to see how the experience changes his life's perspectives.

Brutal realism

Lord of the Flies in Vietnam. Great film - gets the message across. Deja vu all ove again.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Wasn't fared as well as you'd hope

With hindsight, the bloom has slightly worn off Stone's Oscar-winning account of the Vietnam War from the grunt's point of view. With Stone, everything's either black or white, particularly with regard to Sergeants Elias (a saintly Dafoe) and Barnes (a barely contained Berenger), both tussling over the soul of rookie Sheen. This simplistic handling blunts the movie's overall effectiveness - it has several brutal sequences and expertly captures the confusion of warfare - but there's a lack of depth to it and it's all a bit too obvious. Stone was able to dig a lot deeper in his second Vietnam film 'Born on the Fourth of July' three years later.