I'm typically not a fan of war movies. I find them very bleak and depressing, and most times I go to a movie for escapism. That being said, I still really enjoyed this film.
One problem I have with most war movies is the characters. With all of them having the same haircut, uniform and motivation, I would find myself getting confused on which one is which. After a character would die, I would ask: "Was he the one who had the family photo and a kid on the way?" Thankfully all the characters in "Platoon" are memorable and well-cast. This film has an all-time great ensemble crew. If you need the examples, just scroll up and see the cast, it is packed.
The movie pays respect to the Vietnam veterans without shying away from the uglier side of war. The soldiers are not 100% painted as noble people, they are human beings trying to make the best of a bad situation. The fact that director Oliver Stone served in Vietnam helps give the movie its authenticity. You can feel the passion behind this film, that puts it beyond a simple, "woe is me" type of story. War is game with no winners.
Still a bit of a downer, but sometimes that how life is, and that's always how war is.
One problem I have with most war movies is the characters. With all of them having the same haircut, uniform and motivation, I would find myself getting confused on which one is which. After a character would die, I would ask: "Was he the one who had the family photo and a kid on the way?" Thankfully all the characters in "Platoon" are memorable and well-cast. This film has an all-time great ensemble crew. If you need the examples, just scroll up and see the cast, it is packed.
The movie pays respect to the Vietnam veterans without shying away from the uglier side of war. The soldiers are not 100% painted as noble people, they are human beings trying to make the best of a bad situation. The fact that director Oliver Stone served in Vietnam helps give the movie its authenticity. You can feel the passion behind this film, that puts it beyond a simple, "woe is me" type of story. War is game with no winners.
Still a bit of a downer, but sometimes that how life is, and that's always how war is.