I seriously don't understand why this is so highly rated

Rating: 6/10 (1 March 2013)

I mean WHY?
Maybe in 1979 during the war it was awe inspiring etc. etc. but I failed to notice what all the commotion is about.
Plot: A Soldier not having much work these days getting all bored is assigned a mission to annihilate an ex-army legend who has now taken refuge with this band of soldiers somewhere in Vietnam-Cambodia during the war.
Acting is brilliant make no mistake but I couldn't connect the pieces. Maybe I'm dumb and all but unless your an American this is boring & depressing.
P.S. I generally appreciate war movies.