The best war movie ever? Depends how you look at it.

Rating: 10/10 (1 July 2006)

It's hard to say what's "the best war movie ever", since it all boils down to opinion. However, this is the best war movie ever when it comes down to the effect it has on people. The mini-war going on within the platoon is what makes this so amazing. The scene in the village is immensely emotional and beautifully executed.
In a war movie, you normally shouldn't have to explain who the villains are, however in this one it is necessary. The enemy, not exactly villains, are the Vietcong, but there is another enemy. SSGT. Barnes is about as big as an enemy within the Platoon can get, and by "big" I mean ruthless. Ruthless not just to his own men, but also to the Vietcong, seen in great detail in the village. Tom Berenger deserved that best supporting actor nomination.
Willem Dafoe also did great in this movie. The shot of him raising his arms in the air as he *HUGE HUGE SPOILER AHEAD* gets... still time to look away from the spoiler... he gets shot in the back has become an iconic picture in film.
Charlie Sheen was as good as I've sever seen him in this, and he really made the story seem believable. One scene where the impact of the war and the way his comrades are acting is getting to him is when he defends the two girls in the village, saying they're human beings.
I was surprised to see Johnny Depp in this. This is a great jump on his early career.
Like I stated before, the best war movie comes down to opinion. When it comes to the impact it has on its victims and combatants, however, Platoon wins hands down.
10/10. It deserved that Best Picture Oscar, and Oliver Stone deserved Best Director.