just another war movie

Rating: 7/10 (25 May 2002)

This is certainly a war movie. Is it realistic? I cannot say, as I have never been in a war. It does portray war as a very unpleasant experience. It also portrays Americans committing war crimes. These two elements make many moviegoers say that it is the most realistic Vietnam War movie ever made, even if they were not even alive during the Vietnam War. I thought it was just another war movie. If you've seen other movies about the Vietnam War, this does not cover any extra ground and also lacks intelligent delivery of some meaningful message. If you think Charlie Sheen is a stud, or you like watching fight scenes set in the jungle, don't waste any time. Go rent it right now. If you're looking for a movie that uses the Vietnam War to teach you some important life lesson, watch Full Metal Jacket or Apocalypse Now. If you want a realistic portrayal of a soldier's experience in Vietnam, I doubt Hollywood can offer you that. I give it a 7.