Verified my fears of going to war

Rating: 9/10 (28 May 2005)

I saw this movie with a group of coworkers when it first came out in theaters. I wouldn't let any of them go home until we had all sat down and talked about the emotions brought up in the film. Growing up in the 60s I had become scared to death of having to go to war and kill someone. This movie verified my fears. It's a horrifying portrayal of what fighting in the Viet Nam war was probably like. I found it much more moving than Full Metal Jacket, and although I can't say for sure which is more accurate, this film felt more real. Director North got the most out of his actors, especially Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger, both in perhaps their best roles ever. Willem Dafoe was, as always, excellent. Unfortunately for the actor John C. McGinley, because of his role in this movie I will never be able to trust in any character he plays. Just seeing the actor's face brings up the disturbing emotions I felt about his Sgt. Red O'Neill in Platoon.