War within war.

Rating: 10/10 (10 June 2004)

Sometimes war isn't just a war pitting two armies together, but a war within the armies themselves. Platoon is a gut wrenching account of this and we see that sometimes the enemies in battle can be on the same side. Charlie Sheen plays a private in the Vietnam War who volunteered himself for battle to try and find himself. He quickly comes to notice while he's still wet behind the ears that things are not what he expected and that maybe he has bitten off more than he can chew. Led by two opposing leaders and father figures, he quickly learns the skills he needs to survive and kill.

Platoon is an excellent movie that takes a somewhat different approach to the genre, in my opinion, in that you care more for the characters therein than in most war movies and find yourself rooting for the characters more than usual. There are two leaders in the group that are both excellent soldiers but are at each others' throats constantly, and the men must eventually pick sides as to who they decide to follow. Tom Berenger plays Sergeant Barnes, a man that has been shot 7 times and has served more than his fair share of time in the war. He has been hardened to the point of losing almost all moral and is a sick and twisted character that will do whatever it takes to win the battle. War has become his life. Berenger was born for this part. Meant to be a tough and scary son of a bitch, you end up believing that he is the character depicted in the film. "Everybody got to die sometime Red." And on the other end we have the equally formidable and seasoned Elias played by Willem Dafoe, the charismatic and sympathetic leader who has served several years in Vietnam and is more of an intelligent and charismatic character. Dafoe was also perfect for his part as well and is easily the most likable character in the entire film. I love his part in this film, it's just a cool character. Charlie Sheen was also a very good choice to play the fresh meat grunt who must earn his way, and we see the movie through his eyes and narration. Platoon is also filled with many other familiar faces including Johnny Depp, Forest Whitaker, and some guys who you will definitely recognize but may not know them by name. It all comes down to a simply excellent cast with excellent acting that is realistic at the same time.
Acting is not the movie's only strong point. The overall direction by Oliver Stone is masterful and educated, Stone having served in the war himself. The film includes many of his own experiences which positively gives it more credibility and realism. Probably his best film to date. Filming in the wilderness has got to be difficult, but what we're treated to is being dropped right into the jungle with the grunts themselves and we get to experience many of the aspects of the war, including being surrounded by death, the insects, the sounds, the marches into unknown territory, the hardships, the weather, etc. The battles are also not to disappoint and keep your heart pounding and ears ringing.
Also, the musical score sets the mood for the film perfectly...haunting sadness.
The story is the film's most strong point though. It's a war within a war with many characters to pull for and to identify with. We get to see all of the characters and their relationships develop throughout the battles which leads us to the inevitable. What we get is a heart churning epic that I will always remember. I have said in a previous review of mine that The Deer Hunter is my favorite war film, but after purchasing this DVD and watching it again recently, I honestly don't know which one holds that coveted spot. There's simply too many greats. Truly one of the best movies I've seen.
This is a must see for anyone. It's easy to understand how it won Best Picture.