Film Studies Response - Dan Brantley

Rating: Null/10 (12 May 2010)

#4. Why does Mike go back to Vietnam to find Nick? Be specific with this one and use examples.
Mike is driven to return to Vietnam and find Nick for a number of reasons. First, he made a promise to Nick that he would not leave Vietnam without him. While it was not his choosing to return home with Nick, he feels as though he can not again enjoy his life until he fulfills this promise. Mike also feels guilty, having played Russian roulette with Nick for the first time. Although it was the only choice at the time, Mike can not help but feel partially at fault for Nick's newly founded obsession with playing Russian roulette. While Mike is also driven by the love he has for his friend Nick, it is unquestionable that Mike's primary reason for returning to Vietnam for Nick was the promise he made to him. Mike simply can not live in peace knowing that he has not done as he said he would. Of course, it is to Mike's horror that when he returns to Vietnam to get Nick and remove him from the Russian roulette world, he witnesses Mike finally losing at the game and as a result, killing himself.