Class assignment

Rating: 7/10 (16 May 2007)

Yo yo, 'sup Cravenator, this is Maggie Cobb from your third block film studies class!
I'm writing about this option: #4. Why does Mike go back to Vietnam to find Nicky? Be specific with this one and use examples.
Before Mike goes to Vietnam, he makes a promise that he won't come home without Nicky. Unfortunately, he's ultimately unable to do this. On the one hand, this isn't necessarily a bad thinghe's able to become closer to Linda without Nicky "getting in the way." On the other hand, he is torn up inside. Though he really had no choice but to leave Vietnam without his friend, he feels as though he has broken a promise; both to himself, to Nicky, and to those close to him and Nicky. (Especially Linda.)
Therefore, for his own peace of mind, he MUST return to Vietnam to fulfill his promise. Additionally, perhaps he feels that bringing Nicky home safe and sound will win him brownie points with Linda (to whom he succeeds in becoming closer when Nicky isn't around, though a gulf seems to open up between them when the manner in which he brings Nicky home is in a casket.) Also, he feels a need to fulfill the promise to restore the unit comprising of himself, Nicky, and Steve. He and Steve have both returned, and only Nicky will complete the trio. Without him, there's something missing, and Mike feels the urge to full that hole.
In the end, Mike does bring Nicky home. It is not in the manner in which anyone would have wished, but at least Mike can rest with relative ease knowing that Nicky is once more on home ground. Mike's promise was finally fulfilled.