Pretty decent

Rating: 8/10 (25 August 2002)

Why does everyone have to compare every Mel Gibson film to Braveheart?
Based on a book by the same title, it is a decent film that deals truthfully with the first major battle between US Army soldiers and the North Vietnamese Army. The book was written by Col. Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) and Joe Galloway (Barry Pepper). The film is balanced in it's approach in that it is related from both sides. The way it was written shows a great deal of respect for the commanders and troops on both sides. It is brutally bloody, with liberal use of blood spatters on the camera lens and definitely earns it's R rating. It is a story of leadership and brotherhood. Before going off to 'Nam, Col. Moore (Gibson) tells his men that they will eventually be fighting for each other. During the training of his officers, he keeps stressing teamwork, brotherhood and respect for the men. The film continues to pound that thread home and all of the men learn to appreciate that fact in battle. This film is set in 1965, when the first combat troops were sent over to protect the advisors. The military wasn't prepared for the losses incurred; there was no plan in place to notify the families of those killed in action. Instead, the Yellow Cab company was used. I felt sorry for the cabbie in this film who had to deliver the bad news all too often. The film starts with us meeting some of the characters, their wives and children, so when bad news arrives for some of the wives, it's more emotional for the viewer as well. An altogether decent Vietnam film (FINALLY!). The acting is, for the most part, pretty decent, especially by Barry Pepper and Sam Elliot among the men and Madeline Stowe and Keri Russell among the women. The combat sequences are huge, prolonged, bloody and quite brutal, and it shows the bravery of both the American troops and the North Vietnamese as well. Those of us who weren't there can't possibly comment on how accurate this story is. In the special features, the men who were there say it's pretty accurate and I believe them. It's a significant film that's well worth a watch.