Somewhat cliched but reverent

Rating: Null/10 (23 August 2002)

This look at the early U.S. involvement in Viet Nam is not perfect but I found it engrossing. With my fondness for war films I had a hard time sitting through the first third of the film which was entirely character development. I understand the importance - I just wanted the action to start. I wasn't disappointed. The battle scenes were well portrayed and intense. However the way the battle ended in the film is not historical. None the less the action is equal to the level of blood & guts elevated by movies like Saving Private Ryan.
A quick note to my fellow posters overseas: If these American war films are so much flag waving patriotism to you guys - why keep watching them? This is a honorable look at men who had no idea what they were walking into. But they walked into it willingly to serve their country.