One of the worst war films I have seen

Rating: 4/10 (21 February 2007)

I have a lot of respect for Mel Gibson and the other fine actors in this film. It's a good story that is presented horribly. The formula for this move is as follows: Patriotism --> War Movie cliché --> vigorous and obvious tug at heart strings in overly dramatic dialog --> rinse, repeat.
This movie just wouldn't stop trying to evoke feelings from me. It's like I could see a hand reach from the screen and try to manipulate me through it's cheesy script.
I am a soldier (Marine actually) myself, and I don't want to take anything away from the soldiers who fought in Vietnam. I just think this movie is an embarrassing disservice to their sacrifice. I came away wishing that the story of these soldiers had been put together in a better fashion.