The events that transgress in what became known as The Valley of Death were of a nature that brought chills to my very core.

Rating: 10/10 (17 March 2011)

WARNING: May contain minor spoiler(s)!
In the film We Were Soldiers (2002), the true story of Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) and his battalion of 7th Cavalry troops is told in a way that truly touched my deepest emotion, especially with regard to my tenure in the military. The events that transgress in what became known as The Valley of Death were of a nature that brought chills to my very core. Alongside his men, Lt. Col. Moore (Gibson), Major Bruce "Snake" Crandall (Greg Kinnear), and Sergeant Major Basil Plumley (Sam Elliot) lead the companies of the 7th Calvary, who stood at a mere 400 or so men, against over 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. Throughout the film, a recurring theme stands most prominent, and is showcased as the foundation to Lt. Col. Moore's purpose in leading a battalion; No man gets left behind. The unbelievable bravery displayed by the men of 7th Cavalry speaks to this very idea, as their selfless service to one another, as well as their lieutenant colonel left no question in my mind; Each soldier knew the task to be completed.
Throughout the carnage that takes place in The Valley of Death, a story is narrated by a non-combative photographer, Joe Galloway (Barry Pepper), who ultimately takes part in the battle due to sheer necessity with regard to survival. Ultimately, Galloway turns back to his camera to ensure his experiences, and that of the soldiers of the 7th Calvary is told free of error. Such experiences Galloway seeks to capture include the honorable actions of Lt. Col. Moore's men, as well as Lt. Col. Moore himself. Lt. Col. Moore truly defines himself as an unmatched leader, as he holds true his promise made before leaving for North Vietnam; "I will be the first one to step on the field of battle, and the last to step off."
The theme present within We Were Soldiers (2002) shares similarity to another film, that of Black Hawk Down (2001). In each film, soldiers of an elite military unit showcase endless acts of heroism and bravery, sometimes leading to their ultimate fate in effort to save that of a fellow brother-in-arms. Each film also conveys a secondary theme, being that of the effects war has on those who participate. Survivor's guilt is very common among the soldiers involved in war, and such emotional reaction is seen in Major Crandall after the first day of battle in The Valley of Death. Upon returning to base camp after a full day of transporting troops in his Huey helicopter, Maj. Crandall is overwhelmed by the sight of so many wounded and dead soldiers, and is actually driven to pulling out his sidearm on a fellow soldier and pilot after a brief argument. During the previously mentioned scene, such emotion and intensity is captured perfectly by director Randall Wallace, and through use of red color tones and lighting Maj. Crandall's instability is well understood by the viewer. Wallace also takes advantage of the lighting effects created by explosions and gunfire to illuminate the poised, yet fear-filled faces of 7th Cavalry soldiers that stand guard during the night. During such scenes, Wallace creates a setting that proves very authentic, as the only constant source of light for the men in The Valley of Death is provided by moonlight, with bursts of brightness brought on by gunfire and exploding ordinance. Wallace also employs symbolism during the visual telling of this story, as seen in the Western Union Telegrams delivered to the unknowing widows of fallen soldiers. There is raw and overwhelming emotion of sadness and fear seen as it falls upon the faces of military wives when they see the yellow envelope in the hand of Julie Moore (Madeleine Stowe), wife of Lt. Col. Moore, followed by submission to the reality of what has happened. Julie Moore becomes weak and unstable at the sight of the yellow envelope, only to learn the cab driver is simply lost, which ultimately leads to her volunteering to deliver the letters of disappointment herself. The loss that is felt by these military wives is expressed almost perfectly in a single shot, that being a still frame close-up of the yellow envelope being held by a newly-widowed woman and the wedding band that rests on her finger. Ultimately, We Were Soldiers (2002) is, in my opinion, one of, if not the most well done war films of my time (my time referring to the short, 26 years I have spent in this world). Furthermore, in watching the film I have come to appreciate even more the sacrifices I made during my tenure in the military, while also feeling humbled, knowing quite well I was able to do so only because of the sacrifices made by men like those in the 7th Calvary led by Lt. Col. Moore. Even those who have not served their country can take away from this film an understanding of the sacrifices made by men in order to ensure freedoms and rights, as well as the bond that is born and which carries on even after service. In short, any person, soldier or not, that takes the time to view We Were Soldiers (2002) will understand how important, how vital it is that, "No man be left behind."