Realistic, accurate, but a bit too bloody

Rating: Null/10 (23 February 2002)

While director Wallace made an excellent film with We Were Soldiers, and rightly tributes the fallen at the end of the movie, underlying themes of rambo patriotism tarnish this otherwise great movie. SPOILER- During the final American attack, the helicopter gun runs on the NVA encampment is overdrawn and overly bloody. Unnecessary, and makes the Army look like butchers. However, the very real themes that are presented regarding soldier commitment to the cause and willingness to die, will hopefully give some perspective to those who criticize the Army and its purpose.
A good movie for Army Cadets who want to see an accurate portrayal of the urgency of combat. The first 30 minutes of the combat portion of the film is excellent case-study material for tactics instruction.
All in all, a great movie with a little too much gratuitous killing and gore.