Pretty well done, but could've been more powerful

Rating: 5/10 (3 March 2002)

This is a pretty well made film about the Vietnam War, but I just felt it was lacking something. I just didn't feel the power and poignancy I did while watching "Saving Private Ryan" and certain other war epics. But it does deliver a good message about patriotism. There are a few genuinely touching scenes, including one where Madeline Stowe (who plays Gibson's wife) sees a cabbie approaching her doorstep with a telegram. It turns out he's not there to report her husband's death, but to see if she can help locate a certain addressee. She gets furious at him, for giving her such a scare. As he heads back to the cab, he says "I'm sorry, I don't like delivering these messages." That's when she takes the initiative, and offers to deliver the telegrams herself.
Mel Gibson is remarkable as the great Lt. Hal Moore. I can tell he researched the role extensively. He's so convincing that I sometimes forgot I was watching Mel Gibson on screen! Greg Kinnear is miscast in a small role. I know he got nominated for an Oscar, and he is moderately talented, but he's not convincing as a soldier. Barry Pepper, who I've heard of but never seen before, is great as the reporter-turned-hero. He's a new, up-and-coming actor and he's destined for success. And Madeline Stowe gives a quietly powerful performance as Moore's wife.
"We Were Soldiers" is far from terrible and far from great. I definitely disagree with my narrow-minded Dad when he called it a "junk picture." He was simply disgusted by the extreme violence, and totally missed the point: the movie is not designed for entertainment! But as I said, it lacked a certain something. I walked out of the theater, crying, like I always do after watching a war movie. But it was long and boring and dragging at points. However, I'm sure if you were in the Vietnam War, you will be much more moved. So if you were, please ignore my comments.

My score: 5 (out of 10)