Platoon Leader
Tags: violence

Plot synopsis:
Lt. Jeffrey Knight, a new officer from West Point, is airlifted to an outpost in Vietnam, where he meets his platoon, a group of tough witted veterans of the war. Platoon Sergeant McNamara explains to Knight that the platoon does not need a leader that follows rules. Lt. Knight's actions are also frowned upon by all of his men except for Pvt. Parker, the radio operator.
On one of his first patrols, Knight stumbles carelessly over a trip mine and is nearly killed. Parker then radios for an evac and McNamara orders the troops to move to an LZ for an extraction. Later, while Lt. Knight is recovering from his wounds in an Army hospital, Major Flynn asks him if he is able to take command again and Knight agrees. Knight is airlifted back to his platoon's outpost but is not greeted by his men and finds his gear missing from his quarters, as they did not expect him to return. When they realize Knight has returned, the soldiers rush to return his property outside his office before he comes back out. Knight realizes that he must take a different approach to have his men's respect.
Back on patrol, the platoon is attacked by heavy Vietcong (VC) forces and Parker is hit by mortar fire. Knight calls up his Medic to save Parker, but Parker's wounds are mortal and he dies in Knight's arms. McNamara then arrives with his squad and the group repels the enemy who retreats towards Sergeant Roach, who carries a shotgun and is considered the platoon's toughest soldier. Roach then kills the remaining VC easily. A week later, Major Flynn gives Knight 3 new replacements including a rebellious Private named Don Pike. Knight finds Pike's demeanor disruptive and sends him to Sergeant Roach's mine sweeping detail. Roach then has Pike hold his trigger finger on a live mine while Roach takes a break to urinate. Later, Knight finds Private Bacera getting high in his barracks when he was supposed to be leaving on patrol. Knight confronts Bacera and dumps out the drugs he found and personally leads the patrol the next day, keeping a close eye on Bacera. Even so, Bacera sneaks a hit when recusing himself to urinate. Knight finds Bacera expired with a needle still in his arm, having suddenly overdosed, causing Knight to be angry with himself.
Late at night, Knight wakes to find an enemy in the camp, killing him and alerting the men that the outpost will be attacked. The platoon prepares for the attack and shoots off flares to illuminate the battlefield showing the VC advancing on them with an enormous force. The base is hit hard. Sergeant Hayes uses his claymores and Knight calls for an airstrike to repel the enemy, but the platoon suffers heavy casualties in fending off the attack.
The next morning, Knight confesses that he feels that he can't be a leader, but McNamara tells him that he got them this far and can do the rest. Knight is then met by Captain Killinski, Lt. Riley and another Lt. Captain Killinsky explains the rest of the VC battalion they fought off during the night is nearby, and outlines a plan to attack the enemy. Knight counters with an idea he believes work better, and after consulting with the other two Lieutenants, Killinsky agrees to the new plan, trusting in Knight's experience.
Knight's platoon moves to their position in the jungle and Knight orders McNamara to scout ahead to bring another platoon into position. McNamera is ambushed before reaching the other platoon and severely injured. Knight and his squad fight to reach McNamera and bring him to an LZ to evac him via helicopter. Captain Killinski tells Knight that a company of VC slipped through and are attacking the village. Knight's platoon arrives at the village and kill off the VC company. The platoon is then attacked by Mortar fire and Knight is hit by shrapnel, damaging his eye, but Sergeant Roach applies first aid. Roach brings a baby from one of the destroyed huts and explains the VC were after the villagers not the soldiers.
After the battle, Knight visits McNamara and sees he's okay. He explains to him they lost the village, but they fought off the VC. He then says that he's starting to understand the meaning of this war and lets McNammera rest. A couple months later, McNamara returns to the base with Knight greeting him saying "welcome back to the country club" as they embrace.

Review: If you want to see the Vietnam War as it was experienced by a real Platoon Leader, this is it.
Authentic, down to the mannerisms, slang, terror and disillusion of it all, this film has none of the wierd phantasms of Apocalypse Now or the left wing political hype of Oliver Stone's Platoon.Richard C.
Caporiccio, LTC, US Army, Retired, former Platoon Leader, 3rd Battalion, 503rd Infantry (Airborne), LZ Uplift, Republic of Vietnam from Jan 2 to December 24, 1969..
Most of Cannon Pictures' product is pretty much junk (they make Chuck Norris and J-C Van Damme movies, so what do you expect?), but this one is different.
The story concerns a young army lieutenant on his first combat assignment in Vietnam, and how he comes to earn the respect of his men.
Michael Dudikoff is surprisingly good as the young officer who arrives at his post not knowing quite what to expect but determined to do his duty, and Robert F.
Lyons is outstanding as the platoon's veteran sergeant who doesn't want a new lieutenant to get any of his men killed.
I read the book "Platoon Leader" by James McDoughal (I'm not sure if that's how you spell his last name), and it's one of the best "Vietnam experience" books I have ever read.
Especially when compared to a movie like Apocalypse Now (which is in my opinion one of the worst depictions of the situation in Vietnam ever produced).
It realistically depicts the trials of a new infantry platoon leader in Vietnam as he arrives fresh out of West Point and must quickly learn the ropes of being a PL and at the same time earn the respect of his men.Bottom line: this is a damn good movie.
If you have any interest in Vietnam or war movies in general, I highly recommend it..
This movie is underrated probably because of the prejudices held by critics against Michael Dudikoff.
It is, in fact, entertaining and is required viewing for any fan of action movies.
PLATOON LEADER is one of Dudikoff's best movies, perhaps because, since it was a rare theatrical release, more attention was given to make sure it was well-done.
You really get a sense of what the war in Vietnam was like for the soldiers there, with hair-raising jungle ambushes and close calls.
Naturally, the guys at the base don't take too kindly to Dudikoff when he first arrives, but ultimately grow to respect him, something I've really grown tired of seeing in the movies.
But the battle scenes are well-executed, the direction by Aaron Norris (Chuck's brother) nothing special but good, and the music heroic and uplifting.
After making his directorial debut with his brother Chuck Norris with "Braddock: Missing in Action III" (1988), his follow-up would be another Vietnam War feature with Cannon productions starring Michael Dudikoff.
Norris' presentation might feel like a poor man's version of Stone's "Platoon", but it turned out to be a very solid nitty gritty portrayal of a war that was hard for the soldiers to come to grips with (nothing but pure propaganda).
The performances are acceptably creditable (Robert F Lyons, Michael DeLorenzo, Brian Libby and William Smith chew it up in a major role) and a convincing Dudikoff actually brought across some emotional weight to the part.
The script really does illustrate the dramas along with the horror in some arresting scenes ("What do you say to a girl with her arm shot off?") --- especially the transformation of Dudikoff's character throughout his duty, where at the beginning he was naïve to how things work but after an incident that sees him hospitalized he returns an improved soldier, better equipped for the experience and from this starts to gain respect.
Norris' direction moves at a fast clip, if quite clichéd (cue in the patriotic sounding score) but the impulsive action is competently staged and fairly exciting in its tension fuelled fire-fights with glorious slow-motion and graphic violence.
Originally entitled "Nam," this film was released as "Platoon Leader" to cash in on the success of "Platoon," which had been released the previous year.
The film covers a new U.S. captain joining a platoon that is set up on a hill with orders to protect a small village.
The story of how he must earn the right to be called the captain of such a motely group, and how the men themselves must struggle about just what they are fighting for in this war, is extremely moving.
Each character is painted vividly and with wonderful acting, and through their tragedy and suffering, the viewer gets a better understanding of what went on during America's darkest hour.On the other hand, this film also contains some nicely-directed action sequences that know how to get the heart-beat going.
It is the essence of these action scenes, combined with the human characters who have to pick up the pieces of each battle and move on with their daily, emotional struggles, that really makes this film tick.This film was directed by Chuck's brother Aaron Norris, who lost a brother to the Vietnam War. Indeed, this must have been a difficult film to shoot because of that, but he certainly paid his brother a fitting tribute in this underrated war epic.**** out of ****.
you would have had to be there to appreciate that fact.i (or any other vet) hardly expects the great unwashed masses that's never been to a hell hole like that or never been fired at or never picked up a weapon to do battle against a merciless foe to understand it.
so naturally bad comments like, Worst Movie Ever, etc, etc...are to be expected.
:-( MD did a good, solid, very realistic job of portraying a young, green, Platoon Leader barely hanging onto his job AND his life (and that of his platoon's)in a VERY frightening (read impossible) situation...so good in fact that he reminds me of several of my own "Lutes" that i fought with (most of them died, sadly.) no, the film isn't perfect, but it's good solid fare for people REALLY interested in how it was in 'Nam. the rest of you clueless cats can eat it and die...who cares anyway what "YOU" think.
Having seen many war flicks (including the Cannon Group's Chuck Norris attempts) about the Vietnam War, this one tops them all.
- no one should question their expertise and thumbs-up on this movie.I wasn't sure when I saw this, but I thought, "Man, this seems so realistic, I wonder if things were like this over there?" The vets' comments here confirm that.I only add my comments here to bolster this great war movie and commend the vets for confirming my thoughts.
a war movie worth seeing.
Originally filmed under the title "NAM" before being changed to "Platoon Leader" to cash in on the success of Oliver's Stone "Platoon".
A young officer, just out of West Point is sent to Vietnam, where the men don't respect him until he gets wounded and returns to be a wiser soldier and a better commander.
Sound's like a good idea for war movie , right ?
Sadly this is a dreadful movie Some people who defend this garbage claim that this is a good movie , because it's a realistic description of Vietnam War , compared to the "Apocalypse now " .
As a work of art it has every right to take some liberties to send it's message ."Platoon leader" does have some good scenes in it .
Dudikoff tries , hell everyone tries , you can easily see it , I like the ambition , but the most dramatic scenes in the movie are so badly acted that it's just painful to watch .
Nothing really happens and I 've got a feeling that I was watching an action movie somewhat camouflaged as war drama.
I could see potential here and there with some scenes , but it really felt like poor man's "Platoon" .
And the very ending scene feels like it belongs to buddy-cop comedy.Interesting thing - this is the only film directed by Aaron Norris to not have his brother Chuck Norris in it.I give it 1/10.
If you want to see a good and little known war movie better watch "Bat 21" with Gene Hackman and Danny Glover or "Siege of firebase Gloria" with R.
Michael Dudikoff stars as Lt Jeff Knight a new commander in charge of the platoon who fight in Vietnam in this really bad and very tedious drama.
The problem with Platoon Leader is that nothing happens, the drama is poorly done and Michael Dudikoff isn't the best guy to go with in this type of movie.
Golan/Globus Cannon Pictures nonsense pretending it's a serious film about the Vietnam War. The American Ninja, Michael Dudikoff, plays a young officer (not a ninja), just out of West Point and sent to Vietnam.
Nothing you haven't seen before and done much better, but on the plus side, there is a small role for my all-time favorite character actor, William Smith, as a commanding officer.
I guess to capitalize on the critical and financial success of Oliver Stone's Platoon, this other film Platoon Leader was made.
Though hardly a classic, Platoon Leader is a film with grit and guts like it took to be in Vietnam and never knowing who to trust.Michael Dudikoff is the newly minted lieutenant straight from West Point where classes on classic military theory don't prepare you for jungle warfare in Vietnam.
But he's a quick learner and not eager to breakdown and spend the war in the dugout the way his predecessor did.Like Platoon the men don't respect the newby until he's bloodied.
The night attack on the base by the Viet Cong scene is almost a copy of one from Green Berets.I should also single out Michael DeLorenzo who gets through his days in Vietnam with a little help from illegal pharmaceuticals.
He's a most unmilitary soldier and his is a tragic end.The best war films are usually with lots of historical perspective after the conflict.
Frequent Cannon Group hero Michael Dudikoff does fairly well in the role of Lt. Jeff Knight, an officer fresh out of West Point who is immediately sent to Vietnam.
While it might not take its place among the truly great 'Nam based films, it's still not bad at all, and is worthy of some respect.
They are well supported by Brian Libby ("The Shawshank Redemption"), Michael DeLorenzo ('New York Undercover'), Jesse Dabson ("Death Wish 4: The Crackdown"), Rick Fitts ("The Hanoi Hilton"), Tony Pierce ("Stone Cold"), and the legendary movie tough guy William Smith ("Any Which Way You Can").It's often at its most effective when it reminds us that these soldiers ARE human beings and not machines, and that they WILL show emotion at times of stress.
The battle scenes are horrific in their realism and the technical aspects of this fine film are superior to many others that attempt to capture the hell our soldiers went through in Viet Nam. Working with a small budget but a stunning script, this is a film that deserves to be recognized along with Apocalypse Now, Go Tell the Spartans, and Hamburger Hill.
Where Oliver Stone failed to really communicate the reality of war, Platoon Leader nails it with no compromise.
While it stands in the shadow of big studio releases and never received the attention or accolades that should have been afforded it, Platoon Leader is possibly the definitive motion picture depiction of the American soldier's brutal experience in that horrific jungle conflict..
American Ninja's Michael Dudikoff branches out to make a war movie about Vietnam and falls extremely short of making anything worthwhile, enjoyable or even interesting.
The story follows Dudikoff as a tough new commanding officer who must win the respect of his men and wax philosophical on the war itself, while drugs and the Viet Cong are all around are soldier boys.
Michael Dudikoff is certainly a credible action star with some screen presence and low key charisma but this type of movie requires an actor who can pull of emoting as well.
Lyons comes off best but really this is a repetitive war movie with no sense of excitement, authenticity or even a point.
Really one is better of seeing Platoon or Full Metal Jacket for authenticity, while for entertainment one should look to Rambo or Missing In Action.
STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All CostsBefore he went on to direct brother Chuck in the tremendously exciting action sequel Delta Force 2,Aaron Norris fools the potential punter with this totally unengaging and thoroughly cliched account of the true story of the 173rd ''Airborne'' Brigade in Vietnam,despite most of the action taking place in the jungles of South East Asia.No disrespect to the American GIs forced to participate in this no doubt barbaric sector of the Vietnam war,but it makes for rather tepid screen viewing,and the noticably charisma stripped Michael Dudikoff headbilling the show only adds to the unrelenquishing tedium.*.
It isn't authentic in the slightest.However for all this, it is dreadful example of film making and war film making in particular, one which I would try and make everybody watch at least once all the way through.
Surprisingly emotional B-movie and a fresh take on Vietnam!.
"Platoon Leader"...what a generic and terrible name for a fairly emotional and deep war film.
I'm sure the film's title, in addition to starring Michael Dudikoff and being released by Cannon, turned a lot of people off from checking this movie out.
But Aaron Norris does a superb job of balancing B-movie action with harrowing and emotional drama.
Dudikoff is passable (as usual) as the lead platoon leader...but Paul F.
The budget was surprisingly solid for a B-movie and the supporting cast was great.
War movies tend to have a repetitive nature about them...but "Platoon Leader" features some impressive and original moments.
I was surprised to be as invested in the soldiers as I was and "Platoon Leader" was a solid war film that deserves a better known reputation..
with relatively real combat depictions (from friends who were there).As a new soldier in the Army of the 80s, this was the best view back into my father's Army available to me until the release of Mel Gibson's "We Were Soldiers." In many ways, it is still a better presentation for a young soldier, specifically because it highlights the roles of different individuals that make up an infantry platoon.STILL not on DVD.
Above AverageWar Film, That's At Times Intense And Well Made, With An Excellent Lead Performance From Dudikoff!.
This is an above average war film, that's intense and well made, with an excellent lead performance from Dudikoff!.
It's got lots of great war action, and all the characters were great, plus i really enjoyed the musical score!.
It did take a little while to get going, and some of the dialog was bad, however Dudikoff is quite intense as the lead, flick, however it is quite entertaining, and even exciting at times, plus the ending was cool and very emotional.
This is an above average war film, that's at times intense, and well made, with an excellent lead performance from as he carried the film, it also helped that the rest of the supporting cast was solid as well!.
Granted it's your typical low budget War Dudikoff!.
Aaron Norris does a good job here, with good camera work, during the war scenes, good angles, and keeping the film at an interesting pace!.
Michael Dudikoff is FANTASTIC as always, and is fantastic here, he is extremely likable and intense, had good chemistry with Robert F.
Lyons is great here, as the Sarge, he is very likable, and had good chemistry with Dudikoff i liked him lots.
Platoon Leader reminds me a lot of the book Sand In the Wind by Robert Roth because there is a body going over a waterfall scene in both.
Check out the better Vietnam War film Hamburger Hill..
As another reviewer states, the producers of this movie regrettably changed it's title from ''Nam'' to ''Platoon Leader'', as it was released just a year after the epic Vietnam staple, ''Platoon''.
One thing that does annoy the hell out of me when it comes to 99% of war movies, is that the explosions and gunfire are horribly inaccurate.
I wish the visual effects people that make war movies would actually go and study real period-correct combat footage.
If you like war-action movies, especially Vietnam, you'll enjoy yourself if you watch this movie, because it's actually very much full of action from start to finish.
It also does better than average in depicting real Vietnam combat, and is closer to being realistic than the vast majority of Vietnam movies.
The acting, while not spectacular, is still above average compared to the usual Vietnam movies, and the continuity is also slightly above average, and many of the details of uniforms, guns, weapons, speech and the compound is quite accurate.
American war movies were ten a penny in the 1980s and this low budget addition to the genre doesn't really achieve all that much.
It was made by Aaron Norris - his only film not to feature his brother Chuck - and put out by Cannon Films, but it's one of their less entertaining products.
Michael Dudikoff is the restrained hero, a young lieutenant striving to win the respect of his men, but for an action star he gets very little to do, physically.
The plot is cliched and predictable and the action scenes are anything but exciting; this is one of those films that's content to go through the motions rather than offering up anything decent in terms of entertainment..
Surprisingly tough-minded Vietnam war film from Cannon.
Earnest, but inexperienced West Point graduate Lt. Jeff Knight (a solid and credible performance by Michael Dudikoff) gets put in charge of a platoon that has to keep a village safe from the Vietcong.