Platoon (2 Disc Ultimate Edition Collector's Set) [1986]

The reason this film is so good is because director Oliver Stone puts his own memories, actions and feelings into this film, from when he served in the US Army.

Like most Vietnam war movies there isn't much of a storyline - soldiers at war in the vietcong, have fights - but the character arcs, particularly with Charlie Sheen's character from newbie to seasoned pro are fantastic.

This film is arguably more realistic than Apocalypse Now, because it just feels correct, whereas AN seemes exxagerated this takes a harder, tougher line.

Stone hasn't directed action scenes better than the ones that appear here, and it's never long before you're thrown, messily, confusingly, just like the real thing, back into the gunfights and explosions that made up this war. Although the camp downtime scenes are just as good.

However, I felt this film lacked a suitable ending after such a great hour and a half, and ended just suddenly, and without any fanfare. Instead of going out in a blaze of glory, this film just fizzles away, never ending properly. Again, you could argue, that's just like the real thing, but entertainment wise it's unfulfilling.

Still, I have never before seen a film that so deserved its classic status. Essential viewing.


The Nightmare of War   May 9, 2006
S J Buck (Kent, UK)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I have watched Platoon more than any other war movie. So much so that I've had to give it a rest over the last few years.
Why is it so good?
Perhaps because it is the most realistic (certainly Vietnam) war movie ever made. Its based on Oliver Stones own experiences in Vietnam. Now I doubt whether there were actually two so clearly good and bad characters, as represented by Willem Dafoe and Tom Beringer in the film, but it is the spark between these two that creates much of the films atmosphere.
There are quite a few scenes in this film, such as when the Charlie Sheen character wakes up in the middle of the night (in the jungle), that are wonderfully done. You really get an idea of just how scary being a soldier might be.
I'm also sure that the film would not not have been as successful as it was, without its marvellous soundtrack. Most noteably Samuel Barbers 'Adagio for Strings'. This piece of music alone adds an extra dimension to the scenes it is used in. A very haunting and sad piece of music.
The ending of the film is perhaps the only weak point, but it is a minor quibble about a very powerful and moving film.