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Platoon (1986)
Rate:
10
Viewed:
6/05, 7/15, 9/20
6/05:
Platoon is an outstanding military picture about the Vietnam War by depicting the realities of infantry combat.
The performances by the ensemble cast are brilliantly rendered, but it's Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe who take the film to
another level that makes the whole thing a tragedy. Keith David and Kevin Dillon are next in line for playing memorable
characters.
However, I'm not sure about Charlie Sheen due to his immaturity in terms of handling this kind of role. The most thrilling,
impactful scene of the film is Willem Dafoe's death run. It's the biggest reason why Platoon won Best Picture of
1986.
All in all, Platoon is one of the fewest definitive films of what the Vietnam War was like.
7/15:
Platoon, the Best Picture winner of 1986, realistically captures what it's like being in the middle of infantry combat
during the Vietnam War.
For a long time, I had stood fast that Charlie Sheen wasn't mature enough for the role of Chris Taylor, hence my rating of
'9' for the film. But now, I'm ready to say he's perfect, concede a '10' to Platoon, and declare it a cinematic
masterpiece of realism in war. The film was shot on location in Philippines, hence many kudos to Oliver Stone for not
faking it.
Everybody else in the ensemble cast is brilliant. The two standouts are Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe. Their performances
speak volumes of what Platoon is all about. The battle between their characters is arresting, mystifying, and devastating.
What I love about Barnes (the scar on his face is awesome, adding a dimension to his personality) is how he's converted
into an invincible demigod to his men. I can see it in their eyes. Chris Taylor perfectly sums him up when he complains,
"People like Barnes just go on making up the rules any way they want." It's what led to Elias' demise because Barnes didn't
like how he's gung-ho about doing things the right way.
Although there are many significant moments throughout, only one stands out the most, and it's
Willem Dafoe's death run with helicopters hovering around the landscape. It's among the greatest, most powerful scenes ever
filmed and the clincher for taking home the Best Picture award.
War films come and go, and most of them have been unrealistic and one-sided by showing only the beautiful aspects of heroism.
But not in Platoon. There's no glamorization going on. It's as real as it gets. In fact, the film is probably a
good educational tool for whether or not a prospective recruit can handle the realities of infantry combat.
All in all, Platoon is one of the greatest Vietnam War pictures made, period.
9/20:
Out of many outstanding films Oliver Stone had directed, Platoon is his crowning achievement that depicts the
realities of infantry combat which is nothing like The Green Berets.
It's certainly a star-studded cast, and many of them went on to bigger things: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe,
Forest Whitaker, and Johnny Depp. Of course, there are also strong performances turned in by Keith David, Kevin Dillon,
John C. McGinley, and Francesco Quinn.
The fascinating aspect is the two polar opposites: Barnes and Elias with a bunch of alpha males gravitating to either. King's
philosophy of how he sees things as they are is dead-on. The most famous and powerful scene of the
film is Elias' desperate run from the Viet Cong soldiers before putting his hands up in the air.
What's not well-known is how difficult it was for Oliver Stone to get the film financed. It started with his screenplay
Break during the late 60's which was sent to Jim Morrison of the Doors who eventually never read it.
Because the Vietnam War was so unpopular with the public, all of the major studios refused to touch Platoon.
Although The Deer Hunter and Apocalpyse Now
got made, everybody thought they were the Vietnam War pictures for all time. Hemdale came in and decided to
green-light Platoon for good along with Salvador, and the rest is history.
All in all, the tagline "The first casualty of war is innocence" is what describes Platoon the best.