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We Were Soldiers (2002)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
3/25
3/25:
I would like to think the filmmakers of We Were Soldiers had good intentions, but it ultimately became
warploitation.
It's also poorly put together. I don't see what the first 45 minutes have to do with the next 90 minutes.
Remember in Platoon Oliver Stone gave a bit of narration about the background?
That's sufficient in understanding how some of the men got to this point. But why do I have to see these women
getting together to have a chitchat? No, no, no...cut them all out.
Then, there's the battle that happened for real in Ia Drang Valley, South Vietnam, although the whole thing
was obviously shot in California. I'm impressed with the realism that's reminiscent of
Braveheart. However, it feels like an excuse to make
We Were Soldiers since the battle just goes on and on. At the same time, I thought how futile it was.
Many war pictures have already conveyed the same message since
All Quiet on the Western Front.
The cast is fine. I have no issues with anybody's performance. But the sight of invincible Saint Mel Gibson's
homecoming to his family is quite insulting given the high number of his men had died around him for pointless
reasons. That should've been completely dropped. By the way, what the hell happened to Madeleine Stowe's face,
especially the puffy lips? It's like she went full-blown Angelina Jolie.
All in all, despite scoring a lot of points in the reality of infantry combat, We Were Soldiers feels
like another war picture.