Review of Casualties of War (1989) by Charles James I — 26 Nov 2010

November 1966. Central Highlands, Vietnam.

We are to believe that war is hell. Yet it's the darkness in the minds of the men at war, a private hell for everyone. The war of humanity fiercely wages on each day. Everyone makes decisions each moment of the day, battles are fought constantly, and for the most part, evil prevails.

The political/social aspects of the war are not brought to light in this portrayal of the Vietnam. The focus is purely on the point of view of the soldiers. The casualties of war are not the body counts or the tally sheets. The true casualties are the corrupted minds of good men. We join this group of men out in the field and we learn how easy the battles within are lost.

This film takes a strong anti-war stance. It wouldn't seem like it is particularly against the Vietnam war, but the private war within. The constant war against humanity. A universal right and wrong. This film focuses purely on the psyche of the soldiers, as we obtain an insight to a specific incident. Obviously, this film would not have been made with the intentions of supporting the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. I have yet to see a VIetnam film that has taken a glorified perspective, and especially with the U.S. involvement. I would say that this film stands out, as it shines light in to a particularly gruesome crime against humanity.

As Pfc. Eriksson said it, since any one of us could be taken out at any moment, we shouldn't be caring less about our time left on the earth, we should be caring more. It means more, and its the final moments that count the most.

A very well made film by Brian DePalma. Amazing acting performances all around. A strong message, and plenty of serious action.