Review of Platoon (1986) by Colin H — 12 Sep 2012
Inner conflict and the violence of man articulated on a microcosmic scale set to the weighty backdrop of the Vietnam War. This microcosmic focus makes the film much less ambitious and epic than the likes of Apocalypse Now, yet just as substantial.
Oliver Stone's Vietnam experience helped bridge the gap between the human condition and the geographic location. Tom Berenger is the one to watch here as he gives a performance that proves how slightly askew quasi-pragmatism can be much more terrifying than or stand in for full blown psychosis.
Willem Dafoe is also very good with Charlie Sheen committing a neutral performance, likely his best. As far as visuals go, the film is alternates between stylish and sloppy/dated, yet is forgivable as conditions in Vietnam were likely sloppy.
Probably the second best Vietnam War film.
This review of Platoon (1986) was written by Colin H on 12 Sep 2012.
Platoon has generally received very positive reviews.
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