Review of Platoon (1986) by Jesse O — 09 Aug 2012

Sometimes I truly hate watching war movies. Not because they aren't good but because it makes me think about the cost of going to war, much less winning one, the loss of human life and how war can bring out the absolute worst in people.

But I would say this movie is excellent and, to me, only a slight step above Full Metal Jacket. I think the movie would've been rated higher if it hadn't peaked 40 minutes before the movie actually ended.

It peaks at the most memorable moment, you'll QUICKLY know which one it is, and then it keeps going. But at least the movie picks up in the last 15 minutes or so. You get to see how Charlie's character's views on the war quickly change once he's actually there and the moral implications about the things he's seen and done.

That's probably the strongest aspect of the film, the moral ambiguity and the choices people make when their backs are against the wall. It's definitely a harrowing film, it's not going to be easy to watch but it is rewarding and it doesn't ever feel preachy, when it could've very easily been.

The performances are also strong, Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger being highlights. Charlie Sheen is also good, but I wasn't blown away. And the firefights themselves are very well done because there's something about them that you're not even sure what's going on or who's shooting at you and I would think that's how it would feel to be in one, so I think it adds a sense of realism.

So, again, excellent movie, peaks too early but still well worth watching.