Review of Platoon (1986) by Christopher S — 12 Feb 2012

"Platoon" is the ideal Vietnam War film. Shot guerilla style, it follows a group of soldiers as they travel through the forests of Vietnam. The youngest of the soldiers, Chris (Charlie Sheen) witnesses the loss of innocence as he becomes affected by the true horrors of war not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

There is something about war films that help to paint a historically accurate picture (most of the time). "Platoon" not only paints the picture, but the way Oliver Stone directed it completely pulls you in to the point where you feel like you're there. The film does a fantastic job of portraying the affects that war has on everyone. Terrific performances by Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, Keith David, Forest Whitaker, Kevin Dillon, etc....

A young Johnny Depp is in there, but he only has one or two lines. The Blu-Ray looks okay; not great, but what I would expect a film from 1986 to look like. It still surpasses every previous "Platoon" release thus far. War is inevitable, but so is the way it affects and changes us all; whether you have served in a war, or know someone who has. "Platoon" is a well-deserved reminder of how soldiers fight through Hell and back every single day, to keep us safe. "Platoon" earns the five star medal of honor. Happy Memorial Day to all!