Review of Platoon (1986) by Octavian — 15 Feb 2014

Oliver Stone's breakthrough directorial debut. Inspired by Stone's personal experience as an infantryman during the Vietnam War, Platoon follows a young US cadet named Chris Taylor who volunteers in the war, fighting in a platoon.

Later on, he starts realizing the grim realization and the dangers of war, and starts questioning the fight after witnessing the actions if his team, and after a military men's death (he had known him, and knows who killed him).

Although not the best war film, it still is one of the best due to its realism, and content. This masterpiece focuses on the awful side of war instead of glorifying violence and death (anti-war film), adding graphic violence, lots of blood and gore, smoke, gunfire, explosions , and demolished areas in order to capture the look of war 100%.

But what's a film without a human touch? Luckily, director-writer Oliver Stone, a former veteran during the war, inputs characterization, drama, comedy, and grit into the characters, who are brought perfectly through excellent acting.

The best performances come from main stars Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Berenger, who show the light and warm hearted sides of their characters, as well as their secret and dark sides. Charlie Sheen as the young cadet displays incredible acting abilities that modern audiences don't see anymore and probably won't as finding film work has been tough for him due to his troubles with the law.

Stone writes an amazing script that captures everything soldiers experience in war, and also gives stellar direction, thus bringing this film to life flawlessly. Platoon also focuses on the themes on trust, who we are really fighting for, what are we really fighting for, who the real enemy is, and our true intentions in battle and life.

The film also stellar cinematography thanks to Robert Richardson, which also helps capture the stellar, realistic battle sequences that aid in showing the disgraceful concept of war. Although it loses to Saving Private Ryan for best and most realistic war film of all time, it still is a must-see for anyone who wants to see what war looks and feels like.