Review of We Were Soldiers (2002) by Paul W — 12 Mar 2010

I was told this was an excellent movie set in Vietnam. I can agree that it's pretty darn good. It covers early events (post-advisors only, but pre-1968 escalations) which allows it to by-pass the typical "Platoon" take on Vietnam. It subtly describes the whole enterprise as mis-managed and pointless like other Vietnam movies do, but it does it via Gibson's character's apparent understanding where the brass lack understanding - not beating you over the head with it like other Vietnam flicks do.

The most emotionally charged scenes in the movie aren't battle scene nor do they take place in 'nam. They are the homefront scenes where the wives of the officers are delivered telegrams by the Yellow Cab drivers informing them of their husbands' deaths. Again, unlike the Oliver Stone approach, we don't get the "never welcomed home soldiers," but the lonely wives being emotionally abused by a thoughtless military. Yellow Cab drivers? Seriously? That has to be overplayed, but who knows?

There are a few "derp" moments here and there. Remember, Mel Gibson stars, so... but for the most part a pretty darn good flick worth an A-.