Director:
Oliver Stone

Writer:
Oliver Stone

Stars:
Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe

Story

Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) is a young, well to do American college student that decides to drop out of school and volunteer for Vietnam because he thinks war is something that not only the less fortunate should have to experience, but the privileged also.

Upon his arrival, Chris quickly discovers that he will have to prove himself to his fellow Soldiers, that have been in Vietnam longer, seen more action and view him as a rich boy that’s just arrived in a real man’s land. He is immediately placed under the command of two men; Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes (Tom Berenger) a war hardened, scar faced soldier that has seen a ton of action and is deemed impossible to kill.  He will do whatever it takes to win the war, and will commit war crimes without batting an eyelid. Staff Sergeant Elias Grodin (Willem Dafoe) like Barnes, has seen a lot of action but is tired of the war and has lost all faith in the mission and is convinced of America’s impending defeat. Chris soon realizes that not only is he there to fight the Viet Cong, but also must deal with the battles erupting within his own Platoon. The cast is rounded out by Forrest Whittaker, Johnny Depp, John C. McGinley, Kevin Dillon & Tony Todd.

Gore/Special Effects

I feel almost silly discussing Gore/Special Effects in a war movie. Yes there are some nasty scenes involving Napalm, Frag Grenades and more, yet the real special effect of this movie is it’s message. Never have I watched a film that details the horrors of war on it’s civilian population, and the psychological effects Vietnam had on the soldiers during their campaign. Platoon shows it’s audience the dirty underbelly of war, it’s horrors, it’s injustices, it’s inhumanities. That to me is this film’s special effect.

Final Score

Oliver Stone’s unique presentation of one of the most unjust and horrific wars in American history makes Platoon a film that will stand alone amongst a slew of Vietnam inspired War Films. When the credits rolled I felt compassion and disgust both equally. Compassion for the Men, Women & Children that were involved in the Vietnam War to any extent, and disgust because of the nature of war itself and the senseless atrocities it brings out in Man. Those atrocities, we as human beings, like animals, inflict on one another.