MovieChat Forums > Platoon (1987) Discussion > My personal opinion on Platoon

My personal opinion on Platoon

posted 9 years ago by mep1019
3 replies | jump to latest

Beyond the obvious... that everything befalling in this film could not, and did not, happen to one platoon over a short period of three or four months as covered by this movie. Despite some based-on-fact events, there are too many weakness and falsehoods. The personal conflict between the two NCO's, Barnes and Elias, would have been quickly resolved by the platoon leader and/or the company commander with a transfer of one of the sergeants to another platoon.

Also, the platoon members, unless they were at My Lai (which they were not) would not have gotten away with killing unarmed South Vietnamese civilians and enemy prisoners. Contrary to what Oliver Stone (and many viewers out there) want to think, not every solider in Vietnam was a head (doper) or a jucier (drunk). Stone's agenda, like in all of his other films, goes far beyond simply making a good movie. He strives to re-write history as he saw it... or as he would like it to be.

Not withstanding its major flaws and one-sided views, this film has many commendable and watchable portions. The gritty jungle scenes and violent combat sequences are well filmed. The GI language, uniforms, equipment, the age of the young US soldiers and their living conditions in the field are accurate and very well done. Unfortunately, a little truth and good film making still result in what may be the most unkind film about the Vietnam war and the veterans who fought in it.

[–] nickm2 9 years ago

Well the idea was to try to squeeze every 'pivotal moment' in the Vietnam war in one movie. As for the interpersonal conflicts, well as Stone put it, he imagined what it would be like if his 'tough NCOs' from the 1st Cav (or maybe it was from his time with the 25 ID) got into a fight with his weak officers from his MP unit.

Why can't you wretched prey creatures understand that the Universe doesn't owe you anything!?

[–] samup7775 9 years ago

I agree. The film is so well made that the inaccuracies are overlooked by the average movie goer. It's still the best Vietnam movie ever made along with Full Metal Jacket/We were soldiers.

[–] wylierichardson-966-922691 9 years ago

Another factor to consider is Oliver Stone's personal history in Vietnam. He actually enlisted, and romanticized it in his mind. By his own admission, he thought it would be easier - and more glorious - that it turned out to be. I find a 'chip on the shoulder' subtext to it, if you look closely enough.