Let's discuss films about the Vietnam War

Kong: Skull Island- aka 'Viet Kong'.

A psychologically complex depiction of the emotional turmoil brought by jungle combat in a morally ambiguous conflict and the end result being the monster that we have in all of us is in fact our greatest enemy.

*pause*

Nah...it's just about a big ape fighting giant lizards.

Full metal Jacket would be my fave.

I love most of Apocalypse Now but I disliked the ending.

Deer Hunter I’ve never been a big fan of. We were soldiers was ok.

Dead Presidents just had too many themes going. I like it but it never makes up its mind as to what type of movie it wants to be and I think it hits a lot of notes by doing that but doesn’t hit any of them extremely well. The war stuff is probably my least fave parts of the film.

Casualties of War is a Vietnam War movie that's not much discussed about. It's been awhile since I seen it, but you wouldn't think of Michael J. Fox playing a lead role in this kind of movie.

Because he sucks?

No, because it's a different role that he usually played. 

My favorite is Apocalypse Now

Platoon is ok. The final battle is pretty cool.

I thought Full Metal Jacket & Good Morning Vietnam showed the day to day.

Forest Gump had the best combination of it in relation to what my uncle told me about Vietnam.

Let me set the mood.



Apocalypse Now - Coppola is probably talking about what a mind**k the movie is. Either way, my favorite of the bunch. Theatrical > Redux

Platoon - does feel the most personal. Of course, Stone fought there. Awesome performances from Berenger and Dafoe.

Deer Hunter - once we're past that damn wedding, smooth sailing.

Full Metal Jacket - the loss of interest during the second half is undeniable, though it does have its moments.

Dead Presidents - a little heavy handed from what I remember, but solid.

Coming Home - a movie about the performances, really. I think Born on the 4th of July is a better version of similar material.

Born on the 4th of July - ^

Forrest Gump/Watchmen - these movies aren't ABOUT Vietnam, but Vietnam plays a big part. I think Gump's take is yellow bellied and doesn't have much to say (kinda like the movie itself). I detest Snyder as as a director and playing "Ride of the Valkyries" in the latter during the 'Nam scene got one of my biggest eye rolls.

Casualties of War/Hamburger Hill - two forgotten ones, including by me. They weren't bad or anything, just don't especially stick with you.

We Were Soldiers - haven't seen it, but sounds like I should give it a shot from this thread. Though I *have* seen the scene where the black woman gets the news of her husband(?)'s death, which is probably the most hilariously stereotypical and offensive thing I've seen in a modern movie. Should be a meme.