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Obviously I wrote the above before we went into Iraq based largely on false intelligence data while the real culprits of 9-11 roam freely.
Click on the links for more information or to order.
Apocalypse Now (DVD)
Apocalypse Now (VHS)
(1979) Francis Ford Coppolla's Vietnam epic features Duval, Brando and others in one of the great American films.
Full Metal Jacket (DVD)
Full Metal Jacket (VHS)
(1989) I was there, and I can tell you that Paris Island boot camp has never been depicted so well on film. Mathew Modine is memorable as "Joker."
There were two things about the film that I found made it stand it from most war movies. First of all, it really showed with gut-wrenching emotion the real cost in even one American life - good to keep in mind these days - as taxi cab drivers would deliver telegrams to the families of those killed in combat. And, I don't want to give anything away, but the last couple minutes of film has a conversation between the NVA commander and his subordinates that summarizes in a few words why we should never have been there.
This was based on the book We Were Soldiers . . . and Once Young by Lt. Col. Harold Moore (ret.) and journalist Joseph Galloway. Click here for more info on the book.
Casualties of War (VHS)
(1989) Michael J. Fox earned my begrudging respect for his acting in this film; I have thought of his talent as worthy fodder for network shitcoms and mindless, albeit entertaining, movies. This film is based on a true story and Fox's portrayal of a man who could not stand by as his buddies kidnapped, raped, and murdered a young Vietnamese girl is exceptional. Sean Penn is also great as Fox's leader.
The Deer Hunter (DVD)
The Deer Hunter(VHS)
(1978) A five-Oscar winner, DeNiro and Walken give great performances in this film that uses the Vietnam war debacle to explore the depth of friendship between two men.
Platoon (DVD)
Platoon(VHS)
(1986) Winner of Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director, Oliver Stone's first of his trilogy is based on his own experiences and the realism shows.
Born on the Fourth of July (DVD)
Born of the Fourth of July (VHS)
(1989) Stone's second Vietnam movie covers the true journey of Ron Kovic from patriotic support of America's war involvement to outspoken war protester after seeing the horror himself. Tom Cruise was nominated for Best Actor; I believe it's his best effort to date.
Heaven and Earth (VHS)
(1993) Stone completes his trilogy with another true story. This time it's a Vietnamese woman's journey from the rice paddies to successful American businesswoman. This film is not as acclaimed as the others, but I enjoyed it. Joan Chen and Tommy Lee Jones (as her American husband, sufferring a bad case of PTSD) are both great. Mr. Jones finally got the recognition he deserved after this film.
Gardens of Stone (DVD)
(1987) James Caan, in what may be his best performance, is supported by Anjelica Huston, James Earl Jones, and D.B. Sweeney. It's possible you may not even have heard of this movie which is a shame. Caan is a Senior NCO at Ft. Myer, in charge of the detail that handles the Arlington burials. Sweeney is a young gung-ho soldier lusting for a taste of combat. Many critics panned this movie, but I found it a touching tribute both to those who make the ultimate sacrifice and those who must render their final honors.
If you have never been to a "garden," I urge you to do so. I have been to three of the largest: Arlington, Punchbowl (Hawaii) and Golden Gate (Colma, near San Francisco.) It may give you a greater appreciation of how much patriot blood has been shed to keep the tree of liberty growing.
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