Sunday 16 July 2023

Review: Platoon (1986) Movie

Introduction Review Platoon (1986) Movie

Platoon movie poster

Platoon is a war movie directed by Oliver Stone, depicting the experiences of Chris Taylor, a young American soldier who volunteers to fight in Vietnam. The movie portrays the harsh reality of the Vietnam War and how it left the soldiers psychologically and emotionally scarred.

The movie was critically acclaimed and received four Oscars, including the Best Picture award. Stone's real-life experience in the Vietnam War allowed him to bring a unique perspective to the movie, making it one of the most compelling war movies ever made.

The actors in the movie also gave a stellar performance, particularly the lead role played by Charlie Sheen, who depicted the innocence of a young American soldier well. Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe also delivered great performances, portraying the two different sides of the character's personality.

Platoon offers a realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War, avoiding the stereotypical heroism often depicted in other war movies. Instead, it focuses on the humanity of the soldiers fighting the war and how it affected them. The movie's powerful message resonates with viewers long after its conclusion.

In conclusion, Platoon is an outstanding movie that is both moving and realistic. It provides an insight into the harsh realities of the Vietnam War that is both captivating and emotional. It is a movie worth watching for anyone interested in war movies, especially those that focus on the human side of war.

Plot Summary Review Platoon (1986) Movie

Platoon movie poster

The Storyline

Platoon (1986), a war drama film, directed by Oliver Stone, takes place during the Vietnam War. The story revolves around a young college drop-out, Chris Taylor, who has enlisted in the army and volunteers to fight in Vietnam hoping to make a difference. He is soon sent into the grim reality of war where he is exposed to the harsh and brutal world of infantry combat.

The Characters

The movie features outstanding performances from Charlie Sheen who plays Chris Taylor, Willem Dafoe who plays Sergeant Elias, and Tom Berenger who portrays Sergeant Barnes. The contrasting characters of Barnes and Elias, both sergeants in the platoon, represent the splitting image of the Vietnam War: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Themes

The themes of Platoon, including brotherhood, loyalty, and morality, are timeless. The film shows how the Vietnam War impacted American troops on a psychological and moral level. It provides an insight into the ramifications of war, the sense of duty to protect one's country and how the beliefs and values of the soldiers were tested during the conflict.

The Cinematography

The movie benefits from the excellent cinematography of Robert Richardson, as it captures the real-life experiences of soldiers in Vietnam who were thrust into the horror of survival. The scenes are atmospheric, and the war depictions are both realistic and tense.

In conclusion, Platoon is one of the greatest war movies ever made. It manages to capture the complexity of events in Vietnam without glorifying it. The film is still relevant today and stands as a powerful masterpiece of cinematic storytelling about the human spirit during wartime.

Review of Platoon (1986) and the Characters and their Backgrounds

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Platoon is a war movie set during the Vietnam War. It follows a young soldier, Chris Taylor, as he is sent to serve in the jungles of Vietnam with his platoon. The movie depicts the horrors of war and the psychological toll it takes on its soldiers. One of the strengths of the film is its well-developed characters and their backgrounds.

The main character, Chris Taylor, is played by Charlie Sheen. He is a naive, idealistic young man who volunteers to serve in Vietnam. His journey is a coming-of-age story as he is exposed to the brutality of war and becomes disillusioned with the military system. The movie shows how the war changes him and how he struggles to find his place in the world after he returns home.

Other notable characters include Sergeant Barnes, played by Tom Berenger, and Sergeant Elias, played by Willem Dafoe. They represent two opposing forces within the platoon. Barnes is a ruthless, battle-hardened soldier who resorts to harsh tactics to get the job done, while Elias is a more compassionate soldier who believes in doing what is right. Their conflict drives the plot and highlights the moral ambiguity of war.

The movie also explores the experiences of soldiers from different backgrounds. There is a Hispanic soldier who struggles with racism within the platoon, as well as a soldier from the rural South who is reluctant to kill because of his religious beliefs. These characters add depth and diversity to the story.

In conclusion, Platoon is a powerful movie that explores the effects of war on its soldiers. The well-developed characters and their backgrounds make the movie more than just a typical war film. It is a commentary on the human experience and the impact of war on society.

Setting and Location Review: Platoon (1986) Movie

Platoon Movie Review

The Jungle Setting

Platoon is a Vietnam War movie that was released in 1986. The setting of the movie takes place in the dense jungle of Vietnam. The overall setting of the movie adds a touch of realism to the film, as it captures the dangers and fear that soldiers faced while serving in this part of the world. The audience is constantly reminded of the harsh living conditions, as well as the challenges of surviving amidst the dense jungle foliage.

The Location

The movie was largely filmed in the Philippines, which was the perfect location to recreate the dense jungle of Vietnam. The movie's crew had to contend with harsh environmental conditions during filming, to capture the authenticity of the jungle setting. Many scenes show the characters in action as they traverse and fight through the dense forest, making the location an integral part of the movie.

Impact on the Storyline

Overall, the jungle setting and the location of the film add to the overall impact and mood of the movie. The harsh, unforgiving jungle setting portrays the gritty realism of the war and adds to the film's message about the futility and senselessness of war. The location also adds a layer of historical accuracy, as Vietnam was a critical part of American history, and the movie accurately captures the events that took place in that region.

In conclusion, Platoon's jungle setting and location are significant contributors to the movie's overall impact. It creates an atmosphere of harshness unbridgeable distance between the characters.The film is an intense, well-acted, and historically relevant portrayal of the Vietnam War. The combination of a unique location and the harshness of the jungle add to its cinematic impact and make it one of the all-time great war films.

Cinematography and Visual Effects Review: Platoon (1986) Movie

Platoon Movie Poster

Platoon, released in 1986, is a war drama film directed by Oliver Stone. The movie depicts the Vietnam War through the eyes of a young soldier, Chris Taylor, played by Charlie Sheen. The cinematography and visual effects in the movie contributed significantly to its success and critical acclaim.

The movie's visuals effectively convey the sense of chaos and brutality of war. The on-location shooting in the jungles of the Philippines added to the authenticity and grittiness of the film. The camera work was skillfully done, with the use of close-ups and handheld shots that put the audience right in the middle of the action.

The visual effects used in the film were minimal but impactful. The explosions and gunfire were realistic and added to the intensity of the battle scenes. Stone's use of slow-motion shots during these scenes allowed the audience to fully comprehend the gravity of the situation and feel emotionally invested in the characters.

Overall, Platoon is a powerful film that portrays the harsh realities of war. The visuals, along with the superb acting and direction, make it a cinematic masterpiece that resonates with audiences to this day.

In conclusion, the cinematography and visual effects in Platoon are a testament to the skill and artistry of the filmmakers behind it. The visuals effectively conveyed the chaos and brutality of war, while the minimal yet impactful visual effects added to the intensity of the battle scenes. It is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in war films or cinematic history.

Sound and Music Review for Platoon (1986) Movie

Platoon (1986) Movie Cover

Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone, is a war movie that was released in 1986. The movie is based on the director's real-life experiences as an infantryman during the Vietnam War. For a war movie, sound and music play an important role in creating atmosphere and emotions.

Sound Effects

The sound effects in Platoon are remarkable as they play a significant role in intensifying and building tension. The sound of gunfire and bombs bursting are brutally realistic, which can transport the audience right into the warzone. The sudden silence after firing a rifle or explosion precisely illustrates the agony of soldiers during battles. These realistic sound effects are a significant contributor to the movie's overall quality, making it a classic war movie.

Music

The music in Platoon is not particularly remarkable until the end of the movie. The final battle sequence is accompanied by Samuel Barber's classical piece "Adagio for Strings." With a poignant and haunting melody, it creates an emotional impact that the audience would be hard-pressed to forget. This haunting score added with the sound of violence, screams, and chaos creates a profound emotional reaction from the viewers.

To conclude, Platoon's sound and music were well-created and suited the movie's overall theme. The sound effects were accurately created to represent the war's brutality, while the final music sequence was unforgettable, making the audience feel the emotions that were intended. The sound and music were just one part of the film's excellence, which made it a timeless classic.

Themes and Messages Conveyed in Platoon (1986)

Platoon Movie

The Reality of War

Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone, depicts the Vietnam War through the eyes of a young American soldier named Chris Taylor. The film highlights the gritty reality of war, portraying the soldiers' struggles with exhaustion, hunger, illness, and enemy fire. The shocking violence and brutality of war is depicted in graphic detail, leaving little doubt as to the horrors of combat.

Morality and Conflict

The film also delves into the theme of morality in times of conflict. The soldiers in Platoon are portrayed as complex individuals who struggle with their own conscience as well as the authority of their superiors. In the chaos of war, moral lines are blurred, and characters are forced to make difficult choices with potentially devastating consequences.

The Impact of War on Soldiers

Platoon also explores the psychological impact of war on soldiers. The characters are shown grappling with fear, guilt, and PTSD as they try to cope with the trauma of their experiences. The film depicts the soldiers as both victims and perpetrators of violence, highlighting the devastating toll that war can take on the human psyche.

In conclusion, Platoon is a powerful film that provides a harrowing portrayal of the Vietnam War. The themes of the reality of war, morality and conflict, and the impact of war on soldiers make for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged viewing experience. It's a film that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll, reminding us of the true cost of armed conflict.

Critical Reception and Reviews of Platoon (1986) Movie

Platoon movie poster

Platoon is a raw and intense war film directed by Oliver Stone, which was released in 1986. The movie received critical acclaim, winning four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound, and Best Film Editing.

The film's depiction of the Vietnam War was praised for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the conflict. The performances of the all-star cast, including Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Berenger, were also highly regarded. The movie's intense action sequences and emotional depth made it a standout film of its time.

Critics also praised Stone's direction, with many hailing it as his best work to date. The film's themes of morality, loyalty, and humanity in the midst of the horrors of war were also highlighted. Platoon was a commercial success, grossing over $138 million at the box office.

Some critics, however, were critical of the movie's portrayal of the Vietnamese, claiming that they were depicted as one-dimensional characters and that the film reinforced negative stereotypes. Despite these criticisms, Platoon remains a highly regarded and influential war film that has stood the test of time.

Overall, Platoon was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Oliver Stone's reputation as a leading director in Hollywood. The film's realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War and the powerful performances of its cast continue to resonate with audiences to this day.

Box Office Performance and Awards Won Review: Platoon (1986) Movie

Platoon (1986) Movie

Platoon is a 1986 Vietnam War movie that depicts the true horrors of war. It was directed by Oliver Stone and features an all-star cast, including Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Willem Dafoe. The film was a financial success, grossing $138 million worldwide against its $6.5 million budget.

Aside from its commercial success, Platoon also received wide critical acclaim. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Stone, Best Sound and Best Film Editing. It also won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Drama.

The film's success can be attributed to its realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War, as it highlights the brutality and inhumane nature of the conflict. Platoon becomes a vivid commentary on the war, from the brash and ambitious Chris Taylor's arrival in Vietnam, to his disillusionment and moral degradation as days of endless jungle combat stretch into years. The realism of Platoon's depiction of combat really sets it apart from other war movies, including Saving Private Ryan.

In summary, Platoon is a movie that remains significant due to its raw portrayal of violence, fear, confusion, and morality in a time of war. The film's commercial and critical success has had an impact not only on the film industry but also in history and culture. It highlights the horrors of war and the human condition in such circumstances, which earned it a place as one of the memorable entries in the genre of war films.

Conclusion Review Platoon (1986) Movie

Platoon movie review conclusion

Platoon is a 1986 movie that tells a story about a group of American soldiers and their experience during the Vietnam War. Directed by Oliver Stone, the movie provides a realistic and troubling depiction of war and its consequences. After watching Platoon, one cannot help but feel sympathetic towards the soldiers who were put in such a situation.

One of the strengths of Platoon is its portrayal of the characters. The audience can distinguish the different personalities, attitudes, and reactions of the soldiers. The acting performances were remarkable, with Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe delivering excellent performances. Additionally, the cinematography was outstanding, with the jungle scenes being particularly memorable.

Another crucial aspect of Platoon is the message that it conveys. It illustrates the horrors of war, the loss of innocence, and the moral dilemmas that soldiers face. The movie manages to deliver a message while still telling an engaging story that keeps the audience's attention. It does not glorify war, but it shows its brutality in detail.

In conclusion, Platoon is a must-watch movie. It is a brilliant film that captures the realities of war and its impact on soldiers. The story, characters, and message are all compelling and leave a lasting impression. This movie is a reminder of the sacrifices that soldiers make and the cost of war. It is a timeless classic that deserves its place in cinematic history.

Platoon (1986) Movie Review

Platoon is a Vietnam War movie that was released in 1986, directed by Oliver Stone. It depicts the life of ordinary soldiers in the midst of conflict, and the psychological toll that war takes on them. The movie stars Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Willem Dafoe, who give incredible performances that make the story even more compelling.

The plot follows Chris Taylor, a young man who joins the army and is sent to Vietnam. He quickly realizes that the war is not what he thought it would be, and he struggles to keep hold of his sanity in the midst of chaos. The movie shows the harsh realities of war, and the emotional impact it has on the soldiers who fight in it.

One of the best things about Platoon is the way it explores the moral complexities of war. It doesn't shy away from depicting the brutality of combat, but it also shows how soldiers can be sympathetic and compassionate towards one another. This complexity is reflected in the characters of both Barnes, played by Tom Berenger, and Elias, played by Willem Dafoe, who represent two different approaches to war. The movie also demonstrates how difficult it can be to make decisions in a conflict zone where the rules of engagement are often unclear.

The cinematography of Platoon is also remarkable. The movie uses a mix of handheld and steady shots, which helps create a sense of immersion in the action. The jungle setting of Vietnam is beautifully captured, and the sound design adds to the intensity of the battle scenes.

In conclusion, Platoon is an incredible movie that is well worth watching. It gives us a glimpse into the experiences of soldiers in Vietnam, and shows the impact of war on the human psyche. The movie is engaging, thoughtful, and emotionally complex. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves war movies or wants to learn more about the Vietnam War.

Until next time, happy watching!

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Review Platoon (1986) Movie