"Platoon" was directed and written by Oliver Stone, who based this movie on his experience in Vietnam, and it shows. We're not shown it as if it were an epic, we're shown just how the phrase "War is hell" can be effectively true. In the beginning, the director thrusts viewers into the harrowing atmosphere of the Vietnam War, accompanied by Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings", one of the best uses of this classical masterpiece.

Chris Taylor, played by 20-year-old Charlie Sheen, is willing to do his part in his patriotic duty and participate in the war, unlike some of the other soldiers he connects with throughout the movie. Taylor narrates his point of view in every situation he's in, and talks about how he's feeling and all. We find out that this narration is read as a letter to a loved one, more specifically, his grandmother. We also notice a sense of connection between him and other troops, including Sgt. Elias (Willem Dafoe), who is quite possibly the nicest and least aggressive sergeant I've seen.

Taylor goes through many obstacles of pain and exhaustion, including lack of sleep, ants, snakes, and injuries such as cuts and bruises and all. One thing notable about this is that he seems to refuse to give up on crossing these obstacles, because, the way I see it, he's a man who is determined to pick himself off the ground and charge.

However, there is tension between them and Barnes (Tom Berenger), a cold-blooded fellow with an ugly scar who barks orders aggressively at other people, which they obey, although sometimes irritated by his loud-mouthed attitude. Barnes is not only cold-blooded, he's also quite the tough guy, the survivor of many shots to the point where his men think of him to be immortal.

The scene which takes place in the Vietnamese village demonstrates how sensitized the troops are to their enemies. Having the suspicion that these seemingly innocent villagers might be working for the NVA, their fear turns to anger, to the point where they're willing to kill or harm anyone to get answers. The director's use of quick cuts intensifies it all.


"Platoon" not only delves deep into the psychological toll faced by soldiers but also serves as a chilling reminder of the dehumanizing effects of war, and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices countless soldiers were willing to make, and the enduring impact on the human spirit.

Four out of four stars - great movie.