|
WE WERE SOLDIERS Send This Review to a Friend
One aspect of the Vietnam War was the bravery with which American soldiers fought and died in the line of their perceived duty. But to deal with this outside the context of the folly of that war only does partial service to the memory of those sent into the slaughter. With "We Were Soldiers" it takes a film full of blood and guts before we get to even a hint of any deeper meaning. What does come through by the time we see the Vietnam memorial wall in Washington, with a notation of where the names are of those who died in the battle that has just been dramatized, is the concept of sacrifice and loyalty among men who did what their country asked.
By now there should be acknowledgment that what their country asked was wrong, which in no way diminishes the bravery and commitment of those who perished or were wounded. But basically "We Were Soldiers" romanticizes the war even while showing the sacrifices on both sides. This may sit well in the current climate, but it falls short as history.
Within these limitations "We Were Soldiers," which Randall Wallace wrote and directed based on the book "We Were Soldiers Once…and Young" by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore, retired, and Joseph L. Galloway, is a gritty, blood-soaked dramatization of actual battles. The focus is on the so-called "new cavalry," the helicopter contingents that played such an important role in Vietnam. Mel Gibson, stalwart and convincing, is the tough-as-nails (but with a heart) Moore. We see the preparatory training in which he whips his men into shape and we meet the wives. The personal emotional bases are touched heavy-handedly. Then it's off to the real business at hand--death and destruction.
The mission is as foolhardy as was the entire war, and in no time the American troops are in a mess. There are historical references along the way to the legendary ambush of General Custer by native Americans. Moore makes comparisons with Custer's plight. But he is reassured by an even tougher officer: "General Custer was a pussy, you ain't." There is quite a bit of this sort of talk, and one soldier expires with "I'm glad I could die for my country." Inevitably there come the telegrams home and we see the grieving wives. Technical expertise makes the combat so brutal and realistic that it becomes tough to watch.
I have seen the Vietnam wall in Washington and I can't imagine anyone going there without being moved at the thought of all these men who were sacrificed, and that's even if one didn't know those whose names are engraved. "We Were Soldiers" strives to do honor to those who died, and it even shows the horror for those who fought for North Vietnam. But films dealing with the Vietnam debacle would honor the dead more by not flinching from historical perspective of the tragedy for our country and for Vietnam as well. Otherwise there isn't much point to yet another battleground film. The cast also includes Madeleine Stowe, Greg Kinnear and Sam Elliott. A Paramount Pictures release.
|