Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Michael Dudikoff | ... | Lt. Jeff Knight | |
Robert F. Lyons | ... | Sgt. Michael McNamara | |
Michael DeLorenzo | ... | Raymond Bacera | |
Jesse Dabson | ... | Joshua Parker | |
Rick Fitts | ... | Sgt. Robert Hayes | |
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Tony Pierce | ... | Jan Shultz |
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Daniel Demorest | ... | Duffy |
Brian Libby | ... | Sgt. Roach | |
Michael Rider | ... | Pvt. Don Pike | |
William Smith | ... | Major Flynn | |
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Al Karaki | ... | Kemp |
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Evan J. Klisser | ... | Larsen |
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Evan Barker | ... | Klinski |
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A.J. Smith | ... | Lt. Riley |
Dean Raphael Ferrandini | ... | Medic |
West Point graduate lieutenant Jeff Knight meets cynicism when taking command of sergeant Michael McNamara's tour veterans platoon in a Vietnamese trench camp. Unlike his predecessor, who hid till the end of his tour, Jeff takes charge, experiences the manual doesn't allow coping with all realities and gets wounded. He returns, now fully respect by men and superiors. Besides the Vietcong, the platoon wrestles with the inscrutable villagers, which the GIs officially protect, but also fear as some collaborate with them, other covertly with the Cong, either way subject to bloody reprisals. Written by KGF Vissers
First of all I'd like to state my opinion that this movie does not deserve the 4.4 rating that has been thrust upon it. I read the book "Platoon Leader" by James McDoughal (I'm not sure if that's how you spell his last name), and it's one of the best "Vietnam experience" books I have ever read. Upon that note, I saw this movie at the video store and picked it up, not really knowing what to expect. Well, let me tell you that this is one of the better war out there. Especially when compared to a movie like Apocalypse Now (which is in my opinion one of the worst depictions of the situation in Vietnam ever produced). It realistically depicts the trials of a new infantry platoon leader in Vietnam as he arrives fresh out of West Point and must quickly learn the ropes of being a PL and at the same time earn the respect of his men.
Bottom line: this is a damn good movie. If you have any interest in Vietnam or war movies in general, I highly recommend it.