In PLATOON, Oliver Stone draws on his experience as an infantryman in Vietnam to convey the brutality of guerrilla warfare: the heat of the jungle, the brushes with such wildlife as snakes and leeches, and, most powerfully, the presence of the unseen enemy. Charlie Sheen stars as Chris, a raw recruit, or "new meat," who serves as the film's narrator. At first he wilts under the rigorous conditions of jungle life, freezes up in a fire fight, and wonders whether he'll be able to survive. But he gradually adapts and, as time goes by, begins to see that the platoon is divided into two groups. One consists of lifers, juicers, and subintelligent whites, the other of blacks and heads. Sgt. Barnes, a combat-loving burnout (Tom Berenger), is the informal leader of the lifers, and Sgt. Elias, a free spirit (Willem Dafoe), leads the latter group. When the platoon takes some gruesome losses, an enraged Barnes kills some Vietnamese and orders the burning of their village, outraging the temporarily absent Elias. As the conflict between these two reaches its tragic climax, Chris must decide what he really values. Widely regarded as one of the finest war films ever made, PLATOON reflects not only the United States' division over Vietnam but the timeless truths of battle: terror, disorientation, exhilaration, and horrible loss.
Theatrical Release: December 21, 1986
PLATOON is number 83 on the American Film Institute's list of America's 100 Greatest Movies.
Estimated budget: $6 million.
The film has grossed more than $150 million worldwide.
Oliver Stone's first choices for the roles of Barnes and Elias were James Woods and Kevin Costner, respectively.
Stone received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart during his service in Vietnam.
Set in 1967; Produced and released in 1986.
"Nothing that Oliver Stone has done before...is preparation for the singular achievement of his latest film, PLATOON....A major piece of work, as full of pasion as it is of redeeming, scary irony..."
-- Vincent Canby, New York Times
Rating: B+
-- Ty Burr, Entertainment Weekly
"...Intense....Very effective scenes....An impressive-looking production in all respects..."
-- Cart., Variety
"...This is movie-making with a zealot's fervor....[Stone] may have achieved a remarkable bridge with PLATOON. He has personalized a war for us..."
-- Sheila Benson, Los Angeles Times
"...With incredible set pieces and gripping firefights the belie the tiny budget, PLATOON's impact has barely diminished over the years..."
-- Cam Winstanley, Total Film
4 stars out of 5 -- "[A] phenomenon....Importantly, Stone captured something of what it felt like to fight in the war."
-- Chris Roberts, Uncut
Real war I know of no other war movie that truly depicts the horror of Vietnam better than "Platoon." Submitted by mbettislee (Lafayette, LA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
"WOW" WHAT A MOVIE!!!!!! One of the best movies you'll ever see!
From Oliver Stone:
Starring: Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe
& Charlie Sheen
Featuring: Keith David, Johnny Depp, Kevin Dillon, Richard Edson, John C. McGinley, Francesco Quinn & Forest Whitaker. You won't believe some of the
scenes. This movies got everything, Blood, Violence and a fantastic story lind and some of the best acting since the "Godfather"!
HAPPY VIEWING!!! MARK Submitted by ultraman_m78 (Bethlehem, Pa, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Best Vietnam movie ever! I've seen this movie probably 50 times. I love the characters, the gritty reality, the tired, terrified, and brave soldiers. I grew up in this era, and remember the anti-war protests, and nightly news coverage. This movie shows the same era through the eyes of one man who was there; fighting, killing, saving others, and trying to get through each day alive. I'm sure that some of the characters actions were for cinematic effect, but it is still so heroic. This movie is STILL one of my 3 favorites of all time. I wore out my original video version, bought another one, bought the DVD when it came out, and now I'm looking for the special edition version. If you like war movies, this is a sure bet. Submitted by nrobinson5 (Port Hope, Ontario, Canada) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Platoon was an awesome movie! Platoon was one of the best movies. It was about the war in Vietnam and I thought it was real good. It had alot of action, neat story, fantastic battle sequences and incredible actors. I have to say that this movie gives you a feel of what's like being a soldier in Vietnam and fighting for your freedom. This is one of the movies you should add to your DVD Collection. But if you have kids, don't let them watch it. They may not like it because it's about the war in Vietnam. But if you want to think about buying it. Just save your money up and get it. I hope you think about adding this movie to your collection. Submitted by joeldbatista (Tampa, Florida) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Spectacular Film! When it comes to "War" films, this one is at the top of my list! The star-studded cast, is what made this film a legendary war film! Very graphic! Submitted by Mary Jane (Lebanon, KY--) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Region 1 Keep Case Full Frame - 1.33 Letterbox - 1.85 Widescreen - 1.85 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Additional Release Material: Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer Additional Products: Booklet
Share this Product