Platoon (1986)

Platoon

• I am feeling so conflicted right now with the amount of emotion I’m feeling. I don’t know if conflicted is even the right word. There are so many feelings sweeping over me. The movie was absolutely fantastic, and gorgeously made. But, it was also disturbing, depressing, gut wrenching, and heartbreaking. It’s one of those movies that hits you so hard in the gut, but you appreciate the effort and beauty put into it. I know it doesn’t make sense saying that a war movie is beautiful, but it is. Oliver Stone directed the absolute crap out of it. It was based on his actual Vietnam experience, so you could tell it was a personal project. I like how it literally just depicts a platoon during the war. No more, no less. You’re left feeling like you’ve been with the men through everything they’ve been through. You’re left feeling remorse and guilt for all the characters who died, though there’s nothing you could’ve done. It’s tragic but fantastic. Especially a particular character’s death (I won’t say who for spoilers). His death scene was one of the most well done death scenes I've ever witnessed. The amount of emotion I felt during it was something I haven’t felt in a LONG time. All the performances were absolutely great, especially Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger. Their Oscar nominations were well deserved. The soundtrack was fantastic, with a phenomenal score from Georges Delerue. It’s still playing in my head. Lastly, the action was really well shot, with great film editing, and gloomy but crisp cinematography. Overall, this movie absolutely deserved Best Picture and Best Director, along with its other wins. I know it’s one that will live in my memory for a long, long time. I’d recommend it to all war/action fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!