Vietnam War Poll
Added 2023-08-22 15:07:13 +0000 UTCFeeling bold, feeling spicy! Let's do this!
**Ps I will be watching Bridge over River Kwai as well very soon!
Comments
That and Full Metal Jacket can't remember if she already reacted to that one though?
Ryan Towell
2023-09-12 05:23:27 +0000 UTCI know this poll is over but Rescue Dawn is such a good story, based on a real story. Christian Bale of course is great but I feel Steven Zahn ( lenny from that thing you do) and Jeremy Davies ( in my opinion of the best character actors of our generation he was in Saving Private Ryan as Corporal Upham the typewriter guy that got sucked into joining the team). Those two's performances in this movie are just outstanding.
Ryan Towell
2023-09-12 05:20:05 +0000 UTCApocalypse Now (No. 1 for me) has a young Harrison Ford.
Clay F
2023-09-11 09:40:46 +0000 UTCI identified with your reaction to Platoon.
Clay F
2023-09-11 09:40:23 +0000 UTCThese are all movies you can’t un-see LOL. There is one scene in Platoon that will be hard for Cassie to watch though, I’m 100% sure. Vietnam set war movies just hit different.
John P Tucker
2023-08-31 11:25:59 +0000 UTCApocalypse Now is (loosely) based on a true story ... which Cassie loves!
Keith Stevenson
2023-08-31 00:25:45 +0000 UTCHonestly none of these appeal to me
Odd Thomas
2023-08-26 19:19:02 +0000 UTCAgree
Grinznmore
2023-08-26 01:43:24 +0000 UTCI cannot believe That Uncommon Valor with Gene Hackman didn't make the list even though it is a return to Vietnam it would break your heart.
Jason Mangen
2023-08-25 23:51:21 +0000 UTCOh My....first time I picked a front runner in a poll. I'm not surprised though. I am a huge fan of Deer Hunter and Apocalypse Now but I'm not sure if those are movies I'd suggest to Cassie. I haven't seen Born on the 4th or Rescue Dawn. Maybe I should check those out.
RabidMango
2023-08-25 00:57:12 +0000 UTCI chose Platoon because I saw it. It is not easy to watch but that is because it was not an easy war. The other big name Viet Nam war movies I miss have heard about are Apocalypse Now and Deer Hunter. I’ve never seen those.
Mary Alice
2023-08-24 21:08:52 +0000 UTCI agree. I would love for Cassie to see The Deer Hunter, but maybe not right now. She is expecting a Historical film about the Vietnam War, which this it isn’t. Honestly, it could be set during any war. The Deer Hunter is a Human Story about a group of guys from a small town. Once She has seen some other films and understands the Vietnam War, then The Deer Hunter will make more sense.
Larry Darrell
2023-08-24 19:23:49 +0000 UTCThe Deer Hunter may be a compelling film, but it notoriously has very little to do with the actual events of the Vietnam War. I won’t spoil the plot, but it’s worth knowing that the original script had nothing to do with the war or even serving in the military — that aspect was added in later drafts. (Originally, they were a group of guys in Las Vegas!) Likewise, there is zero evidence that POWs experienced the very specific and unique form of trauma that gives so much impact to this story. Again, not necessarily a bad movie, just not a very historically accurate one.
Silver Machine
2023-08-24 16:03:11 +0000 UTCPlatoon is gonna be rough ride
Menno
2023-08-24 09:07:02 +0000 UTCApocalypse Now is an absolute masterpiece and an important piece of cinema history and Platoon is one of the best war movies there is. A good time to watch both. As a follow up, watch First Blood Starring Sylvester Stallone. It's the first of the Rambo movies, which given your love for Rocky, you should dive into.
Godzilla Jones
2023-08-23 22:07:14 +0000 UTCCausality of War is agreaat film with wonderful acting and a hard message, but I never want to watch it again.
Naturekitty5309
2023-08-23 21:31:10 +0000 UTCI’m so excited for Kwai - the first of David Lean’s “epic” films. I’m very much looking forward to your reaction.
Rose
2023-08-23 19:44:41 +0000 UTCThrew my vote in for Apocalypse because it is undoubtedly the highest quality film from all aspects. I would have picked Born on the 4th for two reasons: to keep the TC track going and because I've never seen it. All of these are great movies, but heavy - I anticipate a lot of time with Cassie hiding behind her blanket, regardless of which one wins.
Mike H
2023-08-23 17:53:21 +0000 UTCYoutuber CinemaTyler has a great series on the making of APOCALYPSE NOW.
Steve Colletti
2023-08-23 17:46:46 +0000 UTCThis does make cents.
Larry Darrell
2023-08-23 16:56:02 +0000 UTCAlso, it's available on YouTube on the PromosOnline channel. (1:36:01) So, it's easy to find.
Ron
2023-08-23 16:40:13 +0000 UTCSounds interesting; I will put it on my list.
Uncle Phoenix
2023-08-23 16:11:36 +0000 UTCThomas E. Ricks has a great book about the decline of American military leadership from WWII to today. It’s called “Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today.” There’s also a free one hour lecture on YouTube where he talks about this called “Why our generals were more successful in World War II than in Korea, Vietnam or Iraq/Afghanistan.”
Wes Stewart
2023-08-23 13:48:45 +0000 UTCThe tooth brushing scene is one of my all time favourites.
Wes Stewart
2023-08-23 13:39:34 +0000 UTCI am not. Good movie, but a tough slog at 3 hours. I think it is the longest of all the movies, depending on which version of A.N you watch.
Brian McGovern
2023-08-23 12:45:46 +0000 UTCHi Cassie. If you watch Apocalypse Now, I would also recommend watching the documentary of the making of it. It is called Heart of Darkness. Shot by Coppolas wife, it shows how hard it was to make this film. I wouldn't watch as a reaction, but it is an eye opening experience into the making of the movie. One of, if not the best making of documentaries ever made.
Brian McGovern
2023-08-23 12:35:17 +0000 UTCGoing to be a tough watch. Very intense movie, but one scene in particular in the village.
Brian McGovern
2023-08-23 07:45:01 +0000 UTCIt smells like victory.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-23 04:56:09 +0000 UTCThis is going to be a tough one for Cassie. Platoon is the most realistic Vietnam War movie ever and a must watch but it will be so different from the other war movies she has watched. Rightfully so, Vietnam was such a different war.
KauaiKeith
2023-08-23 02:14:40 +0000 UTCI went with Apocolypse Now, because, well because I love the smell of napalm in the morning.
David Collins
2023-08-23 01:59:03 +0000 UTCI want to vote for Apocalypse Now because I feel it is the best overall movie, being the most artistic and visual cinema expression. I want to vote for the Deer Hunter, because of one of the most utterly gripping scenes in movie history. But I have to cast mine for Platoon for best encapsulating the grunt soldier's experience in Vietnam.
Brian O'Grady
2023-08-23 01:57:53 +0000 UTCPlatoon finally. Come on guys…this is a must 🥹
John Cranberry
2023-08-23 00:44:58 +0000 UTCDeer Hunter is the best film listed here.. and probably the most heavy duty.
Theodore Donald 'Donny' Kerabatsos
2023-08-23 00:15:30 +0000 UTCI agree 100 percent
Stuart Guthrie
2023-08-22 23:08:25 +0000 UTCWow, I can't recall a poll with so many must see movies. Platoon, just edging Deer Hunter, Apocalypse, and Born on 4th. Any one would be a great reaction though.
Paul Browne
2023-08-22 22:30:09 +0000 UTCI wish hamburger Hill was on the poll and there's not many war movies on the Gulf war but one movie that is is one of my favorite war movies and that is three kings that has George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg and ice cube
Manuel Villacana
2023-08-22 22:30:03 +0000 UTCBorn on the 4th of July hit you hard but still very well made
MatthewBrown74m
2023-08-22 22:14:36 +0000 UTCIt's true that brought out the worst in man and that was the longest ever that why I cry everytime I see first blood at end and i say "we send our boys to hell "💔 that why when Soldiers were asked about about the war they say"We don't talk about that"
MatthewBrown74m
2023-08-22 22:13:37 +0000 UTCWar is hell. I'm sure Cassie knows these movies don't contain unicorns and rainbows. Whichever movie has the most votes, wins the poll.
Jeffrey Schmidbauer
2023-08-22 22:11:23 +0000 UTCApocalypse now is a masterpiece made by the man who made the Godfather:) platoon is very good too made by my favorite/infamous director Oliver Stone. But one thing I will say about these movies they will hit you hard and they have two different sheens father and son lol
MatthewBrown74m
2023-08-22 22:06:17 +0000 UTC[REPLY to JDJ830] Well written and well said. This isn’t just a “What’s best” poll. This is a poll to have someone we like, and dare say care about, watch a movie. If she becomes a military movie fanatic like me, we can revisit some of these later. Learn about the men and women veterans, what makes them great, what makes them break. Leave the politics and reasons for the war out of it. Just concentrate on the people affected by the war, our side and theirs.
R F.
2023-08-22 22:00:31 +0000 UTCGreat choices. All problematic for different reasons. Let’s keep the Tom Cruise love going and pick Born on the 4th of July!
R F.
2023-08-22 21:50:03 +0000 UTCOh God no Apocalypse Now Redux is just horrible. The theatrical version or nothing. "It explains much more" is not a convincing reason to add shit to a movie. The original version explained everything perfectly.
Carol_White
2023-08-22 21:46:02 +0000 UTCAre you going to watch the "Extended Director's Version" on Apocalypse Now then I would vote for it. (it explains much more with many, MANY more scenes and storyline.
ClassicCaryGrant
2023-08-22 21:34:42 +0000 UTC@Andrew: Just barely, but yes.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 21:30:32 +0000 UTCYes, these Vietnam affairs tend to escalate... :-)
Happy Hanukkah
2023-08-22 21:21:34 +0000 UTCThree more I'd love to see you include in the next poll on this subject: 1. BAT 21 is about a downed pilot in enemy territory and the race between the Americans trying to rescue him and the enemy trying to capture him. 2. Hamburger Hill is about a fierce battle for control of a hill that had been designated as key terrain. 3. The Boys in Company C follows five young men from their arrival at boot camp to their service in Vietnam, with the varied impacts of that experience on them. The first two are among the most realistic Vietnam War films around, and the third is as realistic as most and features R. Lee Ermey's first performance as a Marine drill instructor (it came out nine years before Full Metal Jacket.)
Jim Finley
2023-08-22 21:17:20 +0000 UTCChris, "interesting extra scenes" perhaps points to the underlying "problem." For those of us who have already seen the movie once or more, having some good extra scenes certainly adds interest, but the insertion of those scenes does not necessarily make the movie itself, as a whole, better.
Happy Hanukkah
2023-08-22 21:15:25 +0000 UTCSpeaking of fever dream hallucinatory descent into madness war films, I recently watched the 1980s Soviet film “Come and See”. Tough watch, but brilliant.
Wes Stewart
2023-08-22 21:13:57 +0000 UTCI agree, there should be a bit of an order to this. I put in my two cents in my posted comment, nice to see I wasn’t the only one thinking this. It just helps add context to the inevitable why’s and how’s.
Andrew Hogan
2023-08-22 21:13:03 +0000 UTCCasualties of War is intense viewing and very powerful
S Elphick
2023-08-22 21:11:25 +0000 UTCYou’d put Apocalypse Now ahead of Saving Private Ryan. Interesting.
Andrew Hogan
2023-08-22 21:10:30 +0000 UTCJust out of curiosity, from a veterans standpoint, what about it don’t you like?
Andrew Hogan
2023-08-22 21:03:15 +0000 UTCJust my two cents, depending on what wins,if it’s close, I’d watch Platoon, then Born On The Fourth, Apocalypse Now, and finally Deer Hunter. To me it just helps to have a broader knowledge of what went on by the time you do Apocalypse Now and Deer Hunter.
Andrew Hogan
2023-08-22 21:00:23 +0000 UTCI am already whistling (of course) the Bridge on the River Kwai theme.
Happy Hanukkah
2023-08-22 20:53:34 +0000 UTCThe fact that it's (loosely) based on Heart of Darkness (set in the late 19th-century Congo) should be a clue that Apocalypse Now should not be viewed as a precise account of the Vietnam War itself. (Similarly, I only recommend Life Is Beautiful (1997) with the understanding and demand that it not be considered a Holocaust film.)
Happy Hanukkah
2023-08-22 20:51:45 +0000 UTCTechnically LW4, so Riggs is in a much better place, but yup you nailed it HH!
Jason Fulbright
2023-08-22 20:46:04 +0000 UTCLethal Weapon as a palate cleanser?! A movie whose main character is a suicidal Vietnam vet? :-)
Happy Hanukkah
2023-08-22 20:43:16 +0000 UTCThat's not what Neill was saying, Shanwyn. Anyhow, I am reminded of Natalie Gold's finest hour (well, 20 seconds): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbIYP53ZgB0&t=176s
Happy Hanukkah
2023-08-22 20:35:46 +0000 UTCFor what it's worth, most of these are anti war films. They are showing the dark/unfortunate side of that war.
Steve
2023-08-22 20:34:27 +0000 UTCHoly underwear - This was hard to decide - I have not seen "Rescue Dawn", but all the rest are worthy of a watch - heck - there's even a couple of masterpieces in there. Heartbreakers and lifetakers...
Jens Kristensen
2023-08-22 20:33:30 +0000 UTCApocalypse Now! would definitely give Cassie nightmares, but it's a movie that everyone should see just for the amazing filmmaking involved.
Tal Moore
2023-08-22 20:29:04 +0000 UTCCassie, If you hated Full Metal Jacket, You are going to hate Platoon with a passion, and its one of those movies you cant "Un-See" I would seriously reconsider watching that movie.
Aj R
2023-08-22 20:20:20 +0000 UTCIf you ever do watch Apocalypse Now, please please follow it up with the award-winning documentary Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmakers Apocalypse directed and narrated by Eleanor Coppola, Francis Ford Coppola’s wife. It shows how they made the movie, all the hardships everyone went through and is great at explaining the vision of the creators involved. It’s the best doc ever done about the making of a movie. If you weren’t aware, Apocalypse Now was directed by Coppola, the director of The Godfather films, and it stars your favorite president Martin Sheen, your favorite Purolator-hat-wearer Robert Duvall, Marlon Brando, and a very young Lawrence Fishburne, among others.
Jesus F Christ
2023-08-22 19:58:20 +0000 UTCAs far as I know there is only the 1987 movie. Please let me know if there is another. In the 1987 film there is a scene with female nurses joining the unit at the end.
Javier Hernandez
2023-08-22 19:57:26 +0000 UTCFinally Cassie finally,, and my vote has to go to platoon,, but I would never have recommended casualties of war yes it does have Michael j fox but it has a really bad rape scene in it and I don't suggest it for any women at all
Manuel Villacana
2023-08-22 19:53:48 +0000 UTCMultiple solid movies here, but Apocalypse Now is the best war film of the time. It is a must!
Jordan Malloy
2023-08-22 19:35:52 +0000 UTCCassie, there are a lot of people alive today, who avoid these Viet Nam war films. Unlike WW ll, where there was a goal and a purpose, this police action caused the deaths of thousands of young people simply because of politics. Definitely not our finest hour. Just sayin'........🤔🙏
james flack
2023-08-22 19:25:16 +0000 UTCI agree - Patton is excellent and Cassie would really like it.
Johnny
2023-08-22 19:21:07 +0000 UTCSome movies just aren't for everyone, especially when dealing with that subject matter. The other movies also show plenty the atrocities, it's not necessary that she watch that one.
JB
2023-08-22 19:04:04 +0000 UTCHa, looks like Apocolypse Now is being over taken again lol! These are some good choices Cassie, I've seen bits and pieces of Casualties of War, there is a scene that will make you break down in tears, just a warning, no spoilers! I vote for Platoon, mostly because I've never seen it OMG😱lol🤣 But I know of it and I know of a famous scene in the movie that is cemented in the minds of many movie viewers involving Wilem Dafoe, no spoilers! So, looking forward to what wins! Have a great Tuesday Cassie, love and support always! Left you a nice comment on your Livestream video, hope you like it!🥰😁😉😇🙏👍🌹
Wesley White
2023-08-22 18:54:09 +0000 UTC“Hamburger Hill” should be on your radar for a Viet Nam films. IMO.
Daniel Hofer
2023-08-22 18:44:48 +0000 UTCIt's a pity that "Patton" never makes it onto anyone's war polls. Aside from being a true story (with only a few Hollywood embellishments), George C. Scott's performance is magnificent. Also, winner of four Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Screenplay Based on Factual Material.
Elliot Nesterman
2023-08-22 18:23:00 +0000 UTCYou could watch "Apocalypse Now" which is for all intents a preachy self-absorbed maudlin mud pit of wretched characters. Or you could turn on "Tropic Thunder" which has similar elements but a lot more fun.
Ronald Carpenter
2023-08-22 18:22:25 +0000 UTCThe original Hamburger Hill maybe. It was about the only movie ever made without a single female in the story. That makes it pretty much a guy story.
Ronald Carpenter
2023-08-22 17:59:07 +0000 UTCPlatoon is more of a Cassie Film. Faster paced, with more diverse drama.
Stevan Carter
2023-08-22 17:56:54 +0000 UTCApocalypse Now is the better film, but it's kinda slow moving, and not exactly a "Cassie film." 🤣 Platoon is a busier film with more drama, but it has some DARK scenes (as does Apocalypse) that might haunt you for awhile.
Stevan Carter
2023-08-22 17:55:17 +0000 UTCI went with Apocalypse Now. It’s a work of art.
Roger Banks
2023-08-22 17:46:48 +0000 UTCI’m still interested in a “rewatch with Carly” for Firefly. For the war genre Generation Kill would make for an amazing reaction and not many have reacted to it. Watching that with Carly would be hilarious. Generation Kill is incredibly well done.
Evil Darth Carl
2023-08-22 17:46:10 +0000 UTC"Terminate with extreme prejudice."
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 17:40:16 +0000 UTCI noticed that too. I expected the early leader to be PLATOON. Not surprised to see PLATOON lead and win the poll, but seeing APOCALYPSE lose that early lead was a shocker!
Mike LL
2023-08-22 17:39:59 +0000 UTC^This.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 17:39:20 +0000 UTCI didn't realize it was an early frontrunner. You're breaking my heart here, people!
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 17:38:47 +0000 UTCAs I pointed out in a comment above THE GREEN BERETS is the only pro war, pro Vietnam war film, probably the only one ever made. Basically a piece of American pro war propaganda. But I do like John Wayne and do like all of his movies.
Mike LL
2023-08-22 17:37:51 +0000 UTCThis comment supports my thesis that most people voting have not seen RESCUE DAWN.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 17:37:47 +0000 UTCHEARTS OF DARKNESS is one of the best documentaries ever done about the making of a film. I actually saw it as an adolescent before I ever watched APOCALYPSE NOW.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 17:36:58 +0000 UTCIt's a good film, well worth seeing. It's just brutal. Then again, most of these are.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 17:35:16 +0000 UTCPlatoon for the win! Apocalypse Now is a great movie, but it’s a bit of a slog and wouldn’t make the best watch along. I also like Hamburger Hill.
Biggman83
2023-08-22 17:18:21 +0000 UTCPlatoon is a great movie, but Apocalypse Now is a work of art. So many classic lines and spectacular performances. "I love the smell of napalm in the morning."
granny_goodness
2023-08-22 17:16:50 +0000 UTCWill be interesting to see what wins. Some ideas Ive had for future military movie polls that Ive forgotten to add to the other post asking for suggestions could be as follows Different countries Examples Australian(Beneath Hill 60, danger close, ect.) British (Zulu, Operation mincemeat,ect) Ect on other countries Civilian partisan movies (Defiance, ect.) Type of war battle Air combat, Naval Ship/submarines, ground, ect Combatant type (Humans,Aliens, Zombies, ect) Hope it helps for future polls
John Cohen
2023-08-22 17:10:25 +0000 UTCJust not The Deer Hunter’s year. Too Bad.
Larry Darrell
2023-08-22 17:09:33 +0000 UTCShe might not enjoy it, but Cassie would certainly appreciate it. :)
Charlie Chap
2023-08-22 17:09:06 +0000 UTCA pretty amazing combination of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness with the Vietnam War. It has flaws - or there wouldn't be all the various versions made (just like BLADE RUNNER) - but iI couldn't agree with you more Stick
Steve Colletti
2023-08-22 17:06:08 +0000 UTCI really don't think you will enjoy Apocalypse Now at all.
Kristin D
2023-08-22 17:03:36 +0000 UTCI'm with you jdj830. (Slightly) older friends who were there said that parts of the film were more accurate than anything they've seen regarding the Vietnam War (one specifically mentioned how accurately they captured the dichotomy of what it was like there in the bridge scene and the AirCav scenes - at least matching his experiences).
Steve Colletti
2023-08-22 17:02:22 +0000 UTCThis is the only poll i can remember where the early leader (apocolypse now) has been overtaken!
Cassie
2023-08-22 17:02:02 +0000 UTCI don't see why all the gatekeeping for CASUALTIES OF WAR. It is a hard hitting film. But it does not break any of Cassie's three rules. Atrocities did occur in Vietnam.
Mike LL
2023-08-22 17:01:15 +0000 UTCThat one was a good one.
Ronald Carpenter
2023-08-22 16:59:25 +0000 UTCIt's an awesome movie, that's true. But it takes place in WW2, not vietnam
Shanwyn Nightfox
2023-08-22 16:57:58 +0000 UTCsoooo sad but soooo good!
Cassie
2023-08-22 16:57:43 +0000 UTCOh, absolutely. A great companion documentary. It's amazing Apocalypse Now was ever made. Coppola's tenacity to make it happen was key.
Dez
2023-08-22 16:53:33 +0000 UTCPlatoon… great film but now I gotta listen to THAT song 15 times throughout the film. Hoping for another executive decision and Apocalypse Now getting a watch too. Would also be appropriate to watch Martin and Charlie Sheen back-to-back in a Vietnam joint.
Shehab Dawoud
2023-08-22 16:52:12 +0000 UTCIf you watch APOCALYPSE NOW (any version), be sure to watch (at some point) Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse. It's a documentary about the production of APOCALYPSE NOW, by Eleanor Coppala, Francis Ford's wife.
Steve Colletti
2023-08-22 16:49:57 +0000 UTC@Henry: well put.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:43:45 +0000 UTCFinal Cut is better than Redux - which drags horribly - but I don't think any of the extended cuts work to the same extent. Apocalypse Now was a film made by people in the midst of madness, and the original movie reflects that, whereas any attempt to add clarity and context decades after the fact seems like a foolhardy venture. As Coppola said at the time, "We went into the jungle, there were too many of us, we had too much money, too much equipment, and little by little we went insane." The feverish, hallucinogenic intensity of the original cut gets lost somewhat in the revised versions.
Henry Graham
2023-08-22 16:42:19 +0000 UTCI love the movie Platoon, Ive been requesting this movie for a long time. however, just be warned, some of the scenes could give you nightmares,
zynjams
2023-08-22 16:41:47 +0000 UTCGreen Berets is a good Vietnam movie with John Wayne. It is about a skeptical reporter (David Jansen) who goes to see things for himself. Not for the faint of heart.
Michael John McDaniel
2023-08-22 16:41:29 +0000 UTCTheatrical for me, although the final cut is better than the REDUX.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:40:53 +0000 UTCApocalypse now does have a young Harrison Ford in a bit part, also a very young Robert Duvall and a teenage Lawrence Fishburn
zynjams
2023-08-22 16:39:26 +0000 UTCDeer Hunter was ridiculous. Recently watched apocalypse now redux. Honestly felt it was overrated especially Brando.never heard of rescue dawn. I did like casualties of war and born of the 4th of July. But platoon gets my vote
rakesh
2023-08-22 16:39:26 +0000 UTCIndeed.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:37:55 +0000 UTCI'd rank it theatrical > final cut > redux.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:37:21 +0000 UTCIf you're going to watch Apocalypse Now, make sure it's the Final Cut. In my humble opinion, it's the best version.
Dez
2023-08-22 16:35:42 +0000 UTCIt a tough sit certainly.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:35:20 +0000 UTCIt's a fever dream, a hallucinatory descent into madness, a journey into the heart of darkness. It's a surreal work of beauty and horror... not your typical, straightforward, accessible "war is bad" Hollywood movie. It's a great film. One of the greatest. A masterpiece. It's art.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:34:17 +0000 UTCThe debate on which movie is best will rage on, but we can probably all agree that we wouldn't mind if this escalated into a theme week!
Pickupthepieces76
2023-08-22 16:32:43 +0000 UTC@Stick Figure Studios: I was referring to Redux. I hadn’t even heard of Final Cut until this post.
Just Plain Bob
2023-08-22 16:32:20 +0000 UTCThis was the first movie that Dale Dye was the military adviser. He put the actors through a month long boot camp. He is best known for being the adviser for Band Of Brothers and Saving Private Ryan
Hankster
2023-08-22 16:32:08 +0000 UTCI agree with your takes on all of these films and though I already voted, I would also vote for your pick, because of the reasons given.
Chris Davis
2023-08-22 16:29:41 +0000 UTCBridge Over River Kwai!!!!!! One of my top five movies!
Neill Shaughness
2023-08-22 16:29:23 +0000 UTCTo be fair, she has already seen FULL METAL JACKET and WE WERE SOLDIERS so none of these will be her first Vietnam film. Still, your reasoning is sound.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:29:01 +0000 UTCOf this list, "Platoon". But, as others have said, "BAT 21" and "Flight of the Intruders" are great ones as well. Also, would recommend two other movies on same subject: Hanoi Hilton" and TV movie "When Hell was in Session."
Bill Maurer
2023-08-22 16:28:36 +0000 UTCSecond this sentiment
David
2023-08-22 16:28:14 +0000 UTCI feel "Apocolypse Now - Redux", which is the four hour director's cut, is the greatest film about the Vietnam Conflict. In the words of Francis Coppola's wife: "It's not a movie about Vietnam; It is Vietnam." The confusion, Cold Logic, the senselessness all come through on this film.
Chris Davis
2023-08-22 16:27:16 +0000 UTCDo not watch casualties of war Cassie. Very disturbing rape scene. I mean they all have moments but that one was especially bad.
Ruben Cifuentez
2023-08-22 16:25:22 +0000 UTCSo interesting that you say that. I have talked to a few vets including my brother in law and they all seem to think that Apocalypse Now is the most accurate of the Vietnam films in terms of what it actually felt like to be there. I’ve seen it three times at this point, the last time the Redux version which I did think was a slight improvement but ultimately it doesn’t speak to me.
jdj830
2023-08-22 16:23:58 +0000 UTC@Stick, I see what you did there 😏. It is a great companion documentary worthy of a reaction. Shooting this movie was insanity on its own. Although it seems I don't have to dust off my 4K after all, unless Cassie is willing to torment herself twice.
Gábor Árki
2023-08-22 16:22:09 +0000 UTCI have never had trouble watching anything but that film made me ill.
China Andronicus
2023-08-22 16:21:58 +0000 UTCPlatoon is my favorite on this list.
Yaisu
2023-08-22 16:19:31 +0000 UTCPass on all of these.
David Crabtree
2023-08-22 16:15:36 +0000 UTC@justplainbob: Which one are you considering the "directors cut?" The REDUX or the FINAL CUT? In my mind, THE FINAL CUT is better than the REDUX but all are still inferior to the original theatrical cut.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:15:24 +0000 UTCFlight of the Intruder and BAT 21 are really very good Vietnam War Movies
dirkpitt
2023-08-22 16:13:49 +0000 UTC@Gabor: It's a fever dream, a descent into madness, a journey into (wait for it) the heart of darkness. ;-)
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:13:23 +0000 UTC@Matt: That's because you are a man of taste. :-)
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:12:15 +0000 UTCYou do not want to watch "Casualties of War". It has some very disturbing scenes. Which is saying a lot considering the other options.
John Deardurff
2023-08-22 16:11:27 +0000 UTCI second the theatrical cut.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:10:59 +0000 UTCI am as well but I'm not really complaining. I have mixed opinions on the movie.
My_Cousin_Mose
2023-08-22 16:10:44 +0000 UTCHighly underrated Depalma movie.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:10:37 +0000 UTCGood film from one of my favorite directors, but not the "Vietnam flagship film" that sone of these others are.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:10:13 +0000 UTCThis is the most difficult poll of yours yet. There are a lot of factors to consider. The Deer Hunter is a compelling, novelistic narrative with great cinematography and performances, and its depiction of small town American culture is unlike anything else in cinema; but its depiction of the actual war is distorted into a silly, jingoistic heavy handed metaphor. Ultimately I can’t recommend it despite a lot of positive attributes. Apocalypse Now is also metaphorical, but along with its hallucinatory quality is an accurate portrayal of what the war actually felt like to be there. From a purely cinematic perspective it’s easily the best film on this list but I’m not sure it should be your first Vietnam film. Platoon is a stunning film but it’s almost too beautiful, offering a kind of romanticized version of the war that makes even the savagery have a kind of operatic quality. Since this is your summer of Cruise I’m going to go with Born on the Fourth of July, which I think will be a good way of getting your feet wet in the Vietnam filmography, since it lays out the issues and depicts the conflict among Americans over the war, which I think is important to understand before getting into the full fledged battle movies.
jdj830
2023-08-22 16:10:02 +0000 UTCAdd me to those that prefer the theatrical cut of Apocalypse Now. The director’s cut is also good but is a bit over-long, introducing unnecessary side plots and feels self-indulgent. The theatrical cut is one of the all-time great movies, of any genre.
Just Plain Bob
2023-08-22 16:09:18 +0000 UTCIt's a fever dream.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 16:08:51 +0000 UTCAgreed, it is like a road trip through insanity. This is a case where I also prefer the theatrical.
Gábor Árki
2023-08-22 16:07:03 +0000 UTCAgreed. Shady soldiers doing shady things and Marty McFly stuck in the middle.
Javier Hernandez
2023-08-22 16:03:40 +0000 UTCWhere flight of the intruder? Another good one with Willam Dafoe
Bubba Fett
2023-08-22 16:02:55 +0000 UTCAwe yeah!! This is the Cassie I know and love! ❤️ She already watched my fave: Full Metal Jacket, now it looks like Platoon is coming!🎤👇
Todzilla
2023-08-22 16:02:49 +0000 UTCThese will be a bit rough. Be prepared Cassie.
Jay
2023-08-22 15:59:14 +0000 UTCPlatoon directed by Oliver Stone, but Apocalypse Now was so so good. I think you should watch both because both are great flicks. Cassie, I think you would learn alot. Born On The Fourth Of July could fit into the anti Vietnam or 60's category as well. Like The Trial Of The Chicago Seven.
Zachary K. (Verified Swiftie)
2023-08-22 15:57:17 +0000 UTCBit surprised BAT 21 didn't make the list, great film and true story. Have gone for appocaplese (that's hard to spell on morfene) now cos who doesn't love the smell of antiseptic in the morning.
James Moy
2023-08-22 15:55:01 +0000 UTCI far, far, far prefer the theatrical cut as well.
Matt Rose
2023-08-22 15:52:58 +0000 UTCAPOCALYPSE NOW theatrical cut is the greatest war movie ever made imo and one of my top 10 favorite films, but it is more surreal, elliptical and, for lack of a better word, "artistic" than something more straightforward and accessible like PLATOON, so the latter will probably win. I'd also love to see Werner Herzog's RESCUE DAWN win, but I doubt anybody here has even heard about it let alone seen it.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-08-22 15:50:06 +0000 UTCApocalypse Now is a good movie but it's not the best representation of that war IMO. It's more like someone on acid was listening to someone tell stories about the war from a third party who knew someone who served over there.
JayF
2023-08-22 15:48:58 +0000 UTCDeer Hunter and Born on the Fourth of July are incredible.
James Amyx
2023-08-22 15:48:38 +0000 UTCWhenever I think of Vietnam I am reminded that it took a Vietnam to produce almost all of the great generals that led the US military in the 90’s and 2000’s. Colin Powell, Norman Schwarzkopf, Frederick M. Franks Jr. Chuck Horner, and many others lived through the dark days of Vietnam and in the decades that followed quietly rebuilt the US armed forces.
Uncle Phoenix
2023-08-22 15:46:09 +0000 UTCFinal Cut seems the best combination of interesting extra scenes but short enough to not drag.
Chris H
2023-08-22 15:45:36 +0000 UTCI'm genuinely shocked at the fact that The Deer Hunter isn't leading this poll.
Paul Deaconu
2023-08-22 15:45:09 +0000 UTCNever could understand the love for that movie. Long and dull. A good cure for insomnia.
Al Swearengen
2023-08-22 15:44:26 +0000 UTCAs an older Marine Corps veteran, for me, The Deer Hunter hits the hardest. ...and parts of it were filmed in my neck of the woods: north of Seattle, south of Vancouver 😂 . Having driven thru here, you might notice the majestic Mt. Baker in the movie. Also, it's worthy to note this movie won 5 Oscars including best picture and another filming location is the river Kwai.
carbsix
2023-08-22 15:42:55 +0000 UTCPlatoon is a very good morning
Dexter Lake
2023-08-22 15:41:37 +0000 UTCPlatoon vs Apocalypse Now. Oooooh! So good.
Jerrod Acree
2023-08-22 15:41:34 +0000 UTCAgreed. Six uncles and my dad were draftees and they all said Platoon was the most accurate.
Joe D. MacGuffinstuff
2023-08-22 15:40:50 +0000 UTCNo matter what you should watch Born on the Fourth of July so you can continue completing Tom Cruise's filmography.
Hunter DeRensis
2023-08-22 15:35:33 +0000 UTCThey did, reaction is up already.
Gábor Árki
2023-08-22 15:35:20 +0000 UTCAll of the movies you have selected are excellent films. Like the Vietnam War, they are a different film experience than other Hollywood war films. Be prepared for a emotional and thought-provoking time. I commend you on the film journey you have taken. When you selected to react to The Seven Samurai I realized you were embarking on a very unique personal trek through movies. To think you started out stating you just watched romance and rom-coms to know telling your viewers you needed to research the meanings behind the complex Vertigo after viewing is remarkable. Thank you for sharing your experience and personal challenges with us.
Bill Bowman
2023-08-22 15:34:11 +0000 UTCHave you done we were soldiers? That should be in the poll
Michael Keefer
2023-08-22 15:34:07 +0000 UTCThe Deer Hunter was just....*chef's kiss*. Platoon as well. No bad films on this list, for sure.
Ian Hunter (NewbieInOttawa)
2023-08-22 15:33:59 +0000 UTCI, myself, was in Vietnam in an official capacity back in the '90s to Search and Recover MIAs and KIAs from that war. It was a humbling experience and an honor.
Jeffrey Schmidbauer
2023-08-22 15:33:23 +0000 UTCApocalypse Now, the lengthiest version is my personal fave. You get more exposition and context.
Kuskesh Haramzadeh
2023-08-22 15:33:13 +0000 UTCMy concern as well.
Tuck Tucker
2023-08-22 15:32:59 +0000 UTCAgreed.
Tuck Tucker
2023-08-22 15:32:45 +0000 UTCWow, these are some heavy hitters...Tough call...
Scott Curry
2023-08-22 15:32:38 +0000 UTCWhich I would recommend seeing at least once.
Tuck Tucker
2023-08-22 15:32:36 +0000 UTCFinally platoon!
Andrew Ramos
2023-08-22 15:31:39 +0000 UTCI think any of these will be hard for Cassie to watch. 😿
Leanne Peterson
2023-08-22 15:30:59 +0000 UTCEvery movie about Vietnam is an anti-war movie. There was only one movie about Vietnam that was pro-war and specifically pro-Vietnam War, and that is John Wayne's THE GREEN BERET (1968).
Mike LL
2023-08-22 15:29:36 +0000 UTCApocalypse Now , but not the Redux version
Joseph Anthony
2023-08-22 15:29:03 +0000 UTCDisappointed that Hamburger Hill didn't make the poll. I've always felt that Apocalypse Now, while set in the Vietnam war, is not about the war its self. Basically the Army sends an assassin to kill a rogue officer and the movie is about the assassin's search through the jungles of war time Vietnam. Also, I don't think Born on The Fourth of July is a vey good movie. I would watch these films in this order: Platoon The Deer Hunter Hamburger Hill The Post Full Metal Jacket Tiger Land We Were Soldiers Flight of the Intruder Rescue Dawn Tunnel Rats Da 5 Bloods
Javier Hernandez
2023-08-22 15:28:18 +0000 UTCApocalypse now one of the best of all time
Neil Varma
2023-08-22 15:28:02 +0000 UTCPlatoon. It's considered an anti-war movie, but it's written and directed by someone who was actually in Vietnam Oliver Stone served 13 months as an infantrynan in Vietnam, the characters in this movie are based on real people. The story is fictional but informed by his actual experience. It's a dark movie, horrific, but in all honesty that war was a mess. The leadership really failed them all.
Joe D. MacGuffinstuff
2023-08-22 15:25:41 +0000 UTCWhichever one wins, you gotta watch Rambo First Blood after!
Joe Mallard
2023-08-22 15:25:30 +0000 UTCPlatoon
Anne-Marie Curtis
2023-08-22 15:25:07 +0000 UTCtough poll, especially since one of the movies stars good friend Tom Cruise
JL_83
2023-08-22 15:23:34 +0000 UTCPlatoon and Deer Hunter 💯💯
Danika Silva
2023-08-22 15:22:06 +0000 UTCThe Bridge on the River Kwai. Yaaay
Bill Hayden
2023-08-22 15:22:02 +0000 UTC'The Deer Hunter' is the heavyweight on the poll,not for the faint of heart,DeNiro,Meryl Streep,Christopher Walken,best picture 1978.💜
Celeste McAllister
2023-08-22 15:21:20 +0000 UTCPlease never watch Casualties of War. It’s nearly two hours of nothing but sexual and physical assault and abuse. I had a hard time handling it. I can’t imagine what it would put you through.
China Andronicus
2023-08-22 15:20:10 +0000 UTCYou will probably want to watch something for an emotional palate cleanser like LEATHAL WEAPON after these films. They are all great movies and stories that need to be told. Our understanding about the wounds of war and how we heal from them really did not start being addressed until these movies shed a light on the era and how our soldiers and the nation dealt with them.
Jason Fulbright
2023-08-22 15:19:17 +0000 UTCYes I am very happy with the watch of BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAII with its star, Obi Wan Kenobi! 😄
Mike LL
2023-08-22 15:17:12 +0000 UTCApocalypse or Platoon, I think that is what this poll is going to be reduced to. Edit: 38-38%? Unless it may end up being a draw it seems. 🤔
Gábor Árki
2023-08-22 15:16:14 +0000 UTCPlatoon or Apocalypse Now. I chose Platoon because it was based on Director Oliver Stone's experiences as a soldier in Vietnam. Cassie will probably have difficulty with some of the terminology used in the film.
Jeffrey Schmidbauer
2023-08-22 15:14:59 +0000 UTCDeer Hunter and Platoon are also fantastic and worthy of watching later. Can't wait for Bridge on the River Kwai - such a classic!
Raj K. Dixit
2023-08-22 15:14:38 +0000 UTCApocalypse Now is stunning. Watch the Theatrical Cut, not the Redux or Final Cuts. If you like the Theatrical Cut, you could then check out the others - otherwise, they are too long.
Raj K. Dixit
2023-08-22 15:13:39 +0000 UTCYep, you are right. It is my favorite here.
Mike LL
2023-08-22 15:13:36 +0000 UTCI would think PLATOON should easily win this poll. My favorite is CASUALTIES OF WAR.
Mike LL
2023-08-22 15:12:52 +0000 UTCOf course Casualties of War won’t win.
matthew berry
2023-08-22 15:12:46 +0000 UTCApocalypse Now for me, gotta see what Martin Sheen brought to the war genre before seeing what Charlie Sheen brought in his.
Wes Stewart
2023-08-22 15:12:31 +0000 UTCApocalypse now was among the suckiest in the list. Sorry, just my opinion as an old military guy.
Ronald Carpenter
2023-08-22 15:12:15 +0000 UTCIf you watch Apocalypse Now, please make sure you watch the original theatrical cut.
Henry Graham
2023-08-22 15:11:21 +0000 UTCI need to choose several. Can't just choose one. These are some of my alltime favorites. Darn you for making me choose. Gotta go Platoon.
nick bell
2023-08-22 15:09:09 +0000 UTC
