We Were Soldiers (2002) - Full Reaction

I know its been a while since you saw this movie, but here's a modern day addendum: Fort Benning, in Georgia, the place you see everyone in the movie as they train (home of the airborne infantry, and jump school, of which I am well acquainted with these institutions, I was there) is now known as Fort Moore, named after Hal and Julie Moore, in their honor.

deskmerc

The photos that were shown after all the bombs were dropped taken by the photographer were the real photos. The Photographer was a real person, he actually wrote the book We were Soldiers along with the real Hal that Mel played, which is why it's narrated in parts by the photographer actor Barry Pepper. The Photographer Gallaway passed away last year., He won awards not only for the photos but actually from a Bronze Star from the Dept of Defense as well for his actions during this campaign. As he said in the end, they didn't come home to a hero's welcome. It was such a shameful part of our American history. When they came back from the war, the American people not only treated them all as outcast, but families were ashamed of them, they were spit on, beaten up, shamed.. so horrible.

Ryan Towell

Custer was a general very arrogant, attacked a tribe of sioux at the battle of the Littlebighorn located in southern Montana. He and his troops were massacred.

Ryan Towell

This is a common problem with a lot of these channels. I've learned to just be in sync with the reactors instead of what they are watching and I usually don't have a problem after that. There ARE some channels that the playback speed comes out different so no matter what you will always be out of sync no matter how hard you try to fix it so those are channels I don't subscribe to but I've never that problem with Cassie and Carly's channel.

Why cant I get my movie to synq with yours? After 1 min mine is like 1-2 sec ahead, so I have to pause mine every 2min for like 4 sec.

Kim Brink

This may be your best reaction, imo. Hal Moore was an amazing leader of men. Here is an actual clip of him at LZ X-Ray, which is where this battle was fought. It's only 1:17 long, and worth a watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70zHanLhce0

Brent Petty

To answer your question this is based a true battle and the commander LT Colonel (later LT general 3 stars) Hal Moore was really and honestly an inspiration. This battle was in 1965 and it was the first major battle between NVA and US forces at that point in the conflict. To also add something before this war most families got a simple western union telegram about losing their loved ones in war the only time a chaplain or officer came out is when more the one family member was lost, well Julia and the housewives of this battle changed by complaining and campaign to give better treat of fallen soldiers this and public out cry would promote congress and DOD to start doing the Chaplin and officer telling the news. Finally there is a book called “we were soldiers once, and young” the reporter Joe and Hal and many others came together to write the story about the battle and to talk about he war it’s a good read I highly recommend it https://youtu.be/w00HolLYnGI

rattle wood

There was a poll of miltary officers who commanded troops in WW2, Korea and Vietnam. They voted this movie the most realistic depiction of war including the effects on the families.

thomas king

Like it or not, this is history, it should be seen by all in order to learn from it. This was one of the toughest battles ever portrayed on film. I appreciate you girls making it all the way through. Almost thought Carly was going to walk out at one point. Proud of you girls. Now, we should definitely find a funner movie for ya'll to watch next.

Larry Darrell

Thank you for your service!

Jwood488

I commented on The Patriot that this was part of what I call the Mel Triumvirate. Such a great set of films! If you want to see more of superb Mel Gibson acting….Lethal Weapon 1-3. 4 is alright…but 1-3, just amazing between Mel and Danny Glover.

Jwood488

One of the memorable things about this movie and what makes it such a popular request for reaction youtubers is the reaction people have to the Napalm Strikes. Napalm is the weapon you see in this movie that creates the giant firestorms. It created a type of sticky fire that had a horrific effect on people. It was used heavily by the United States in Vietnam. This scene gets to me because while it's horrific how devastating Napalm was to the allied soldiers it hit mistakenly, It opens the door to imagine just how many poor souls met their end screaming in pain that were targetted intentionally with it. Napalm was banned by the United Nations in 1980. but it's still out there, in stockpiles, awaiting a time that hopefully never comes where the rules of war are thrown out and it will be used again. Just another weapon in humanity's vast arsenal.

KTVindicare

This movie was the last influencing factor in deciding to enlist back in '03.

joejud1017

My draft number was low and a sure bet to be drafted. The drafted ended just before I was to be called. I had high school friends that went and didn't come back. There was support for the men but not the war. It seemed so weird when my son and his family vacationed in Vietnam.

Christopher Carr

Finally! Been waiting a long time for this reaction. My wife and I both like this movie. It was really well done. I

Ken Hylbert

Poltergeist is no scarier than Jaws, Carly watched that. She would have loved the parents in Poltergeist.

TommyJ.

Thank you for your service! What do you think of Platoon?

TommyJ.

And it lasted 10 years. Terrible!

TommyJ.

To met him would have been amazing! Thank you for your service.

TommyJ.

I know I'm not alone in saying that with you two in movies like these, your reactions make the movie hit fresh again. I've seen this film a dozen times and watching it with you two just made me relive what I felt the first time I saw this with my dad sitting next to me in the theater. I hadn't seen that many war movies at that point and both he and I didn't really know what we were in for when we sat down for this one. The theater was totally silent at the end of it. That's the part I remember most distinctly.

KTVindicare

Finally! Been waiting for this one. So glad to see you're reacting to it, a shame I missed when you first uploaded it. Had to get the full reaction for this one.

KTVindicare

As a soldier stationed in Germany, I had the great honor to meet Brigadier General (retired) Hal Moore during a book signing he was doing there. I also met and attended a conference given by Captain Nadal, whose company were the ones that went and found Sergeant Savage and the remainder of his platoon up on the Knoll. They were both incredible men, who shared extraordinary stories from that period in U.S. military history!

George Stapp

To fallen soldiers let us sing Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing Our broken brothers let us bring To the mansions of the Lord No more bleeding, no more fight No prayers pleading through the night Just Divine embrace, Eternal light In the mansions of the Lord Where no mothers cry And no children weep We shall stand and guard through the angels sleep While through the ages safely keep The mansions of the Lord

T J

First time watching. That was enjoyable.

Yaisu

For those of us who have not served (for whatever reason) the only way, we can truly appreciate the sacrifice of those who have is through their voices. Hal Moore and Joe Galloway's book "We Were Soldiers...and Young" and the movie based on that book may be the gold standard for that voice. I have been waiting for you to see this since I found your channel, is there not a better inspiration to why many of us want to shake a Soldiers (Seaman, Airman, and Marine) hand and say "Thank You for your service"? Thanks for what you do with this channel, and best to your family -Keith

Keith Jones

Looking forward to the YT version😁

Brian Berg

A great movie that shows a wonderful depiction of the "other side" is Letters From Iwo Jima. It's directed by Clint Eastwood and shows WW2 from the Japanese perspective.

Aaron Mann

Seriously, That needs to be on a Hoodie. “Popcorn In Bed: Best Job I Ever Had.” (Golden letters on a field of Black.)

Uncle Phoenix

Cassie did you really reference Fury at the beginning “ best job ever “ .! Loved Carly shirt. Carly was really invested in this one. Her poor eyes were swollen and red by the end. Yes the death toll at the end was just The Vietnam war. When you do your popcorn tours America you need to go to the Vietnam memorial in DC. And go see Arlington cemetery!!

Steven Ashford

There are 4 Lethal Weapons, Pesci comes in in the second.

Mike Lemon

Hey look, it's Riley from BtVS.

Carol_White

My mother made sure I saw this movie in theaters when it came out. Having read the book this is based and knew I had to see it. Her being an officer in the army and her sitting next to me in the theater, she pointed out all the little details I may have missed. If you didn't know, the reason one man took a knife to his friend's face was to undercut the burning phosphorus as it would have kept burning till it killed the man. Loved this reaction and I am so happy I could see this again with you two.

Souls Khan

Just do what I do, sync the video as close as possible and then just drop the audio down slightly on the reaction. That way I hear no echo.

Biggman83

Well that was an intense Saturday morning watch! Haven’t seen this movie for a while, so it was nice to revisit it. I feel like I get way more emotional watching these films with the both of you. Seen this film maybe 6-7 times over the years, and no tears. This time I was a blubbering mess! Has Cassie seen Hacksaw Ridge? This would be a great follow up movie if not!

Biggman83

Cassie, good morning! Hey would it be possible to lower your source video volume? We can't sync the audio so it creates an echo that all but makes the reaction unwatchable. We try lowering your volume but it gets too low to hear you then. Most reactions on Patreon mute their source. That would be great if possible. Appreciate you. Thanks in advance. 

London Davis

Platoon is a great war movie with an all-star cast

zynjams

Honestly given the reaction I think Carly might have had an easier time watching Poltergeist. I know she says she can't do scary at all but she can handle a lot more than when she first appeared on the channel. Poltergeist may be "scarier" but the horror of war as depicted in this movie is far harder to watch in my opinion. I think a couple times throughout (definitely once) she said she felt sick, and that's' not an uncommon reaction to such violence. Well she ended up watching this and I'm definitely happy that's the route they went.

My_Cousin_Mose

Barry Pepper. He's also in the TRUE GRIT remake.

Stick Figure Studios

"The Top Gun of helicopters?" The movie Fire Birds with Tommy Lee Jones, Nicholas Cage, and Sean Young is the Top Gun of helicopters. I loved that movie when I was a kid.

Brennan Flora

what a good story/movie. As A Marine, this tops my war movies, There are few other good movie The Longest Day (too many stars to list them all) Hell is for Heroes, The Great Escape....

JarHead0351

I prey that we never have another vietnam

MatthewBrown74m

Cassie, I hope you do watch the Lethal Weapon movies soon. It’s a completely different character for Mel Gibson, plus Joe Pesci (My Cousin Vinny) is part of the trilogy

Tara

The actor who played Joe the journalist was the sniper in Saving Private Ryan and the young prison guard from The Green Mile who was almost strangled by the prisoner when they thought he was doped up, but was faking.

Tara

I never would’ve recognized Sam Elliott if not for his iconic voice. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him without facial hair. I just love him. Yes! Cassie, please watch Tombstone soon 🙏🏼

Tara

I hadn’t seen this movie before, but I did catch that in the opening credits, so I knew he survived.

Tara

Watch 300

Justin Stoner

Jimmy Nakayama died two days after being burned by napolm. Two days shy of turning 22.

Michael Hawk

Powerful movie. Powerful reaction. Yes, it is a true story. I'm glad I got to experience it with you Ladies.

Rick Williams

I had the honor of meeting the helicopter pilot, Bruce Crandall, in 2014 while I was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. He retired as a Lieutanant Colonel, the same rank Hal Moore was in this battle, and in 2007 Mr. Crandall was awarded the Medal Of Honor by President Bush for his actions depicted in the film. During the battle, he flew 22 missions in an unarmed and unarmored Bell Huey helicopter into enemy fire to evacuate more than 70 wounded and bring ammunition and supplies to U.S. forces. During his speech, he said that the scene when he pointed a gun at the other officer actually happened, albeit slightly differently; but like we see in the film, he was trying to collect himself after what had happened during the day and that other officer got in his face. It's an incredibly powerful movie and one that I truly enjoy because it gives respect to the opposing side instead of just "Good Guys vs. Bad Guys." I'm glad you and Carly watched this together.

Panel By Panel with Tom Meaney

Custer was a household name in America long before the battle of the Little Big Horn. A Brigader General at 23 famous for leading the Michigan Cavalry at Gettysburg. Defeating J.E.B Stuart's larger Confederate Cavalry force. A controversial figure in many ways. Many would argue he was a war criminal. Definitely reckless which was the major reason for his defeat at the Little Big Horn.

Darren Hill

To clear up all the talk of Custer, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, was a United States Cavalry Officer. Who's biggest claim to fame was commanding the 7th Cavalry Regiment which Hal's unit was more or less a direct descendant of. As well as getting a large portion of his command as well as himself massacred by the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho at The Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. In a battle that was long romanticized as Custer's Last Stand. Hal brings him up probably because he fears becoming another Custer. A man who leads his men into a trap and gets them slaughtered. Also since you didn't seem to recognize him without his glorious moustache. Sergeant Major Plumley (Hal's right hand man) is played by Sam Elliott. Who you know as the cowboy who talks to The Dude in The Big Lebowski. I highly recommend seeing him in Tombstone.

Phillip Ribbink

I'm surprised you didn't recognize that the photographer in the movie is the sniper in saving Private Ryan. Also the guy directly under Mel Gibson in the movie is Sam Elliott. You'll like him in Patrick swayze's Roadhouse and in tombstone. Please God get to tombstone. Also don't wait until Christmas before you watch lethal weapon.

Michael Lynch

This exerpt from Vietnam in HD is a hauting recollection from Joe Galloway. https://youtu.be/dIdON_RgBm4

Stephen Lewis

Great content. (heart emoji)

Uncle Phoenix

While Lethal Weapon is good, and I think she would like it, I think she might like Man Without A Face (1993) or Conspiracy Theory (1997), maybe even Chicken Run (2000), a bit more.

Mike Lemon

The taxi and telegrams are why I kept warning to have tissues handy. That is the part that breaks me every time, I knew it would get them too.

Mike Lemon

If you like Mel Gibson I'm surprised you haven't checked out perhaps his most iconic franchise: Lethal Weapon

Odd Thomas

Yes! This has been on my top 3 that I wanted you to watch for a while. Now you just need to watch Lord of War. We Were Soldiers is an amazing movie! It's a tough one to watch and it will definitely put a lump in your throat but it is amazingly well made and a must see in my opinion. Thanks for a great reaction and the opportunity to rewatch this incredible movie.

Martin Skouboe

I’m not going to bore you great reaction keep. Doing what you’re doing and people will like it

Tyler Warren

The History Buffs channel gave We were soldiers high marks for its historical accuracy⭐⭐⭐⭐

Celeste McAllister

It was a touching and emotional reaction that got to me too. I have not seen this movie since its release and to be honest forgot most of the plot and especially how graphic it is. What little stayed with me is the part about the wives getting the messages one after the other. I suspected that aspect might be one that will really hit Cassie and Carly emotionally. Also, I think this is what elevates the movie beyond just another generic war. Indeed, most war movies are focusing and showing only one side of the conflict and the others side are either just faceless "bad guys" or straight out villains. Even if they do tend to humanize the enemy it usually does not go beyond what was shown here. But there are a few exceptions that come to mind. Technically two separate movies, but Flags of Our Fathers (2006) and Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) are both portraying the battle of Iwo Jima during WW2. The prior one is the American perspective and the latter one is the Japanese. Both movies have been directed by Clint Eastwood. Another one I can remember is Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970). This one is about the attack on Pearl Harbor and despite its flaws is a much better film than the 2001 version. This is showing both sides of the conflict within the same movie and has been shot a very unique way, it has been directed by both American and Japanese filmmakers.

Gábor Árki

My dad was in the army reserve in 1964. He got out like a few months before Vietnam started cooking. He's always said he was "lucky as hell" that he didn't get sent.

Caomhan84

Yes, mostly a true story. The book is worth a read and the men worth a little study.

Travis Underwood

That’s enough Mel Gibson for now. Plus, the 1956 original RANSOM! with Glenn Ford is a better movie.

Jason Chirevas

There's a few good Vietnam related movies, this ones based on books from lt col Moore. Hamburger Hill is an older one that stands up rather well and also revolves around a specific battle as well as BAT21. Some other that are more fictional are flight of the intruder and platoon but show a level of accuracy for what they went through. Another two sided piece would be Midway but that's from WWII. I prefer the older 76 version but the new ones good too.

Bubba Fett

"If they kill him, I will not be able to handle it." This is why actually reading the names in the opening credits can be helpful. You may have missed the credit that said it was based on a book written by "Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore" which was Gibson's character's name. So, obviously he survived the events depicted in the film in order to write about them afterwards.

Stick Figure Studios

Very much enjoyed your reaction ladies. The reasons behind the Vietnam war are very complex. The US gave the French massive financial assistance but still they were defeated by the Viet Minh (League for Vietnamese independence) in 1954. Following that Vietnam was partitioned into North and South until national elections could be held the following year. Those elections never took place leading to inevitable conflict and eventual US involvement militarily. The Vietnamese had been resisting foreign occupiers for centuries. Their primary motivation wasn't bringing communism to the South but the reunification of their country. Those GI's were brave men. They faced a difficult terrain and a dedicated foe.

Darren Hill

Gosh, this one is so hard to re-visit for aforementioned reasons in the video description. But it is well-made. Baby-faced Jon Hamm is always a treat to see. btw, RANSOM and CONSPIRACY THEORY are good Mel Gibson '90s-era thrillers.

Alex Villarreal

This will be an interesting rewatch for me because I haven't seen this film since it first came out. I don't actually remember much about it, but I do remember thinking it was good if a bit unexceptional (showing us things that we'd seen before in many, many other war movies). The one aspect of it that stuck with me the most were the scenes focusing on the wives back home receiving messages of their husband's deaths and how Gibson's wife sort of took charge of that whole process. I found that particularly compelling as I had never seen a film devote so much time and attention to that aspect of the war experience (indeed, they later ended up making a whole movie just about that subject called THE MESSENGER). Anyway, I'm sure it was an emotional viewing for you two, but it sounds like a meaningful one and I'm glad you were able to make it through the entire movie. Looking forward to this reaction.

Stick Figure Studios

Yeah, suffice to say she doesn’t know him and let’s just leave it there.

Jason Chirevas

fixed, thank you!

Cassie

Your "find your copy" takes you to gran torino so you know

Eric Wallace

War movies that use guns not swords are not my favorite genre but this is a great movie I've been waiting for a reaction to. Its easily my favorite modern war movie.

My_Cousin_Mose

Maybe Carly should study up on Mel Gibson and she probably wouldn’t consider him a friend.

Shehab Dawoud

You must love the movie Braveheart or the tree or both. 👏👏👏👍

Zane From Canada

Definitely a tough one to watch. But also a good one. I look forward to watching your reaction tonight. Have a great weekend!

Robert da Spruce

"I will be the first man to step onto the field. And, I will be last to step off it. And I will leave no one behind. Dead or alive, we will all come home together." 😢😭

Zane From Canada

Cassie as a Canadian you should know even thou Canada didn't fight in Vietnam 20 000 Canadian men did volunteer to fight. Which is funny because there was probably that many American men who fled to Canada to hide from it. My parents were friends with a couple who where hiding here from the draft. My Mom said one day they just disappeared and never heard from them again.

TommyJ.

Thank you for your service. I can not begin to understand want you went thorough.

TommyJ.

It is a tough film to watch but well worth the time. I agree with Nick about Dazed and confused.

Jim Williams

And a nice roundup of Vietnam would be Apocalypse Now and Platoon. Compare Charlie and Martin Sheen. Both amazing

nick bell

The Vietnam War was a bad one. Around 60,000 soldiers were killed. To this day they still find KIA’s in Vietnam. I had an uncle who served and he got pretty messed up from it. The way they were conducting the war was not going to lead to a victory.

James1035

Yah, for the folks who lived there, they fought the Japanese, the French came back wanting to return to colony life, then USA got involved, n something I only recently became aware of, in the late 70s China- who had been supporting them had a spat as well. I've been in wars. While some are more worthy than others they all suck. Watching how Afghanistan fell last summer, my time there feels quite wasted.

Benny50309

You both should watch Dazed and Confused to cheer you up.

nick bell

Been waiting so long to see a reaction to this very important movie, I especially wanted to see you (both ☺️) watch it. THANK YOU!!

Jon Brown