8 Vietnam War Movies Loved by Veterans & Service Members

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Back in the day, as a devoted cinephile, I found myself captivated by Hollywood’s fascination with bringing the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War to the big screen. The allure was undeniable, given the wealth of compelling narratives that could be extracted from this complex conflict. Despite its relatively smaller scale compared to other American wars, the Vietnam War was a cauldron of events, both on and off the battlefield.

For instance, the war was met with intense criticism at home, with The Armed Forces Journal reporting a fourfold increase in desertion rates. Moreover, the plight of missing American POWs after the war’s conclusion sparked widespread outrage.

Currently, numerous films about the Vietnam War explore various themes. Yet, not all these productions offer an authentic or factual portrayal of the war. Sometimes, filmmakers overlay excessive Hollywood style, making the movies enjoyable for viewers, but causing disapproval among veterans and active service members. Fortunately, there are always filmmakers who take the time to research thoroughly, thus providing us with superior films. Military.com gathered opinions from veterans and service members about their favorite Vietnam War movies using a Google Form anonymously. Below is a list of their top picks.

8
‘Full Metal Jacket’ (1987)

In the initial part of Stanley Kubrick’s movie “Full Metal Jacket”, we witness Private “Gomer Pyle” Lawrence (played by Vincent D’Onofrio), who is grappling with his harsh drill sergeant in boot camp. Despite the camaraderie among the new recruits, Gomer finds it challenging to curb his self-destructive tendencies, leading to a chain of unfortunate events. The latter half plunges us into the tumultuous battlefields of Vietnam where a female sniper poses a significant threat to American troops.

Sir, Yes Sir!

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say that “Full Metal Jacket” is an intriguing journey that delves deep into various narrative and thematic aspects. It serves as a powerful critique of authoritarianism and offers insightful explorations on mental health. The character of Sgt. Hartman, portrayed brilliantly by R. Lee Ermey, is undoubtedly the film’s standout element. Despite his harsh demeanor, his words and expressions leave an indelible mark, resonating long after the credits roll. To quote him, “From now on, you will speak only when spoken to, and the first and last words out of your filthy sewers will be ‘Sir.’ Do you maggots understand that?” Indeed, we comprehend, Sgt. Hartman. Sir, yes sir!

7
‘Go Tell the Spartans’ (1978)

The movie titled “Go Tell the Spartans” portrays the challenges faced when a detachment of American soldiers stationed in a secluded base in Vietnam are instructed to maintain their position against Viet Cong troops. The title alludes to the well-known ancient Greek saying, “Tell the Spartans, stranger, that here, by Spartan law, we die,” implying that the Spartan soldiers’ mission at Thermopylae was destined for failure.

A Harrowing, Smooth-Flowing Story

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that having Wendell Mayes by his side, the narrative pulsates with an exhilarating blend of tension and action. His screenplay, recognized with a nomination for the Writers Guild of America Award for “Best Drama Adapted from Another Medium,” is a testament to this fact. Just a few minutes into the film, you’ll quickly understand why it earned such high praise. Drawing loosely on Daniel Ford’s novel, Incident at Muc Wa, the movie remains relevant in today’s era, addressing themes of lost morale, courage, and jingoism. Not to mention, Burt Lancaster’s captivating performance is sure to leave you spellbound, making it a must-watch. So, without further ado, hit the play button!

6
‘Hamburger Hill’ (1987)

The film “Hamburger Hill” narrates the intense battle for the strongly fortified Hill 937 during Operation Apache Snow, which was carried out by both the U.S. Army and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Named so due to its gory nature, Hamburger Hill held little strategic importance, but military leaders ordered its seizure, only to abandon it shortly afterward. This decision stirred much debate, serving as a significant milestone in America’s involvement.

To What End?

John Irvin and James Carabatsos collaboratively penned a script that narrates a story about loyalty and courage conquering irrationality and isolation. This narrative carries a strong anti-war theme. In the film, soldiers grapple with disagreements in their coordination with military leadership due to differing viewpoints. Performers like Don Cheadle and Dylan McDermott skillfully portray the array of emotions experienced by these soldiers. Notably, this movie is widely regarded as the second-best Vietnam War film of 1987, following closely behind “Full Metal Jacket.

5
‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

In the cinematic masterpiece “Apocalypse Now,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola and inspired by Joseph Conrad’s novel “Heart of Darkness,” we find Colonel Kurtz, an unorthodox American officer (played by Marlon Brando), hidden deep within the dense jungles of Vietnam. The higher authorities have made it clear that they want him eliminated. Enter Captain Willard (portrayed by Martin Sheen), who is dispatched on a perilous mission – not to kill Kurtz in cold blood, but to terminate his operation. However, the journey isn’t straightforward in this film; it’s fraught with challenges and moral quandaries that make Captain Willard’s task anything but simple.

A Bigger War Behind the Scenes

Known for its notoriously turbulent filming, “Apocalypse Now” saw Coppola clashing with Brando over weight issues and unlearned lines. Miraculously, it all worked out in the end. What truly captivates is the stunning visuals – from the breathtaking river vistas to the lush jungle shots. One might wonder why people argue when the world is so beautiful. It’s no surprise then that the movie bagged the Best Cinematography award at the Oscars.

4
‘The Deer Hunter’ (1978)

The movie titled “The Deer Hunter” revolves around three steelworkers from Western Pennsylvania who enlist for the Vietnam War. Upon returning, they bear both physical and emotional wounds. Furthermore, their personal lives are portrayed as intricate and tumultuous, with one character even entering into a relationship with the former fiancée of another (played by Meryl Streep).

A Moving Film, Elevated by Great Performances

The gritty and emotionless movie, “The Deer Hunter,” strikes its mark. The film sparked debate, causing some Vietnam War veterans to demonstrate during the Oscars, but it has since been acknowledged as a timeless classic. Meryl Streep received her initial Oscar nomination in this production. Robert De Niro delivers an unflinching performance as a man with an air of self-assurance both in hunting grounds and war zones, yet his personal decisions leave much to ponder. John Cazale provides solid support, embodying his character with a mix of endearing innocence and battlefield resilience.

3
‘First Blood’ (1982)

Essentially, “First Blood” isn’t strictly classified as a Vietnam War film, but rather a vet movie. However, given its portrayal of veterans, it has earned a place in the genre. In this story, we follow John J. Rambo, played by Sylvester Stallone, a troubled veteran and drifter who encounters hostility from local sheriff, Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy). When Teasle and his deputies mistreat him, his PTSD triggers an incident, leading Rambo to flee into the surrounding woods. There, he wreaks havoc and chaos on the law enforcement officers pursuing him. Simultaneously, his former commander is trying to locate him, but will there be a toll in injuries before he can reach him?

They Drew First Blood

In the ’80s, Sylvester Stallone’s inaugural and outstanding contribution to the Rambo franchise earned this action film a respectable reputation. This minimalist masterpiece delivers an authentic and boldly simple portrayal of the one-man army genre.

The film centers around Rambo, pitted against adversaries who should acknowledge his prowess, yet he is left with only his intelligence, expertise, and a limited arsenal to defend himself. The question remains: will he make it through to the end? You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, cheering him on every step of the way.

2
‘Platoon’ (1986)

In much the same way as with other significant conflicts, numerous young individuals were keen to enlist for the Vietnam War at its outset, and subsequently felt remorseful about their decision. This character of Chris Taylor (portrayed by Charlie Sheen) in “Platoon” exemplifies this sentiment. He promptly enlists in the military, but once exposed to the gruesome realities, he begins yearning for maternal comfort. What makes matters more challenging is that there’s tension within his very own platoon.

War is no Vacation

Although many anti-war films have been produced, none can match the intensity of this 80s movie, which was inspired by Oliver Stone’s personal experiences during military service. By condensing his recollections to create a more compact narrative, Stone elicits deep emotions from the conflicted, remorseful character Chris, and Tom Berenger delivers an outstanding performance as the villain. Known for its groundbreaking cinematography and vivid imagery, Platoon received four Oscars, among them Best Director and Picture awards.

1
‘We Were Soldiers’ (2002)

According to the biographical book “We Were Soldiers Once… and Young” by Lieutenant General (Ret.) Hal Moore and journalist Joseph L. Galloway, the movie “We Were Soldiers” narrates the Battle of Ia Drang. This was the initial significant confrontation between the United States Army and the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN).

As Brutal as Battles Getu

This intense, blazing movie plunges us into a boiling pot of anxiety, planning, and fixation, and explodes in all directions. Mel Gibson, switching between slick, risky, and explosive, delivers an exceptional performance as Hal Moore in the lead role. A significant achievement for director Randall Wallace, this captivating tale about men who were soldiers is definitely worth watching.

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2025-01-27 05:33