Quentin Tarantino Calls this 36-Year-Old Vietnam War Film the Greatest Ever

In the realm of war movies, those that truly depict the grim, unyielding truth of war often require a specific emotional state for viewers to engage with them. However, these films can offer some of the most enriching viewing experiences due to their thought-provoking nature. For several decades, Brian De Palma has earned recognition for his skill in generating intense on-screen tension. Yet, Casualties of War, despite its challenging scenes to watch, may represent his finest achievement. Unlike numerous war films that follow a hero’s saga, Casualties of War delves into the murkier aspects of warfare. The film’s exceptional execution in terms of writing, acting, cinematography, and music has even garnered acclaim from esteemed filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, who has praised it as “the greatest film about the Vietnam War“.

Despite minor imperfections, the movie remains a chilling masterpiece that Tarantino holds in high regard. It might be challenging for some due to its intense content, but it undeniably conveys an essential message through a significant narrative, deserving of greater recognition and appreciation by a wider audience.

Casualties of War Depicts a Harrowing True War Story

The Film Follows an American Soldier Fighting Back Against His Reprehensible Squad Mates In More Ways Than One

Main Cast of Casualties of War	Role	Based on
Michael J. Fox	Private First Class Max Eriksson	Robert M. Storeby
Sean Penn	Sergeant Tony Meserve	David Edward Gervase
Don Patrick Harvey	Corporal Thomas E. Clark	Steven Cabbot Thomas
John C. Reilly	Private First Class Herbert Hatcher	NA
Thuy Thu Lee	Tran Thi Oanh/Asian Student on Train	Phan Thi Mao
John Leguizamo	Private First Class Antonio Dìaz	Joseph Garcia
Ving Rhames	Lieutenant Reilly	NA
Erik King	Specialist 4 “Brownie” Brown	NA

The film “Casualties of War” showcases a group of American soldiers during the Vietnam War, led by Sergeant Tony Meserve (Sean Penn). In a questionable mission, this squad embarks on a long-range patrol that involves capturing a local village woman as a prisoner to fulfill their twisted desires. One soldier, Private Max Eriksson (Michael J. Fox), clashes with his comrades when he refuses to participate in their heinous act of rape and instead tries to aid the woman. Tragically, he fails and even puts himself in danger by attempting to expose and denounce his fellow soldiers for their wrongdoings. The fact that this story is based on real events – with the characters being loosely based on actual individuals – adds a layer of sadness. Daniel Chang originally reported this incident in 1969 for “The New Yorker Magazine,” shedding light on one of the many harrowing truths about the Vietnam War. Unlike most war films, which often glorify their soldier characters, this story features very few heroes; instead, it unflinchingly portrays the destructive actions that some American soldiers carried out in Vietnam.

For audiences willing to endure the intense content, this film offers exceptional cinematic artistry that is truly remarkable. The vast and unsettling visuals by director Brian DePalma and cinematographer Stephen H. Burum effectively portray the brutal and disquieting essence of war, as well as Eriksson’s palpable anxiety and powerlessness in his predicament. Ennio Morricone’s heart-wrenching music score further accentuates these feelings, both beautifully and hauntingly. The acting from a talented ensemble cast is also noteworthy, with their outstanding performances being overlooked by the academy.

The character of Meserve is portrayed as deeply detestable by the actor cast in the role, making him all too easy to loathe. Thuy Thu Le, in her only film appearance, delivers a poignant and tragically moving performance as Tran Thi Oanh, the victim soldier. However, it is Michael J. Fox who truly shines in this production, demonstrating his versatility as an actor beyond his well-known comedic roles. He delivered a powerful and heartfelt portrayal of Eriksson, capturing the character’s innocence, guilt, torment, and internal turmoil all at once.

This movie is nearly flawless in every aspect, yet it doesn’t quite make the cut when comparing it to De Palma’s masterpieces or standout performances by Penn and Fox. Fortunately, another renowned director with a deep affection for cinema recognized its merit and bestowed upon it one of his highest accolades.

Quentin Tarantino Has Called It the Definitive Best Film About the Vietnam War

The Filmmaker Has High Praise For Not Just How it Was Made, but For Why It Was

Other War Films Recommended by Tarantino	Directed by	Rotten Tomatoes Score
Apocalypse Now (1978)	Francis Ford Coppola	90%
The Longest Day (1962)	Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Bernhard Wicki	84%
The Dirty Dozen (1967)	Robert Aldrich	82%
Saving Private Ryan (1998)	Steven Spielberg	94%

Quentin Tarantino isn’t just a skilled director; he’s a passionate cinephile who has shared his thoughts on various films throughout his career, particularly those he regards as the finest examples of their genre. On a discussion about war movies, according to an unofficial Brian De Palma website, Tarantino extolled the virtues of De Palma’s film “Casualties of War”. He was particularly impressed by World War II films like Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” and Robert Aldrich’s “The Dirty Dozen”, but when it comes to Vietnam War movies, he considers De Palma’s film the “greatest”. Tarantino admired how the film expanded on a small news article’s story, making it more impactful. He commended De Palma’s “epic, operatic” style of filmmaking and praised Fox’s emotional performance, as well as Penn’s chilling portrayal.

Regarding films, particularly his personal recommendations, it’s often safe to assume that he has a solid grasp of the subject matter. Despite the fact that Casualties of War may not be as widely recognized today as it once was, the endorsement Tarantino gives it should not be dismissed lightly. While Tarantino’s opinion might not compel everyone to watch it, understanding why he considers it significant could pique one’s interest.

What Makes Casualties of War Such an Important Film?

It’s a Story That Touches on Crucial Themes and Brings a Sense of Justice to a Real-Life Tragedy

While “Casualties of War” may not be a light, entertaining movie for everyone, it is undoubtedly worth a watch at least once. The film powerfully conveys its message and significance in such a compelling manner that it leaves a lasting impression on viewers long after the end credits. It sheds light on the devastating psychological effects of war, offering a stern critique of how group loyalty and military culture can affect certain individuals negatively. Rather than just prompting reflection on the ethical aspects of war, it encourages viewers to ponder the significance of challenging authority and discerning between blind group devotion and individual morality. The film’s themes and message extend beyond its narrative, as it presents a perspective that is more about upholding humanity rather than anything else.

As a supporter, I can’t help but acknowledge the profound historical significance that this story carries. The heart-wrenching tale of Phan Ti Mao, the film’s real-life victim, and the extraordinary bravery and risks taken by Robert Storeby, who mirrors Eriksson in the real world, is a narrative that should never have been silenced. It’s not just about a massacre, but rather a prolonged, targeted act of cruelty that seems unusually inhumane. Despite the name changes in the film, its relentless pursuit of truth regarding the incident and the criminal group involved remains one of the most commendable aspects of it.

For all the emotions this movie will stir within its viewers, the depth of thought it provokes makes it a war film that truly deserves recognition beyond just personal acclaim from critics like Quentin Tarantino. It’s a film that demands to be seen and acknowledged by a broader audience.

2025-06-04 02:08