Taylor Sheridan Reveals Why ‘Platoon’ Still Hits Hard After 40 Years!

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In the first installment of Oliver Stone’s critically praised trilogy about the Vietnam War, the 1986 Oscar-winning movie “Platoon” stands out. This film boasts an impressive cast including Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, and Willem Dafoe, and it was partially inspired by Stone’s own service in the tumultuous war. With courage, Stone crafted a compelling narrative based on his experiences.

“Platoon,” released in 1986, is the first movie in Oliver Stone’s trilogy about the Vietnam War that won many awards. The film has a strong cast with actors like Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, and Willem Dafoe, and it was influenced by Stone’s personal time in the war. Stone told a powerful story based on his experiences without fear.

The gripping film was not only a commercial and critical success but also one of the beloved movies for TV legend Taylor Sheridan. Upon its initial release, it made a powerful impact on viewers worldwide, keeping them on the edge of their seats. Even after nearly 40 years, Platoon continues to be as thought-provoking and relevant today as it was when first introduced, inviting audiences to revisit this timeless classic.

Taylor Sheridan Sings the Praises of ‘Platoon’ and Other Classics

Without a doubt, Taylor Sheridan, once an actor, now a renowned writer and director, is one of Hollywood’s most captivating and prosperous figures. He has given life to numerous beloved series such as “Yellowstone”, “Tulsa King”, and the upcoming “1923”, while also earning an Oscar nomination for his work on the Western film “Hell or High Water”. As his influential domain continues to grow, Sheridan has carved out a successful niche in the entertainment world, frequently delving into projects that revolve around complex anti-heroes and law enforcement figures, spanning both the Western and crime genres.

In 2017, Sheridan shared his top six favorite films with Rotten Tomatoes. He highly appreciated movies like “The Godfather,” “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “The Insider,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and “Unforgiven.” However, it was Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” that topped his list. This film, which is loosely based on Stone’s personal experiences during the Vietnam War, was both written and directed by a veteran of the war. It made a significant impact when it was released on the silver screen.

As a youngster, Sheridan initially watched “Platoon” and was astounded by Stone’s skillful deconstruction of the conventional hyper-masculine war genre. Instead, he spotlighted the profound and enduring effects, as well as the trauma, that the Vietnam War had on its participants, transforming the lives of valiant soldiers on the battlefield forever. When Sheridan witnessed this deep portrayal, he found himself among veterans of Vietnam and was deeply moved by the intense emotional impact:

…”In a queue, there were still 400 people waiting to enter, and as the door swung open, it revealed a group of Vietnam War veterans, dressed in their uniforms. These were strong men, yet they were weeping, holding hands, and embracing one another. I had no inkling of what was to come next. What unfolded before me was a departure from the typical war movie narrative, a stark contrast to John Wayne’s ‘The Green Berets.’

Oliver Stone’s Acclaimed War Masterpiece

In “Platoon”, the central character is Chris Taylor, played by Charlie Sheen, who embarks on a military journey to Vietnam in 1967 as a U.S. Army volunteer. The movie follows his transformation as he experiences the harsh realities of war, including the brutal violence and appalling horrors that challenge his initial optimistic beliefs. Amidst this chaos, there’s constant tension within his unit, with Staff Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger) and Sergeant Elias (Willem Dafoe) arguing over the morality and consequences of their controversial battles on the local population.

Stone conceived the idea for his powerful war drama following his return from Vietnam service in 1968. The profound impact of his experiences reshaped his perspectives on life, the nation, and war itself. Eager to express his intricate feelings, he decided to write a screenplay that mirrored his intense views and offered a contrasting portrayal of war compared to John Wayne’s 1968 financially successful yet critically-disparaged war film, “The Green Berets.” At the time, Stone remarked:

Stone devised the concept for his gripping war drama following his return from Vietnam duty in 1968. The life-changing effects of his experiences significantly influenced his perceptions on life, the country, and war itself. In an effort to convey his complex emotions, he chose to compose a screenplay that echoed his intense views while providing a counterpoint to war as depicted in John Wayne’s 1968 financially successful yet critically-disparaged war film, “The Green Berets.” At the time, Stone expressed:

Vietnam was extremely experiential for me, contrasting my intellectual lifestyle – studying, writing, and pondering thoughts on paper. Upon returning, I felt more grounded, or ‘visceral’. The camera, in my opinion, serves as an exceptional interpreter, capturing experiences rather than merely recording words on a page.

On December 19, 1986, the powerful movie “Platoon” had its debut, captivating both critics and cinema-goers. The profound war drama garnered $138.5 million in box office sales against a small budget of $6 million and received an astounding eight Academy Award nominations, eventually winning four – Best Picture and Best Director for Stone. The acclaimed film was highly praised by audiences, earning an impressive A CinemaScore. Notably, renowned critic Roger Ebert named “Platoon” the best movie of the year and one of the finest of the decade.

For approximately four decades, the film Platoon, initially screened in theaters, continues to be highly respected as one of Stone’s greatest cinematic accomplishments. Currently, it boasts an impressive 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a remarkable 93% rating from viewers on Popcornmeter, captivated by its unflinching portrayal of war and the outstanding performances delivered by Sheen and Dafoe. In their review, Newsday stated, “Platoon is brutal, ferocious, disturbingly unattractive – in essence, authentic. It’s one of those movies that are tough to watch yet, impossible not to watch.

Where to Watch ‘Platoon’

Enthusiasts of Oliver Stone’s distinguished filmmaking career and intense war dramas have an opportunity to watch the Academy Award-winning masterpiece, Platoon, for free on various streaming services such as The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Alternatively, they can rent or buy the ’80s blockbuster on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ if they prefer to revisit the thrilling action and moments of this brave film.

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2025-04-13 20:04