Based on the ordeals faced by American soldiers during the Vietnam War (including those of Oliver Stone himself), Platoon tells the story of a naive American G.I., Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), who is thrust into the grim, horrid reality of war. As it drags on, the constant disagreements of his commanding officers Barnes (Tom Berenger) and Grodin (Willem Dafoe) begin to tear the platoon apart as well as weigh heavily on Taylor’s own psyche, cuasing him to doubt everything, including the value of life.
Other cast members include Johnny Depp, John C. McGinley and Forest Whitaker.
Platoon is one of those rare movies that manages to hit you on two levels. From a straightforward standpoint, it is the epitome of a “Guy Movie”. Looking a little deeper, it is also a great study of the human mind and how it deals with the pressures and horrors of war. This second point is made even more real by the included Vietnam Veterans interviews that are included in the Collector’s Edition’s bonus features.
Other additions to the two disc set include cast, crew and director interviews as well as more documentaries on the movie and the war to make sure you’ll keep going back to the DVD again and again. Ten minutes of never-before-seen footage is also included.
The graphic nature and intense situations aren’t meant for everyone, so consider yourself warned, but Platoon is great pick whether you’re simply looking for a great war movie or something that will hit you a little deeper.
