War! Is this what we raise our sons for? So tragic on all sides. Mankind brutally killing one another. The awful jungle conditions well depicted in this movie. In addition to fighting one another, the enemy, the elements, the insects, chemical addictions, etc., is it any wonder that so many of the survivors of that war have PTSD in addition to their physical scars and memories that cannot be erased from the minds of those who are someone's loved one.

A classic that I finally obtained on Blu-ray. I only get Blu-ray versions of movies that to me, are classics (Casablanca, Star Wars, Gone With The Wind, etc.) and in my opinion, Platoon certainly fits the bill. I won't go into detail about the movie as it's been done to the nth degree already, but I will say it's definitely a movie that should be added to your Blu-ray collection.

PAINFULLY VERY ACCURATE

Chris Taylor and his quotes, basically what made this movie. And Elias. I love Elia, he has a heart of gold. I am disappointed that he was betrayed. The ending is very emotional, watching Elias run and then put his arms up. I love the story Taylor told about himself, being The Privileged.

Not for the faint of heart, but from the Vets I have talked to it gives a fairly realistic glimpse of the hell these young men faced during their tour of duty Vietnam. This is a great cast and super story line - college drop out wanting to serve his country gets thrown in with draftees and quickly realizes he has made a huge mistake, platoon divided between 2 radically different Sergeants -- with realistic wartime action. I watch this movie once a year to remind myself how fortunate I am not to have had to endure what these men did, but also to appreciate the sacrifice they went through to protect freedom and democracy for people half way around the world.

Every Vietnam vet should have this disc in their library. Every U.S. citizen should view and have this film in their CD library. It reminds Americans just what some what some American men and women went to while serving in Vietnam. If you did not serve, consider yourself lucky. If you did serve, than unfortunately...the terrible memories will be with us forever...everyday I can't help but think how lucky I am to have survived my tour of hell. I owe nothing to this country..because I served in hell! I have to remind some VA employees that I owe them nothing. If you who did not serve you owe a lot to us veterans. I paid my dues...I served my time in hell!. I am now ready for heaven!

The narration drew me in and made the hellish situations even more powerful and human. It's the only movie where I have not looked away or closed my eyes to the violence..because it was too emotionally real to minimize.

The cinematography was compelling and a huge part of the success of the story telling.

Rather than too political a message I think this movie is meant to be a lesson, that sadly, because people are so entrenched in their world view, they will not understand or listen to.

War is hell and the Vietnam war was futile and soul shattering for the participants and the USA.

I bought Platoon for a friend who was of that era. So SHE IS WRITING THIS REVIEW and not me (aka Grama). So from my friend named Anitra:"Well because it is one of the most sincere and a true outlooks on Nam ,I can't complain because they swore,killed or some used drugs,that was Nam.I am just THANKFUL that Oliver Stone had the therapy vision to make this movie. I am 66 and all of the men my age are buried . Such a waste of life,but they went and fought and did what they were suppose to. I use to get mad and yell at the protests and smart allecks cursing and yelling and burning our beautiful Flag as the men and women were coming home from that non-war. I wanted to be a donut dolly,be with the Red Cross etc.. But my boyfriend who was trying to DODGE the draft had another idea, which I didn't realize.. I became pregnant,we sadly got married and I continued to be pregnant with 6 lovely children,and his goal was to avoid the draft. You had to go to the draft board with a note from your Doctor when you were expecting and then you were exempt. So I had served my purpose and he didn't get drafted,while so many of our friends and a few family were kiled over there. Eventually,he went on to spend his life elsewhere.He has since passed away,and i often wonder if all those boys from Viet Nam met him at a gate and said,you couldn't fight? I was blessed with many beautiful little sons and daughters to love and support who are now adults and amazing.. So buy and watch this movie and know THIS IS THE REAL DEAL. You faced the draft or you went to Canada or got a girl pregnant. I don't regret my family,but I regret he was such a coward and I was too young and naive .You were married and had children.
Thank you again Oliver Stone for a dedication to SO MANY who lost their lives,limbs,mind and so much more over there,plus THEIR YOUTH. God bless all of the men and women who are Vets and might be reading this. I cried many tears for your bravery and prayed and prayed for all of you. " God bless America and our fine men and women in our Armed Services.