in other viewers opinion. Randale Wallace was the writer and director of the film. The motion picture was based upon a book, "We Were Soldiers Once And Young." The book was written by Lieutenant General, Herald G. Moore, and was published by Harper Collins. Due to their accreditation, the value of this picture is first-class. Since it was wrote by a General, it has facts from the real perspectives of war. It makes the movie more unique, because it is more realistic, and has facts from the first person's perspective rather than a second person's view. The audience's reaction to the movie was that it was a must see picture. It was also commonly agreed that it was one of the best seen movies of its time. It is probably one of the best made films since "Braveheart"(1995), in many viewer's opinion. In the movie, "We Were Soldiers," the Vietnam war is beginning. It starts off introducing the main characters and their families, resulting in a more emotional presence. The Americans get called off to battle into the enemies land. What is happening over there is that, North Vietnam is trying to take over South Vietnam. Upon arrival, it is immediate battle. When the Americans land on their soil, it is discovered it will be 30 minutes before another batch of soldiers can come to aid. The reason is, that is the time frame it takes for the helicopters to transport more soldiers to the battlefield. So the Americans have to hold their land for that long without support, and early there is a tragic loss. In this battle, America has 395 soldiers, these few are going up against 4000. After a long 3 day battle, the Americans effort results in pushing back the enemy to the top of the hill, furthermore, causing the Vietnamese to retreat. There are many lives lost, and this is just the beginning of the war. The movie is told by a soldier that was there, hence the title, "We Were Soldiers." If I had to compare the movie to another film in its category, there would be no comparison as to the excellence of this picture. In this film, war is portrayed in very heavy and gory detail. With an extreme level of gruesomeness, it probably has to be one of the most graphic movies I've ever gazed my sparkling brown eyes upon ;*) J L K For the most part this movie is very accurate with the timeline of events that occurred during that era of the war. The director , in his own words, "told it like it was," which makes it a better movie. In the long run I believe this resulted in a great combination along with superb producing and directing. The specific events that happened in this movie is the fact that they are in three day battle. But the larger historical setting is that this three day battle will cause a very long war. In this battle, the factions of war were equipped with handguns, bayonets, and pistols. The filmmaker's point of view, or as the way I understood his view, is that he wants his viewers to see how war is, and why it is so tragic and painful. The filmmakers motivation in the edifice of this film seems that he wanted a message sent out to our country of the realities of war, because of the war we are currently in. Unlike its predecessors (Patton), this movie is in good old quality COLOR . However, there are a few silhouette shots to single out the most important character in the scene at the time of the shot. The performances given by the overpaid actors (j/k) were superior. They were able to streamline their emotions and hearts into the very depth and cinematic soul of their characters. Like I said before, the high quality of every aspect of this film is in direct correlation to the important message sent out of war and tragedy. This message is widely accepted and understood by America because of the state our nation is in, in relations to the war on terrorism in Iraq. Another key factor in the superiority of this film is due to the significant presence of Mel Gibson and his splendid acting. This in turn was another key element in the high ratings it received. The music that was selected for this film also helps the viewer feel like they are experiencing what is about to happen next.
The mood of this motion picture, including the heavy sense of loss when a soldier is down, is set by the music also. The producers uses familiar techniques, such as deep shots and light techniques in addition to also set the mood. I ended up picking up this film by process of elimination, overall I am happy with the outcome. It was a very heartfelt movie, and I really enjoyed it. Writing the paper about the movie .not so heart touching J. It made me feel like more people should care about our country and its well being, and that we should really value our lives and our freedom much more. The tragic truth is, most of us will never know how war is like, unless we were there. This film gives is the closest reality possible, without leaving the soil of the USA. I would most identify myself with Mel Gibson's character Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore. He plays the leader in battle, similar to a father of every single soldier he was leading. I identify myself with him mainly because I'm so sexy and attractive like him
J There was only one scene I really didn't enjoy, because it was about a soldier running over the hill to take cover, during this run his very good friend, another soldier was shot. As he lifted his friend over his shoulder in a fireman's carry, he was then also shot. L. Seeing these kind of scenes is what makes a movie as good as it is, but also is the heart braking factor that brings a tear to your eye. The most memorable line of the end of entire movie is at the end of Lt. Co. Moore's epic speech, " I will be the first one to step on the battlefield, and the last to step off " The reason I enjoyed the phrase so much, is because his primary goal in this message is, that he will not leave anyone behind, dead, or alive. He is taking the responsibility that this idea comes to pass. If somebody asked my opinion on this picture, I would strongly and possibly forcefully suggest that they would also enjoy such a film. These are not just words written down on a piece of paper, I say that because I mean it. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy and get as much as I did out of this movie. Also, the next time you watch a film that is really touching, ask yourself, what is it about this movie that made it so likeable. In doing so and you will be able to see specific reasons behind the greatness of movies in your own opinion. Thank You. AND GOODNIGHT CLEVELAND OHIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JLKlJK.