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We Were Soldiers (DVD, 2002)
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Title: We Were Soldiers
Leading Role: Barry Pepper,Chris Klein,Greg Kinnear,Keri Russell,Madeline Stowe,Mel Gibson,Sam Elliott
Director: Randall Wallace
EAN: 7321900934787
Release Year: 2002
Rating: UK:15
Product ID: EPID3951947
Description: In a small clearing four hundred young soldiers were surrounded by two thousand North Vietnamese soldiers. The battle that followed was one of the fiercest in US history...
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We were SoldiersReview created: 15/07/06(updated 04/03/08)
by:
) 
5 of 12 people found this review helpful.
It is a true story of the events that took place over three days beginning November 14th 1965 at la Drang Valley Vietnam, when 400 US marines of the 7th Cavalry were air lifted into hostile territory and faced 2000 North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regulars. They were surrounded, cut off, heavily outnumbered and fighting to survive.
The originally story was written by the commander (Lt Col H. Moore) and the reporter (Joe Galloway) and begins by laying the history of the French Mobile 100 in the same valley in 1954. It is not long before the film dumps you in the thick of it and spanning the 12000 miles between Vietnam and Fort Benning Georgia.
The interwoven story lines blend seamlessly with aspects from the families, a tough Sgt Major (Sam Elliott), a lost platoon, US Air power, courage, tragedy and a loop of a French bugle. It is simplistic in places but fits so well with the period and how it was viewed at the time. It clearly points out the mistakes the French made and so cleverly throws them back at the viewers who know the ultimate ending of the war.
The first 90 US Marines land at 10.48 AM, two hours later they were surrounded with patrols cut off, under heavy fire, and being attacked from all sides. A Hot LZ was declared and the courage of the helicopter pilots landing again and again in these conditions was a testament to their courage.
Eventually the NVA broke through, overruning the Landing Zone and a Broken Arrow was declared. The result was a turning point in US history when all available US combat aircraft are called up in support; the outcome showed what overwhelming air power was capable off. In the end, tenacity, knowing were the enemy was and having the greater firepower to call upon proved too much; at least in those early stages of the war.
This is a hard hitting movie pulls few punches in its depiction of chaos and brutality, and stands shoulder to shoulder with Wind Talkers and Saving Private Ryan. Like Wind Talkers, this movie has a hidden message that is not lost on those who understand it, and is quite frankly, a story that should be told least we forget what they sacrificed on both sides.
In military terms, this was a watershed and a first in many ways. First time US Marines had met the NVA in battle, First use of the Air Mobile Division, First mass use of the M16 Assault Rifle, First Broken Arrow in Vietnam, and the point when US involvement was increased to 125,000.
There are numerous poignant moments, one when asked about being a father and a soldier, Lt Col Moore (Mel Gibson) replies, Being good at one makes me better at the other. Another is the explanation of war to a young child, Something that shouldnt happen but it does... Also in the darkest moment Lt Col Moore’s comparison with Custer is a Gem.
For the courage of those who died, in the silence of the night we will always hear their screams. The names of the US Marines who died at la Drang Valley are remembered on panel 3 of the Vietnam War Memorial, together with the other 58000 who lost their lives.
In conclusion, I feel this movie shows the story from both sides and although it is patriotic it is in no way propaganda. The movie is as close to what it is like and as true to the story as can be. More a depiction of what both sides endured and the courage of sacrifice under extreme conditions.
Starring:
Mel Gibson
Madeline Stowe
Sam Elliott
Greg Kinnear
Chris Klein
Keri Russell
and many more...
The originally story was written by the commander (Lt Col H. Moore) and the reporter (Joe Galloway) and begins by laying the history of the French Mobile 100 in the same valley in 1954. It is not long before the film dumps you in the thick of it and spanning the 12000 miles between Vietnam and Fort Benning Georgia.
The interwoven story lines blend seamlessly with aspects from the families, a tough Sgt Major (Sam Elliott), a lost platoon, US Air power, courage, tragedy and a loop of a French bugle. It is simplistic in places but fits so well with the period and how it was viewed at the time. It clearly points out the mistakes the French made and so cleverly throws them back at the viewers who know the ultimate ending of the war.
The first 90 US Marines land at 10.48 AM, two hours later they were surrounded with patrols cut off, under heavy fire, and being attacked from all sides. A Hot LZ was declared and the courage of the helicopter pilots landing again and again in these conditions was a testament to their courage.
Eventually the NVA broke through, overruning the Landing Zone and a Broken Arrow was declared. The result was a turning point in US history when all available US combat aircraft are called up in support; the outcome showed what overwhelming air power was capable off. In the end, tenacity, knowing were the enemy was and having the greater firepower to call upon proved too much; at least in those early stages of the war.
This is a hard hitting movie pulls few punches in its depiction of chaos and brutality, and stands shoulder to shoulder with Wind Talkers and Saving Private Ryan. Like Wind Talkers, this movie has a hidden message that is not lost on those who understand it, and is quite frankly, a story that should be told least we forget what they sacrificed on both sides.
In military terms, this was a watershed and a first in many ways. First time US Marines had met the NVA in battle, First use of the Air Mobile Division, First mass use of the M16 Assault Rifle, First Broken Arrow in Vietnam, and the point when US involvement was increased to 125,000.
There are numerous poignant moments, one when asked about being a father and a soldier, Lt Col Moore (Mel Gibson) replies, Being good at one makes me better at the other. Another is the explanation of war to a young child, Something that shouldnt happen but it does... Also in the darkest moment Lt Col Moore’s comparison with Custer is a Gem.
For the courage of those who died, in the silence of the night we will always hear their screams. The names of the US Marines who died at la Drang Valley are remembered on panel 3 of the Vietnam War Memorial, together with the other 58000 who lost their lives.
In conclusion, I feel this movie shows the story from both sides and although it is patriotic it is in no way propaganda. The movie is as close to what it is like and as true to the story as can be. More a depiction of what both sides endured and the courage of sacrifice under extreme conditions.
Starring:
Mel Gibson
Madeline Stowe
Sam Elliott
Greg Kinnear
Chris Klein
Keri Russell
and many more...
Review ID: 10000000001401439
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We Were SoldiersReview created: 25/09/07
by:
) 
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Maximum Action, Maximum Drama!-We Were Soldiers is a powerful and bloody war movie based on a true story that moves at a heart-racing and ear-shattering pace!
On Sunday November 14, 1965 at 10.48am, Lt Col. Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) and his regiment of 400 men touch down at Landing Zone X-ray in the Ia Drang Valley, a place in Vietnam known as "The Valley of Death".
They find themselves surrounded by roughly 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers and the ensuing battle becomes one of the most savage in U.S history.
Heroism, bravery, sacrifice, the butchery of battle, We Were Soldiers is a gruelling exploration of war with all it's horrors, that can rightly take it's place alongside War classics, Apocalypse Now, Saving Private Ryan and Platoon.
I'm not a huge war film fan, but my hubby asked me to watch it with him, and I was gripped.
Excellent direction, and great casting make this a intimate and really quite graphic account of this true story.
It's very, very good.
A worthy addition to your DVD collection.
On Sunday November 14, 1965 at 10.48am, Lt Col. Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) and his regiment of 400 men touch down at Landing Zone X-ray in the Ia Drang Valley, a place in Vietnam known as "The Valley of Death".
They find themselves surrounded by roughly 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers and the ensuing battle becomes one of the most savage in U.S history.
Heroism, bravery, sacrifice, the butchery of battle, We Were Soldiers is a gruelling exploration of war with all it's horrors, that can rightly take it's place alongside War classics, Apocalypse Now, Saving Private Ryan and Platoon.
I'm not a huge war film fan, but my hubby asked me to watch it with him, and I was gripped.
Excellent direction, and great casting make this a intimate and really quite graphic account of this true story.
It's very, very good.
A worthy addition to your DVD collection.
Review ID: 10000000004428551
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We Were SoldiersReview created: 07/03/08
by:
) 3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
This film is about a realistic as it gets. As a veteran I can empathise with the soldiers and what they had to endure under extremely harrowing circumstances. Mel Gibson's portrayal of Hal Moore was exceptionlal and was well supported by Sam Elliot as Basil Plumley and Madaline Stow as his wife.
It is not a glamourisation of war it is a raw, uncompromising snapshot of what war is really like and what those left behind had to endure.
I bought it because I served with the 2/503rd Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division and it was for me a revisiting of a time when I went to war a niave boy and came back a much wiser man.
It is not a glamourisation of war it is a raw, uncompromising snapshot of what war is really like and what those left behind had to endure.
I bought it because I served with the 2/503rd Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division and it was for me a revisiting of a time when I went to war a niave boy and came back a much wiser man.
Review ID: 10000000006047190
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we were soldiersReview created: 04/11/06
by:
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
tearfull hard hitting war film.The true terror's of war are expossed in this conflict between the Americans and china, with both sides trying to out guess each others next move.Good old yanks intelligence not up to scratch again, they managed to drop the hole platoon on top of the main base of the enemy and then it is a tactical battle and sheer blood guts. Nice touch with the story of the wife's handing out the letters of the dead Americans to there friends and trying to cope with the stress of not knowing if they are next to be handed a letter. Good stuff
Review ID: 10000000002243667
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A bit like the film "Zulu" only with helicopters!Review created: 24/08/06
by:
) 3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Ive seen many of the other Vietnam war films and in my judgement this ranks as one of the best. While other films dwell on the futility of war, cynicism about why they are there, an indifferent high command to the plight of the men, along with the brutalising effect (all very true) which war has on the soldiers themselves, this film tends to dwell more on the professionalism and strong comradeship of the soldiers as a unit without being overtly gung ho. The soldiers realise that they are in a situation where they are caught between the hammer and the anvil, and that they can do little about it, but get on with the job at hand and knowing that they can rely on one another to with their lives as their training has taught them.
What gives this film such strength is that the basis of the story is true - with around 400 american soldiers outnumbered ten to one by the North Vietnamese army in the ensuing battle which is to follow. You feel the rising tension of the situation as the soldiers move into the military zone, coupled with the helplessness of the soldiers wives, some of them with babies who are left behind to wait, and the clumsy even callous way in which the army delivers telegrams of those killed using taxi-drivers.
While I am very wary of the Hollywood war/propaganda machine punching out films depicting the american soldier as good true and invincible, all of which is a huge turn off to me. Its worth remembering that most soldiers (reflective of the communites they come from) are ordinary decent people with wives and families who try to live good lives according to their understanding, and that good is expressed through the comradeship and loyalty to one another and to their unit.
I dont doubt for a second there is a lot of poetic license in this film and "hollywoodisation" of much of what happened, so remember when watching, that the basis of Hollywood is first to entertain and later to educate
What gives this film such strength is that the basis of the story is true - with around 400 american soldiers outnumbered ten to one by the North Vietnamese army in the ensuing battle which is to follow. You feel the rising tension of the situation as the soldiers move into the military zone, coupled with the helplessness of the soldiers wives, some of them with babies who are left behind to wait, and the clumsy even callous way in which the army delivers telegrams of those killed using taxi-drivers.
While I am very wary of the Hollywood war/propaganda machine punching out films depicting the american soldier as good true and invincible, all of which is a huge turn off to me. Its worth remembering that most soldiers (reflective of the communites they come from) are ordinary decent people with wives and families who try to live good lives according to their understanding, and that good is expressed through the comradeship and loyalty to one another and to their unit.
I dont doubt for a second there is a lot of poetic license in this film and "hollywoodisation" of much of what happened, so remember when watching, that the basis of Hollywood is first to entertain and later to educate
Review ID: 10000000001661991
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We Were SoldiersReview created: 09/06/06
by:
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
I purchased the DVD of this film to replace a video tape version. An excellent film which portrayed the first major battle in the Vietnam conflict. The characters were believable, and the battle scenes were remarkably realistic. There was none of the usual 'hero gets shot and fights off rampaging hordes of baddies with a weapon that never needs loading', this is on par with Private Ryan.
Review ID: 10000000001151171
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Review on " when we were soldiers"2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
I watched this movie with friends and always wented to watch it again so decided to buy it. I found going to ebay I can buy more for my money. The only thing that worries me is the movie works, i have been lucky most the movies I have bought have worked and been of good quality.
Review ID: 10000000002022793
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we were soldiers
) 2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
I am not into war or soldier films but i did enjoy this one, mel gibson plays an excelent role in this film, but it is not one of his best films.
Review ID: 10000000001971372
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Buying on ebayReview created: 10/08/06
by:
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
This was an easy process and good value for money. The item turned up in good time and was in excellent condition.
Review ID: 10000000001575467
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We Were Soldiers DVD 2002Review created: 09/07/06
by:
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
I bought this because i had seen the film and had really enjoyed it and thought it would be nice to add the dvd to my collection.
Review ID: 10000000001355962
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Awesome War Movie2 of 8 people found this review helpful.
I saw this at the cinema and then purchased the DVD. It is absolutely brilliant. A superb performance by Mel Gibson and his wife played by Madeline Stowe. This was based on true events. This film has captured reality in every sense. A brilliant war movie.
Review ID: 10000000001177079
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Excellent movie that could have been even better.1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I have a problem with seeing any film in one sitting, but I am glad to say this is one that I did do that.
In many ways it is a modern version of the old Audie Murphy and John Wayne films of WW11 where the hero comes through intact in spite of being an open constant target for the enemy.
The beginning is superb but it is strange that their situation is not compared with the French at Dien Bhen Phue, though the scale of this battle was much smaller. I also believe that more could have been made of the situation at US HQ and the reasoning behind such a ridiculous move when the history of these forward actions by the Americans is strewn with no advantage gained and the deaths of many good men.
The camera work and music is superb while the majority of the acting is very fine. As with all such movies the ending is somewhat rushed.
All in all a film I heartily recommend and look out for the period insights such as the Army using a taxi service to deliver KIA telegrams to families.
In many ways it is a modern version of the old Audie Murphy and John Wayne films of WW11 where the hero comes through intact in spite of being an open constant target for the enemy.
The beginning is superb but it is strange that their situation is not compared with the French at Dien Bhen Phue, though the scale of this battle was much smaller. I also believe that more could have been made of the situation at US HQ and the reasoning behind such a ridiculous move when the history of these forward actions by the Americans is strewn with no advantage gained and the deaths of many good men.
The camera work and music is superb while the majority of the acting is very fine. As with all such movies the ending is somewhat rushed.
All in all a film I heartily recommend and look out for the period insights such as the Army using a taxi service to deliver KIA telegrams to families.
Review ID: 10000000007840323
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We were soldiersReview created: 10/05/08
by:
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
This is a dvd that takes your breath away and you cry throughout the film. It is so worth watching and owning if you are a fan of war films and all the injustities that go along w1ith war.
Buy it, Own It, Love it.
Buy it, Own It, Love it.
Review ID: 10000000007111051
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we were soldiersReview created: 30/03/08
by:
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Very graphic and typical American film with lots of the usual shouting. The effects were very good and at times you felt you were in the battle. Certainly worth purchasing
Review ID: 10000000006390379
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We were soldiersReview created: 21/03/08
by:
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
This film is one of the best war films i have ever seen. Brilliant effects and storyline, shown from both sides. Well worth a watch!
Review ID: 10000000006281131
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Excellent1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
A classic war film, based on fact and show's America's theory of concentrated firepower and air support.
America;s first battle with the NV army and a costly but telling victory. Even interest for the females with the wives back home recieving telegrams via taxi.
Not sure what Ms Stowe has done to her lips, but certainly a mess.
Other than that a cracking film, even enjoyed the special effects, deleted scenes DVD as well.
Well worth purchasing, even cheap in the high street shops know.
America;s first battle with the NV army and a costly but telling victory. Even interest for the females with the wives back home recieving telegrams via taxi.
Not sure what Ms Stowe has done to her lips, but certainly a mess.
Other than that a cracking film, even enjoyed the special effects, deleted scenes DVD as well.
Well worth purchasing, even cheap in the high street shops know.
Review ID: 10000000006276703
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WE WERE SOLDIERS1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
A TRUE EPIC FILM THAT ENTICES YOU EVEN MORE THAN I THOUGHT.
AND AS ITS BASED ON TRUE EVENTS MAKES IT EVEN MORE WORTH WHILE TO WATCH
AND AS ITS BASED ON TRUE EVENTS MAKES IT EVEN MORE WORTH WHILE TO WATCH
Review ID: 10000000005212054
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We Were Soldiers -Review created: 30/06/07
by:
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
This Film shows the viewer the family side to the US Army, the role played by Mel Gibson as the leader of his troop, the performance was extraordinary. The most memorable quote was the last man off the battlefield will be me, we will not leave anyone behind.
Using the graphic images to reinforce the brutality of war, the director reminds us war is not over in a few days and that great initiative is displayed under extreme conditions. The radio call of Broken Arrow and the reaction back in the war room keeps you hoping all will be right in the end.
The film has to be one of the more realistic, the scenes of the army wives back on base and the yellow cab driver are clear references to how poorly prepared the US population were prepared for casualties.
Mel Gibson and his men were hereos and the Vietnam war had plenty of those.
Using the graphic images to reinforce the brutality of war, the director reminds us war is not over in a few days and that great initiative is displayed under extreme conditions. The radio call of Broken Arrow and the reaction back in the war room keeps you hoping all will be right in the end.
The film has to be one of the more realistic, the scenes of the army wives back on base and the yellow cab driver are clear references to how poorly prepared the US population were prepared for casualties.
Mel Gibson and his men were hereos and the Vietnam war had plenty of those.
Review ID: 10000000003869743
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A war movie for you both!Review created: 07/04/07
by:
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
A super movie, I bought this for my hubby who loves war films, fortunately there was a good love story behind it so for once I was able to watch a war film with him for a change!
Review ID: 10000000003343917
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The Most Involving War Movie EVERReview created: 17/11/09
by:
We Were Soldiers is one of the best war films ever and gives you probably the greatest insight into the lives of those on the front line and their families. Gripping from beggining to end the film allows you to build up a relationshipo with the characters like no other which intesifies your abilty to empathiose as they lose comrades and get trapped and subjected to the most horrible sights imaginable. In my opionion the depth of charater building the the connection made to the characters during what still manages to be an excellent stand alone wear film is second only to that of the series "Band of Brother" what this film manages to do in a relatively small time is truly amazing.
A whole host of big stars are in this filkm and usually in a film such as this i am somewhat cynical but they do not let their own personas interfere with those of their charaters and the film truly is brilliant.
A whole host of big stars are in this filkm and usually in a film such as this i am somewhat cynical but they do not let their own personas interfere with those of their charaters and the film truly is brilliant.
Review ID: 10000000014261116
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Awesome DvdReview created: 04/11/09
by:
It is one of the best war movies around with some outstanding actors who deliver a great performance,very entertaining
Review ID: 10000000014087247
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We Were Soldiersi decided to buy the dvd as i like war films and have seen it may times b4 just never had it in my collection
Review ID: 10000000014078256
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we were soldiersgreat film, based on true events, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Review ID: 10000000013604143
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Good watchReview created: 22/09/09
by:
We Were Soldiers tells the story of the first major battle between The US Army and the North Vietnamese Army, the Battle of La Drang, the battle sequences are impressive and Mel Gibson is good in the role, some critics said that this was very gung ho but it does show what it would have been like, in the ill fated War that was Vietnam.
Review ID: 10000000013587322
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Mel Gibson At His BestFantastic action film,everything is in there and gibson plays the key role better than ive seen in a long while.Tottally beleivable from the start as it should be as it happened.Could watch this every few months just to remind myself of how good it actually is.
Review ID: 10000000012611685
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