A Critical Review of 'We Were Soldiers'

Introduction

Despite its overall quality, 'We Were Soldiers' contains several issues that detract from its authenticity and historical accuracy. This review will delve into the casting choices, character age discrepancies, and scenes that may appear unrealistic to those with firsthand experience from the Vietnam era.

Casting Choices: Mel Gibson as Colonel Moore

One of the most notable critiques of the film is the casting of Mel Gibson as Colonel Hal Moore. The portrayal of Colonel Moore is often seen as inappropriate and unrealistic. Gibson, known for his refined and polished image, is perceived as too posh for the role of a hard-charging combat leader. To truly depict the character, there is a necessity for extensive physical preparation and transformation.

Colonel Moore is shown to be a combat-hardened leader, yet Gibson’s portrayal is more fitted for a desk job than a battlefield commander. For such a critical role, it is not enough to simply play the part, one must also embody the physical and emotional traits of a combat leader.

Character Age Discrepancies

The age of Colonel Moore’s children is another aspect that has been heavily criticized. The film presents the children as teenagers or very young adults, rather than the more plausible age of 45 to 50 years old, which aligns with the typical age of a colonel. The portrayal of such young children for a colonel serves to further undermine the authenticity of the film.

Realism and Accuracy

The realism of the film is further called into question when examining specific scenes that may be perceived as overly dramatized or unrealistic. During the declaration of 'Broken Arrow', Colonel Moore is shown in a combat zone as if it were a calm, orderly setting, much like a park. In reality, the declaration of such a code would take place under extreme stress and chaos. Consequently, the film omits the true conditions and pressure that were present during these critical moments.

Additionally, Colonel Moore's role in commanding a platoon is another issue. While the film depicts him as the head of a battalion, his proximity to the action is contrary to the actual command structure. In reality, a colonel would not be physically involved in the day-to-day operations of a small unit, instead operating from a proper headquarters.

A Comparison to Authentic Representations

While 'We Were Soldiers' is a fine film, it is far from an accurate depiction of the Vietnam War. A comprehensive comparison with true war movies like 'Platoon', 'Apocalypse Now', and 'Full Metal Jacket' reveals a stark difference in the quality of representation.

'Platoon' and 'Apocalypse Now' capture the essence of small unit combat operations and the harsh realities of a soldier's life. Similarly, 'Full Metal Jacket' provides a vivid and truthful portrayal of a young soldier coming to terms with the true nature of war. These films are true to life, offering a realistic and gritty depiction of the Vietnam War.

Conclusion

'We Were Soldiers' is a movie that, despite its historical context, falls short in terms of casting, character development, and overall realism. For those seeking an authentic portrayal of the Vietnam War, it might be best to look elsewhere, such as in the works of Marine combat veterans who have experienced the conflict firsthand.

_movie_summary

The movie 'We Were Soldiers' is a war film depicting a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War. However, this review highlights several inaccuracies in the casting, character age, and overall realism of the film.

_casting_analysis

Casting of Col. Hal Moore as Mel Gibson is seen as inappropriate. Gibson's image as a refined actor conflicts with the physical and mental toughness required for the role of a combat leader.

_character_age

The character of Colonel Moore having young children is unrealistic, suggesting a generalized age of 45 to 50, which is more appropriate for a colonel in the military.

_realism_comments

Colonel Moore’s actions during the declaration of “Broken Arrow” are presented as calm and orderly, contradicting the actual conditions and stress of the situation. Similarly, his close involvement in the direct combat operations is unrealistic for a colonel who should be directing operations from a HQ.

_age_issues

The portrayal of the colonel's children as young teenagers undermines the authenticity of the film and is inconsistent with the age of a typical colonel.

_command_structure

A colonel’s role in We Were Soldiers is presented as physically commanding a platoon, which is unrealistic as the role should be from a distant HQ.

_historical_comparisons

'Platoon', 'Apocalypse Now', and 'Full Metal Jacket' provide a more authentic and true-to-life portrayal of the Vietnam War, capturing the essence of small unit combat and the harsh realities of war.

_true_to_life

These films are true to life, providing a vivid and realistic depiction of the Vietnam War, unlike 'We Were Soldiers'.