We Were Soldiers

Synopsis: Mel Gibson and Randall Wallace, the star and writer of Braveheart, reunite for this action-packed war movie that features explosive battle sequences, thriling aerial photography and unforgettable military heroes who fought for their country, their loved ones and their freedom.

The year is 1965 and America is at war with North Vietnam. Commanding the air cavalry is Lt. Col. Hal Moore (Gibson), a born leader committed to his troops. His target: the la Drang Valley, called "The Valley of Death." As Moore prepares for one of the most violent battles in U.S. history, he delivers a stirring promise to his soldiers and their families: "I will leave no man behind...dead or alive. We will all come home together.

The heroic true story of commitment, courage and sacrifice also stars Madeleine Stowe, Greg Kinnear, Sam elliott, Chris Klein, Keri Russell and Barry Pepper.

Rating: R

Run Time: 138 Minutes

Director: Randall Wallace

Dvd Extra's: Deleted Scenes, Behind the Scenes, Commentary by Director/Writer Randall Wallace, Languages: English and French, Subtitles: English.

Nudity Factor: None

Of Note: 875,000 feet of film was shot - roughly 150 hours. It took the editing team 6 days - day and night - to watch it all.

Recommendations: Apocalypse Now

Trailers: We Were Soldiers Trailer

Review by: Jason James Rating:

Mel Gibson once again as the main character tough guy. I do have to say that there are a few scenes were he actually does not pull off the tough guy feel. This movie tells the story behind a very bloody battle that took place during the Vietnam War. As with most battles, we were trying out new tactics. By using helicopters to lift American soldiers into battle. As much as the battle was bloody, this movie is more than just about the soldiers fighting. It also shows the families back home wondering how there husbands and fathers are doing. It is about the horrors of war and the silence that follows. This movie does not seem to take a side as far as for or against it but seems to generally want to tell the story of the soldiers that fought this battle. If you judge a movie by how long it sticks with you after watching it, then it is fair to say this is pretty good as it stuck with me for a good while after watching it. As I mentioned earlier there are just some scenes in it that I felt Gibson didn't pull off though to be fair he does a great job for most of the film. His character is one of honor and puts himself at great risk to make sure no one is left behind. Overall I do enjoy this movie and think that it does a good job representing war. From the blood and guts being washed from the helicopter to the expressions of horror as a mistake was made that put friendlies in harms way. Though I was not alive during this war I can appreciate the toll it took on those that were and glad that there are films to help us to understand what they lived through.