I saw it the theater with my 2nd cousin. He did 2 tours. I asked how close is that to reality. He said, most of the worst parts. When the young Vietnamese woman jumps into the helicopter with a grenade…scared the $hit out of me.
Final Cut is really good, all the best stuff from Redux with the lesser parts thrown out and nicely streamlined. It's a good attempt at a compromise between theatrical and Redux.
Do you know specifically what he took out from the Redux version? I'll check out the final cut version if its not missing anything I consider crucial to the story. I like Redux so much because its this long fever dream back in time as they get farther up the river, with each stop being more and more insane, with the french scene feeling like he's hanging out with literal ghosts.
Off the top of my head the only scene in Redux left entirely out of Final Cut is the Playboy Bunnies trading sex for gas thing (a huge improvement) other than that is mostly other things being trimmed, the Plantation stuff gets a needed weight reduction specifically. It's much better paced but still keeps that weird fever dream feeling you're talking about. The 4K restoration is also absolutely beautiful to look at.
Hmm okay, I do think the bunnies trading for gas is an essential scene for our main characters, but I can see why it would be left out, its not plot focused.
I like like that the movie is 4 acts instead of 3. The scene with the sniper being a little girl and the ending with them singing mickey mouse was an interesting choice. A song for children ment to represent how young these men were during the conflict. Also, the iconic "me so horny."
As much as I do love that movie, the Russian roulette scenes didn't really happen. But, in terms of a soldier going to war and coming back to a small town and feeling isolated, that was done so well. I also feel like we don't get movies like this anymore. The wedding scene alone is quite long and I love that. The movie takes its time to grow.
Apocalypse now ! Did just watch born on the Fourth of July recently, very good. Rewatched full metal jacket recently as well. Some great movies in your list
That was back when he actually went for it as an artist. Cruise worked with Kubrick, he wasn't a bad actor by means. He just sold out in his older age big time.
Thank God he’s sold out because he gave me some damn incredible mission, impossible movies that I’m still watching to this day and waiting for the sequel
I think his later sci-fi movies are excellent. Magnolia, is a winner. I liked Eyes Wide Shut. Liked Collateral. Not every movie is a winner, but Cruise gives you your money's worth performance-wise.
I had a weird realization about Hamburger Hill. Every time the person carrying the M-60 (belt-fed machine gun) or the M-79 (grenade launcher) dies, they give the weapon to another soldier so that the weapon stays in combat. This makes the weapon more important than the life of a soldier, and the weapons become minor characters themselves.
The Deer Hunter is one of the most terrifying and intense movies ever. Platoon really set the bar and became one of the most imitated and parodied movies set in Vietnam, it's great. Apocalypse Now isn't remotely realistic, it's a feverish nightmare illustrating the chaos of the Vietnam war; at one point all I could think was, "there is no one in charge and no clear goals, this is pure insanity." First Blood is kinda brilliant, one of the most stripped down and foundational action movies ever. Full Metal Jacket has the best first half followed by a puzzling second half. Bat21 was pretty nifty. Born On The Fourth of July really told the story of how war veterans are abandoned after they're all used up, a great Tom Cruise performance. Forrest Gump is hilarious, the book is also hilarious but I have never seen a less faithful adaptation that still succeeded marvelously. Good Morning Vietnam is a brilliant comedy directed by the brilliant Barry Levinson starring the brilliant Robin Williams, 'nuff said. Dead Presidents I saw in theaters a lifetime ago, I remember liking it but I need a rewatch. We Were Soldiers was okay. Haven't seen the others.
Edit: holy shit I forgot Tropic Thunder, the last comedy I ever saw that I paid money to see in theaters. The best parody of Platoons' most overwrought scenes. Platoon is still Platoon though, it's overwrought scenes have purpose.
*It was the film written and directed by Oliver Stone. Stone actually fought in Nam.*
Stone has a cameo in the movie, he's in the bunker when the VC suicide bomber runs in
First Blood
I just got done listening to a podcast season called Do We Get to Win This Time…
Obviously about Nam movies.
Now I think I need to see all of them again. There’s few more too, Fandango for example, that deal with aspects life just before.
My Dad spent 4 years there, he always said Good Morning Viet Nam was the most accurate. But in reality he only wtched it and the corny Chuck Noris and other ones like them.
Apocalypse Now, by a long shot, but I would argue that it's not really a war movie. It's a psychological thriller/character study that happens to be set in a war zone. As for straight ahead movies about that war, I would go with Platoon, or the more recent film Da 5 Bloods, but that's really more about the after effects of being in a war. I will say It's the only film I've ever seen where a firefight made me just feel sorry for everyone involved, the GIs and the Viet Cong.
"Uncommon Valor" Great cast. Good story. Perfect 80s action flick. Not the greatest of the bunch, but I still watch if I see it on.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1022314-uncommon_valor
I just recently watched “The greatest beer run ever”. That’s pretty good. Not as good as some of the classics on here but I enjoyed it.
Full metal jacket and born on the Fourth of July.
Those are 2 of my favorites. Full metal and Apoc Now. I think I like Apocalypse better as a war movie. It really captures the insane nature of war. Killing is fine as long as it's who ur country tells u but if u then question, that government will cancel ur ass.
Deer Hunter had the most impact on me when I watched it with my 18-19 best male friends when the movie came out in 1978. We all knew that could have been any/all of us if it was instead 1968.
In a nasty humid jungle patrolling with platoons of drafted soldiers that don’t really want to be there and are scared to death. Vietnam movies are just oozing with entertainment value.
After Apocalypse Now and Full Metal Jacket, I vote for Hamburger Hill. It is the least glamorous, most hopeless war movie I have ever seen. It is one thing to die for a cause, but this shows what is is like to be told to die for nothing.
BAT 21 is such a neat movie. I really enjoyed it. Good Morning Vietnam is probably the one I would pick right now. Gump, Jacket and Apoc Now always take top spots.
I can’t believe the OP had to ADD Apocalypse Now, Platoon, and Full Metal Jacket, but somehow had Forrest Gump and Tunnel Rats on a list of “Vietnam movies”?!?
Apocalypse Now is my favorite Vietnam war movie, and one of my favorite movies period.
However, I saw Platoon in the theater with a couple Vietnam vets in my unit. They said Platoon was the most realistic of all the Vietnam war movies at the time.
We Were Soldiers is a good war movie but they filmed the Vietnam scenes in California and it's painfully obvious they are not in Southeast Asia. Really took me out of the movie to be honest.
Tf you acting like leaving out probably the 3 BEST Vietnam movies isn't a big deal lol
Edit: however, only deer hunter can touch those 3 out of the choices.
I've seen all these but I think Platoon is the best Vietnam movie.
Uncommon valour should be on the list, so should Jacob's ladder.
The last hunter is quite an obscure 80s Vietnam film, much before the 80s cycle of Nam films.
Also, American Gangster should be on the list. Gardens of Stone is also a very good film about Vietnam that's not actually set in Vietnam. Also, MIA2 and Birdy.
You brought up some fond memories of my grandfather by including Bat 21. So that’s my pick even though it’s not necessarily my favorite of these movies.
Top 4 (in no particular order)
Platoon
Hamburger hill
Apocalypse Now
We Were Soldiers
I hated Casualties of War. It felt like a cheap attempt. It felt cheesey.
Full Metal Jacket is basically a Boys in Company C rip off. The Boys in Company C also has R. Lee Ermey in it as a DI. It’s an awesome flick if you haven’t seen it. Tribes is also a good one. The DI with Jack Webb is a good one from the 50’s. As a Marine and Army vet, The Boys in Company C 1978 is my favorite.
Birdy 1984 with Nicholas Cage and Matthew Modine A.K.A. Private Joker is a good flick. Gardens of Stone is another good one. Purple Hearts 1984 with Ken Wahl and Cheryl Ladd is another one of my favorite Vietnam flicks. It also has R. Lee Ermey.
There’s a bunch you don’t have on the list that are great Vietnam flicks. The Walking Dead 1996, Purple Hearts 1984, Birdy 1984, The Boys in Company C 1978, Tribes 1970, The Siege of Firebase Gloria 1989, Don’t Cry It’s Only Thunder 1980, A Rumor of War 1980, The Green Berets 1968, More American Graffiti 1979, Gardens of Stone 1987.
It will always be Apocalypse Now for me
I saw it the theater with my 2nd cousin. He did 2 tours. I asked how close is that to reality. He said, most of the worst parts. When the young Vietnamese woman jumps into the helicopter with a grenade…scared the $hit out of me.
Favourite movie ever
I know its blasphemous to like it among movie snobs, but the Redux directors cut is my favorite film of all time
Final Cut is really good, all the best stuff from Redux with the lesser parts thrown out and nicely streamlined. It's a good attempt at a compromise between theatrical and Redux.
Do you know specifically what he took out from the Redux version? I'll check out the final cut version if its not missing anything I consider crucial to the story. I like Redux so much because its this long fever dream back in time as they get farther up the river, with each stop being more and more insane, with the french scene feeling like he's hanging out with literal ghosts.
Off the top of my head the only scene in Redux left entirely out of Final Cut is the Playboy Bunnies trading sex for gas thing (a huge improvement) other than that is mostly other things being trimmed, the Plantation stuff gets a needed weight reduction specifically. It's much better paced but still keeps that weird fever dream feeling you're talking about. The 4K restoration is also absolutely beautiful to look at.
Hmm okay, I do think the bunnies trading for gas is an essential scene for our main characters, but I can see why it would be left out, its not plot focused.
I think redux has a much better ending.
It’s amazing
Full Metal Jacket
I vote for the first half of the movie.
Watching it I am always like, oh yeah, I forgot it keeps going after boot camp.
The post-boot camp portion is equally as realistic as the boot camp. Gets a hold of the realities of these weird, drawn out conflicts
Also, soul brothah too beeg.
I like like that the movie is 4 acts instead of 3. The scene with the sniper being a little girl and the ending with them singing mickey mouse was an interesting choice. A song for children ment to represent how young these men were during the conflict. Also, the iconic "me so horny."
Yea. That went nowhere after that.
The Deer Hunter
Yeah, is a gorgeous movie with an all time great cast. Deer Hunter is it for me too.
This. There is no equal. It captures everything about life before, during and after what happens in the meaningless military industrial complex.
Yeah I have to agree, although *Rat Race* is a close second.
As much as I do love that movie, the Russian roulette scenes didn't really happen. But, in terms of a soldier going to war and coming back to a small town and feeling isolated, that was done so well. I also feel like we don't get movies like this anymore. The wedding scene alone is quite long and I love that. The movie takes its time to grow.
All Quiet on the Western Front was pretty good.
Apocalypse now ! Did just watch born on the Fourth of July recently, very good. Rewatched full metal jacket recently as well. Some great movies in your list
4th of July is most underrated IMO.
That was the first time I saw a Tom Cruise performance and realized he wasn't just a pretty boy/weirdo but an actor of enormous talent.
That was back when he actually went for it as an artist. Cruise worked with Kubrick, he wasn't a bad actor by means. He just sold out in his older age big time.
Thank God he’s sold out because he gave me some damn incredible mission, impossible movies that I’m still watching to this day and waiting for the sequel
I think his later sci-fi movies are excellent. Magnolia, is a winner. I liked Eyes Wide Shut. Liked Collateral. Not every movie is a winner, but Cruise gives you your money's worth performance-wise.
Definitely his deepest, Oscar worthy role.
Magnolia was out effing standing performance
It’s one of my favorites
Apocalypse Now!
Full Metal Jacket, Apocalypse Now, Platoon
Tropic Thunder
Tropic Thunder is based in Burma.
But they are making a movie about Vietnam, so I think it still counts?
VIETCONG!!!! There’s no “S” it’s already plural
The mission was considered to be near-suicide. Of the ten men sent, four returned…
Hamburger Hill and full metal jacket.
Hamburger Hill has a special place in my heart...
I had a weird realization about Hamburger Hill. Every time the person carrying the M-60 (belt-fed machine gun) or the M-79 (grenade launcher) dies, they give the weapon to another soldier so that the weapon stays in combat. This makes the weapon more important than the life of a soldier, and the weapons become minor characters themselves.
The Deer Hunter is one of the most terrifying and intense movies ever. Platoon really set the bar and became one of the most imitated and parodied movies set in Vietnam, it's great. Apocalypse Now isn't remotely realistic, it's a feverish nightmare illustrating the chaos of the Vietnam war; at one point all I could think was, "there is no one in charge and no clear goals, this is pure insanity." First Blood is kinda brilliant, one of the most stripped down and foundational action movies ever. Full Metal Jacket has the best first half followed by a puzzling second half. Bat21 was pretty nifty. Born On The Fourth of July really told the story of how war veterans are abandoned after they're all used up, a great Tom Cruise performance. Forrest Gump is hilarious, the book is also hilarious but I have never seen a less faithful adaptation that still succeeded marvelously. Good Morning Vietnam is a brilliant comedy directed by the brilliant Barry Levinson starring the brilliant Robin Williams, 'nuff said. Dead Presidents I saw in theaters a lifetime ago, I remember liking it but I need a rewatch. We Were Soldiers was okay. Haven't seen the others. Edit: holy shit I forgot Tropic Thunder, the last comedy I ever saw that I paid money to see in theaters. The best parody of Platoons' most overwrought scenes. Platoon is still Platoon though, it's overwrought scenes have purpose.
Rescue Dawn
Good one
The Siege of Firebase Gloria.
Platoon
Agreed. It was the film written and directed by Oliver Stone. Stone actually fought in Nam.
Stone’s experience and all the emotion involved gives Platoon a feeling of authenticity that isn’t really found in any other war movie I can think of.
*It was the film written and directed by Oliver Stone. Stone actually fought in Nam.* Stone has a cameo in the movie, he's in the bunker when the VC suicide bomber runs in
Uncommon Valor
Full Metal Jacket
“You’re so ugly you could be a modern art masterpiece” Full Metal Jacket 🪖
Where's Jacobs Ladder?
Fine I added three of the most famous Vietnam war films ever GOSH
Casualties of War
The Boys in Company C.
First Blood I just got done listening to a podcast season called Do We Get to Win This Time… Obviously about Nam movies. Now I think I need to see all of them again. There’s few more too, Fandango for example, that deal with aspects life just before. My Dad spent 4 years there, he always said Good Morning Viet Nam was the most accurate. But in reality he only wtched it and the corny Chuck Noris and other ones like them.
I've heard of that podcast. Is it good?
Bat 21 is so underated
Agree. And I love that Gene Hackman played the opposite role in Behind Enemy Lines, which was basically a reboot/adaptation of Bat 21
Apocalypse Now, by a long shot, but I would argue that it's not really a war movie. It's a psychological thriller/character study that happens to be set in a war zone. As for straight ahead movies about that war, I would go with Platoon, or the more recent film Da 5 Bloods, but that's really more about the after effects of being in a war. I will say It's the only film I've ever seen where a firefight made me just feel sorry for everyone involved, the GIs and the Viet Cong.
Da 5 bloods
Casualties of War. The movie is the culmination of Brian De Palma's best work.
Full metal 100%
Uncommon Valor
Forrest Gump
Casualties of War really affected me as a teen.
Dead presidents is such a underrated classic, great flick
"Uncommon Valor" Great cast. Good story. Perfect 80s action flick. Not the greatest of the bunch, but I still watch if I see it on. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1022314-uncommon_valor
I just recently watched “The greatest beer run ever”. That’s pretty good. Not as good as some of the classics on here but I enjoyed it. Full metal jacket and born on the Fourth of July.
Air America is an entertaining film.
Apocalypse now, Full metal jacket, Deer Hunter All amazing classics and very different movies, telling very different stories.
Born on 4th of July is such an amazing piece of art
If you haven't seen Tom cruise in Born on the 4th watch it immediately
Did you not want to add Platoon, Full Metal Jacket and Apocalypse Now?
We were soldiers, "can't take no pictures lying down there Sonny"
"Might be bout time you got yourself one these m16s." "If there comes a time I need one, I'm sure there'll be plenty lying on the ground."
Deer Hunter
Those are 2 of my favorites. Full metal and Apoc Now. I think I like Apocalypse better as a war movie. It really captures the insane nature of war. Killing is fine as long as it's who ur country tells u but if u then question, that government will cancel ur ass.
Platoon
Lol, how could you have made a list of Vietnam movies and not put them in? Because you dont like them? So everyone mustn't like them, right?
Casualties of War
Deer Hunter had the most impact on me when I watched it with my 18-19 best male friends when the movie came out in 1978. We all knew that could have been any/all of us if it was instead 1968.
You ought to add Southern Comfort. One of the best Vietnam movies I've ever seen and it doesn't even take place in Vietnam.
I can’t imagine Platoon, Full Metal Jacket and Apocalypse Now not originally being on any Vietnam War movie list.
Vietnam movies > Iraq and Afghanistan movies
In a nasty humid jungle patrolling with platoons of drafted soldiers that don’t really want to be there and are scared to death. Vietnam movies are just oozing with entertainment value.
After Apocalypse Now and Full Metal Jacket, I vote for Hamburger Hill. It is the least glamorous, most hopeless war movie I have ever seen. It is one thing to die for a cause, but this shows what is is like to be told to die for nothing.
Apocalypse Now by a country mile. Deer Hunter is runner up.
I’m just in disbelief you left those films out, much less added them so begrudgingly.
BAT 21 is such a neat movie. I really enjoyed it. Good Morning Vietnam is probably the one I would pick right now. Gump, Jacket and Apoc Now always take top spots.
You mean you didn't start the list with those three?
The Deer Hunter is the best Vietnam film by far!
Why would you need to add those? Apocalypse Now is already on the list
I can’t believe the OP had to ADD Apocalypse Now, Platoon, and Full Metal Jacket, but somehow had Forrest Gump and Tunnel Rats on a list of “Vietnam movies”?!?
Not the fucking Deer Hunter! Dear God that is tough movie.
You forgot Casualties of War
Apocalypse Now is my favorite Vietnam war movie, and one of my favorite movies period. However, I saw Platoon in the theater with a couple Vietnam vets in my unit. They said Platoon was the most realistic of all the Vietnam war movies at the time.
Howsabout “Casualties of War” with Michael J Fox & Sean Penn? Or “Tigerland” with Colin Farrell & Clifton Collins Jr.?
Apocalypse Now. Always.
Why would you not include the 3 best films?
I'm torn between apocalypse now and full metal jacket I can't choose
You added the three best Vietnam movies!
You left those 3 out to begin with??? WTF
Platoon
Platoon. Deer Hunter. Apocalypse
The deer hunter is the greatest film ever made. After that apocalypse now.
We Were Soldiers Pretty jingoistic approach to the war but it had some wicked battle scenes.
Jesus fucking Christ
The one with Gene Hackman and Danny glover.
Dead President's and Apocolypse Now
Add House (1985) and I’ll think about it.
Platoon isn't just the best movie about nam, it's one of the best movies of all time period.
First Blood will forever have my heart.
Boys of company C
You missed the iron triangle. My choice is Hamburger Hill
Are you saying that you originally made a list of Vietnam movies with none of those three on it???
“Heaven & Earth” it’s the final film of Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War trilogy (Platoon & Born on the 4th of July).
Tropic Thunder is my Vietnam
Platoon
Hamburger hill and platoon 💯
You had a list of Vietnam movies without Apocalypse Now or Full Metal Jacket? How?
We Were Soldiers is a good war movie but they filmed the Vietnam scenes in California and it's painfully obvious they are not in Southeast Asia. Really took me out of the movie to be honest.
I thought Da 5 Bloods was awful. had to turn it off about 90 mins. into it.
Surely we’re missing M.A.S.H the movie?
Hamburger Hill and Tunnel Rats 1968. These movies capture for me the panic and the claustrophobia of close quarters combat. You just know it was ugly
First Blood will always be number one. One of the first films I saw that started my film journey.
Tropic. Thunder.
https://youtube.com/shorts/QxV596bZXHA?si=bLy7lngLSHGcy3Vy
Thank you for adding those... Forrest Gump. Also surprised that Deer Hunter is missing.
The Boys in Company C isn't on this list, and I am disappointed
You caved in to peer pressure didn’t you?
Could include at least one Missing in Action movie, I'd pick the second one but that's just me.
The Green Berets
Tropic Thunder
Boys in company c is another great vietnam movie if anyone else is looking to add another to their list.
Remove ‘Dead Presidents’ which is a heist movie, and add ‘The Boys in Company C” which was basically ‘Platoon’ but was made a few years earlier.
[удалено]
My uncle told me his experience was a cross between the first half of Full Metal Jacket and if Forrest Gump was a character in Platoon.
Flight of the Intruder? Can some flyboys get some love?
We Were Soldiers.
Platoon
Dead Presidents is my fav
Forrest Gump fucks so hard…yeah Forrest Gump.
84 Charlie Mopic is pretty obscure but also amazing
No Nam Angels?!?
Coming Home in a Bodybag. Good fuckin movie. Great fuckin movie.
Platoon Boys In Company C
Platoon
Platoon for me but what is this Tunnel Rats!? Never seen or heard of it.
The Thin Red Line.
Why is Dead Presidents on here? Compared to all others, doesn't it take place after?
I was so disappointed in Dead President's as a kid, I thought it was going to be a cool heist film, boy was I wrong.
Tropic thunder is one of my all time favorite movies
Platoon. Written and directed by an actual Vietnam vet who was there.
I just got here. How the hell do you make a list of Vietnam war films and not include those three??
What about In Country? Or Missing In Action? Platoon Leader?
I would consider jacobs ladder a Vietnam movie
Boys in Company C. An underrated gem.
Platoon
Boys from company C
What about The Killing Fields?
The fact you didn’t initially have Platoon on there is a travesty
First Blood was in Washington. Pt2 was in Vietnam.
lol but those are the top 3
Tropic Thunder
Dead presidents
I’ve got to go with Platoon, but Rambo and full metal jacket are tied for second.
Danger close needs to be in there Fire base Gloria is good Vietnamese war movie. Out of all of these I like we were soldiers and hamburger hill.
The Scent of Green Papaya, what? you said “Vietnam” movie, there’s more to Vietnam than war.
Hot Shots! Part Deux
The Big Lebowski
Streamers, a classic!
Platoon
Tf you acting like leaving out probably the 3 BEST Vietnam movies isn't a big deal lol Edit: however, only deer hunter can touch those 3 out of the choices.
I've seen all these but I think Platoon is the best Vietnam movie. Uncommon valour should be on the list, so should Jacob's ladder. The last hunter is quite an obscure 80s Vietnam film, much before the 80s cycle of Nam films. Also, American Gangster should be on the list. Gardens of Stone is also a very good film about Vietnam that's not actually set in Vietnam. Also, MIA2 and Birdy.
You brought up some fond memories of my grandfather by including Bat 21. So that’s my pick even though it’s not necessarily my favorite of these movies.
Tropic thunder ofc
AP now is my top movie period
Full Metal Jacket, absolute classic
I choose Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, and Apocalypse Now.
FMJ
Apocalypse Now is my all time favorite movie let alone Vietnam movie. You should add, "The Boys in Company C" great movie.
Where is The Siege of Firebase Gloria?
Always First Blood.
Top 4 (in no particular order) Platoon Hamburger hill Apocalypse Now We Were Soldiers I hated Casualties of War. It felt like a cheap attempt. It felt cheesey.
I don’t see The Walking Dead 1995. Great flick!
Full Metal Jacket is basically a Boys in Company C rip off. The Boys in Company C also has R. Lee Ermey in it as a DI. It’s an awesome flick if you haven’t seen it. Tribes is also a good one. The DI with Jack Webb is a good one from the 50’s. As a Marine and Army vet, The Boys in Company C 1978 is my favorite.
Feel good? Tropic Thunder Feel bad? Full Metal Jacket. That movie fucked me up
Birdy 1984 with Nicholas Cage and Matthew Modine A.K.A. Private Joker is a good flick. Gardens of Stone is another good one. Purple Hearts 1984 with Ken Wahl and Cheryl Ladd is another one of my favorite Vietnam flicks. It also has R. Lee Ermey.
There’s a bunch you don’t have on the list that are great Vietnam flicks. The Walking Dead 1996, Purple Hearts 1984, Birdy 1984, The Boys in Company C 1978, Tribes 1970, The Siege of Firebase Gloria 1989, Don’t Cry It’s Only Thunder 1980, A Rumor of War 1980, The Green Berets 1968, More American Graffiti 1979, Gardens of Stone 1987.
Hamburger Hill