We Were Soldiers Movie Analysis Essay

Introduction

We Were Soldiers is an American war film released in 2002. The film displays and dramatizes the Battle of la Drag, the first major battle that the US was involved in with the Vietnamese Army (Cash 1). Following its release, the film revolutionized the historical world as the author bestowed honor to the characters apolitically as well as the Vietnamese adversaries. Following the emotional and physical torment that the battle is remembered for, the film did an excellent job in creating history to the modern scholars. As noted in the film, and considering the occurrences during the battle, it portrays the characters accurately. For example, Colonel Moore is depicted as a very dedicated soldier in training. Besides, he was portrayed as a religious man. It should be noted that American society was vastly religious during this period. In this regard, it was usual for soldiers to be devoted Christians. It should also be pointed out that Moore, who had a Masters in IR, indeed led combat in Korea. In this regard, his illustration of character accurately matched him. Besides, the depiction of other characters like Bruce Crandall and Joseph Galloway as vastly experienced soldiers is accurate. It should be noted that only the best trained and experienced soldiers took part in the battle, as depicted in the movie.

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The movie We Were Soldiers attempts to portray both sides of the Indo-China conflict that was commonly referred to by the West as the 'Vietnam War.' A careful analysis of the film shows that not all historical depictions are true although most are accurate. For example, considering that the Battle of la Dang represented the first major engagement of the US and Vietnam (Cash 3), then the movie illustrates accurate happenings of the mid-19th Century. Besides, the location where the battle took place was a jungle that did not have proper means of transport. In this regard, the soldiers had to be airlifted to the battlefield. Helicopter support was, therefore, a necessity as shown in the movie. Also, the human wave strategy depicted by Colonel is accurate as it would be present in Vietnam throughout the period. However, the movie creates a false emotional flavor especially the representation of soldiers. It should be noted that the camera shots during the deaths of Americans make the audience feel compassionate towards the American soldiers. The focus on death brings the issue of "patriotic American." However, camera tricks create an impression that an American loss is of more importance to a Vietnamese. Although there were relationship problems in Vietnam, the depiction of only awful deaths and pathetic lifestyle is not entirely true.

Production of the movie displayed some items incorrectly. For example, the scene where VCs wear straw hats is quite funny and a wrong representation of Vietnamese culture. It should be noted that although straw hats were worn in Vietnam, they were mostly won by women as well as farmers for rain and sun protection, but not on the battlefield (Murdock 71). Displaying soldiers in boonie hats as well as pith helmets is inconsistent with the practices of Vietnam. Although the battle was between times when they were common, they were not worn by way battalions as part of the Vietnamese culture. It should be noted that the production of this film in 2002 had a significant impact on the final product. 2002 was barely a year after the 9/11 attacks. In this regard, the film directors tried to portray the relationship the US had with Asian countries. Although America had been attacked with massive casualties and fatalities, the film tried to show how Vietnam veterans were heroic and how the US was in control. In this regard, while the movie tries to display both sides of the war, the portrayal of Americans depicts bias.

Works Cited

Cash, John A. Seven Firefights in Vietnam. Dover Publications, 2012. Print.

Murdock, E. My Vietnam War. Los Angeles, CA: H.O.T. Press, 2013. Print.