We Were Soldiers
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 Ia 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."
Critics Sentiment
Moore calls Broken Arrow for emergency close air support with napalm
Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore introduced with his wife Julia and family
The film dramatically improves from the criticized home front setup (6.2) to the praised helicopter assault sequences (8.1), gaining 1.9 points as it transitions from domestic melodrama to authentic combat.
Critics found We Were Soldiers to be an authentic and viscerally powerful war film that overcomes its sentimental opening to deliver some of the most realistic and intense combat sequences ever filmed. While the home front storylines were criticized as stilted and overly emotional, the battle sequences consistently impressed reviewers with their technical authenticity and overwhelming physical intensity. The film distinguished itself from other Vietnam movies by humanizing both sides and focusing on leadership and brotherhood rather than the typical anti-war cynicism.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 87
Mel Gibson
Lt. Col. Hal Moore
Madeleine Stowe
Julie Moore
Greg Kinnear
Maj. Bruce 'Snake' Crandall
Sam Elliott
Sgt. Maj. Basil Plumley
Chris Klein
2nd Lt. Jack Geoghegan
Keri Russell
Barbara Geoghegan
Barry Pepper
Joe Galloway
Đơn Dương
Lt. Col. Nguyen Huu An
Ryan Hurst
Sgt. Ernie Savage
Robert Bagnell
1st Lt. Charlie Hastings
Marc Blucas
2nd Lt. Henry Herrick
Josh Daugherty
Sp4 Robert Ouellette
Jsu Garcia
Capt. Tony Nadal
Jon Hamm
Capt. Matt Dillon
Clark Gregg
Capt. Tom Metsker
Desmond Harrington
Sp4 Bill Beck
Blake Heron
Sp4 Galen Bungum
Erik MacArthur
Sp4 Russell Adams
Dylan Walsh
Capt. Robert Edwards
Mark McCracken
Capt. Ed 'Too Tall' Freeman
Crew
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