WE WERE SOLDIERS

I’ll have to admit that I’m a big fan of “BRAVEHEART.” And while there were some flaws in it that came close to threatening it as a whole, it was still a great film.  Because of its impact, I waited with great anticipation for writer Randal Wallace’s directorial debut, “MAN IN THE IRON MASK.”  I figured with him doing the screenplay “and” direction, it would probably be great, or at least very good.  It was pure crap, and really made me question how much faith I had in Wallace as a director. That faith has been restored with “WE WERE SOLDIERS.” 

Mel Gibson stars in a role that’s just perfect for him. After seeing him play Lt. Col. Hal Moore, it’s impossible to imagine someone else in the role. I think “that” kind of reflection is what demonstrates an “OSCAR worthy” performance!  Wallace’s adaptation of the similarly titled novel, “WE WERE SOLDIERS AND YOUNG,” may tug a bit too heavy-handedly in the first act, but manages to pull everything together shortly thereafter for an engaging and, at times, even monumental, achievement in film!  How long has it been since there’s been a great film about the Viet-Nam War? Platoon? That was back in 1986! It’s been 17 years!  Well, the best film in 17 years about the Viet-Nam war is “WE WERE SOLDIERS,” and it deserves to be seen! 

Moore is the kind of man who breathes leadership qualities through every pore!  When he tells his men that he’ll “leave no man behind,” he’s serious!  While some may find Wallace’s imagery heavy-handed(We view Wallace’s foot being the last foot off of the ground following a battle), it’s effective! It may be corny, but it’s corny in a patriotic “Capra-esque” kind of way that’s been missing for far too long! 

While the film speaks to the issue of war, in general, it focuses on one particular battle, the first major one at the beginning of the Viet-Nam war. The entire cast is terrific, and Greg Kinnear is sensational as a helicopter pilot willing to take great risks to save his fellow soldiers.

Wallace’s “other” story detailing the courage of the soldier’s wives back home, is equally compelling, and effective.  I think this is Madeline Stowe’s best work! 

PARAMOUNT has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  It’s a terrific transfer. While there are some scenes which appear more vibrant than others do, it’s intentional.  Contrast is excellent, offering extremely deep blacks and grays, allowing for great clarity in darker scenes.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout. 

PARAMOUNT has provided a Dolby Digital 5.1(EX) mix for this release!  The mix is extremely aggressive, with effective pans through all speakers during battle sequences, and for ambient effects.  The musical score is excellent and complimented throughout all speakers, and dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion, even within multi-layered effects.  

Writer/Director Randall Wallace provides a running commentary that’s terrific on every level. He’s a great speaker! He offers insight into the filmmaking process, touching upon the creative as well as technical aspects of it.  Unlike many commentaries, it never feels forced.

A documentary, “GETTING IT RIGHT,” offers fans a chance to see the real Hal Moore, along wit Wallace, Gibson and others, as they discuss the story, as well as some of the production background.

There is also a “deleted scenes” segment, with the choice of optional commentary from Wallace.   Unlike many “deleted scenes” segments, there are a few here we wish would’ve been left in, but Wallace gives good reason for his selection to remove them.