Platoon is a 1986 American war film written and directed by Oliver Stone. The movie is based on Stone's experiences as a U.S. infantryman in the Vietnam War and follows a U.S. Army volunteer, Chris Taylor, portrayed by Charlie Sheen, serving in Vietnam while his Platoon Sergeant, Barnes, and his Squad Leader, Elias, argue over the morality in the platoon and of the war itself. The film received critical acclaim for its directing, screenplay, cinematography, and performances, and was a box office success. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Oliver Stone.
Plot
Platoon is a 1986 American war film that follows a U.S. Army volunteer, Chris Taylor, portrayed by Charlie Sheen, serving in Vietnam while his Platoon Sergeant and his Squad Leader, played by Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe, argue over the morality in the platoon and of the war itself.
The movie is based on director Oliver Stone's experiences as a U.S. infantryman in the Vietnam War and is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the conflict.
Trailer
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Cast
Main Cast:
- Charlie Sheen - Chris Taylor
- Willem Dafoe - Sgt. Elias
- Tom Berenger - Sgt. Barnes
- Forest Whitaker - Big Harold
- Keith David - King
- Kevin Dillon - Bunny
- John C. McGinley - Sgt. O'Neill
- Reggie Johnson - Junior
- Mark Moses - Lt. Wolfe
- Corey Glover - Francis
- Johnny Depp - Lerner
Supporting Cast:
- Chris Pedersen - Crawford
- Bob Orwig - Gardner
- Corkey Ford - Manny
- David Neidorf - Tex
- Richard Edson - Sal
- Tony Todd - Warren
- Dale Dye - Captain Harris
- Paul Sanchez - Doc
Director: Oliver Stone
Writer: Oliver Stone
Box Office Gross: $138.5M
Distributor: Orion Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Genre: War, Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 1986
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2015
Themes & Reception
The film explores the themes of morality, the psychological effects of war, and the divide between good and evil. It received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Oliver Stone.
Challenges Faced During Production
The production of Platoon faced various challenges, including filming in the Philippines during a time of political unrest. The intense heat and difficult filming conditions also posed challenges for the cast and crew.
Settings, Visual Styles & Techniques
The film was shot on location in the Philippines, which provided a realistic backdrop for the Vietnam War setting. Director Oliver Stone used various visual styles and techniques to create a gritty and realistic portrayal of the war, including handheld camera work and naturalistic lighting.
Trivia & Fun Facts
- The film is based on Oliver Stone's own experiences as a soldier in the Vietnam War.
- The cast underwent an intense boot camp to prepare for their roles, which included military training and living in the jungle.
- Platoon was the first in a trilogy of Vietnam War films directed by Oliver Stone, followed by "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Heaven & Earth."
