We Were Soldiers

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We Were Soldiers

R

2002

2h 17m

War

History

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

63%

Tomatometer

144 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Based upon the best-selling book "We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young" by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Ret.) and journalist Joseph L. Galloway, this compelling war drama depicts the true story of the first major battle between the United States and North Vietnamese forces. It is a film about uncommon valor and nobility under fire, loyalty among soldiers, and the heroism and sacrifice of men and women both home and abroad.

Critics Consensus

The war cliches are laid on a bit thick, but the movie succeeds at putting a human face on soldiers of both sides in the Vietnam War.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/29/2010

3/5

One of the most violent movies ever released.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

08/18/2008

We Were Soldiers is, ultimately, a powerful and moving experience--once it overcomes its clunky, badly written and cliched first act.

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Tim Robey

Daily Telegraph (UK)

10/19/2003

Gibson wears a rictus of distaste which seems more suggestive of dodgy on-set catering than the horrors of combat.

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Steve Crum

Crum on Showbiz

07/17/2022

A

A no-punches-pulled war movie, set in Vietnam, that will make even a ‘Nam veteran cringe at the violent realism.

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

11/06/2019

As Lt. Col. Hal Moore opined to Sgt. Major Plumley during the throes of battle, 'I wonder what Custer was thinking when he realized he'd moved his men into slaughter.' Plumley's natural reply, 'Sir, Custer was a p--.'

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

12/22/2006

B-

The war genre, vigorously energized with Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down, takes several steps backward with this old-fashioned moralistic saga, a tribute not only to the soldiers in combat in Vietnam but also to the homefront.

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Henry D

@Henry_Domke Apr 3

Incredibly intense and moving, it often felt as if you were there. At times the relentless killing was hard to take, but it seemed brutally real. Showing both sides of the battle made the film feel more credible and balanced. The high production value added to its power.

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Romas M

@Romas Mar 10

Greetings from Lithuania. When it comes to a great war movies, "We Were Soldiers" (2002) is always I think was overlooked. This is a great war film that depicts very true events about the "opening" of Vietnam war for America. It is a brutal, bloody and hard hitting in portrayal of the actual combat. The scenes that leads to Vietnam are well made but a bit to melodramatic. Also some of the ending is a bit to melodramatic in my opinion. But the combat is were this film shines and stands right there with great ones. It is very impressively stages - the editing, sound effects, cinematography, make-up, all off it shines. Mel Gibson is at center and is good in here. Overall, "We Were Soldiers" is an excellent war film in depicting combat and is based on very real events. A good movie overall.

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T S.

@TS1212 Jan 24

Great movie. Action, plot and lots of heart.

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Cody W.

@Cwalton1994 Jan 18

You can definitely tell that WE WERE SOLDIERS is perhaps one of the most violent and emotional war films in recent memory. It honors the people that risked their lives throughout the Vietnam War, and tells a very impactful story of brotherhood and sacrifice along the way.

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William C.

@wdcraven78 Dec 16

Possibly the best movie ever. I have watched it at least a dozen times and it is always moving. A great job of explaining g the Vietnam war and a classic tale of duty, honor and country.

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Jack F

@MovieFan111 Dec 8

It's a must watch if you like war movies. A little forgettable compared to the greats, but still a solid installation to the genre.

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Randall Wallace

Director

Mel Gibson

Hal Moore

Madeleine Stowe

Julie Moore

Greg Kinnear

Maj. Bruce Crandall

Sam Elliott

Sgt-Maj. Basil Plumley

Chris Klein

Lt. Jack Geoghegan

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Synopsis

Based upon the best-selling book "We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young" by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Ret.) and journalist Joseph L. Galloway, this compelling war drama depicts the true story of the first major battle between the United States and North Vietnamese forces. It is a film about uncommon valor and nobility under fire, loyalty among soldiers, and the heroism and sacrifice of men and women both home and abroad.

Director: Randall Wallace
Producer: Bruce Davey, Stephen McEveety, Randall Wallace
Screenwriter: Joe Galloway, Hal Moore, Randall Wallace
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Wheelhouse, Icon Entertainment International
Rating: R (Language|Graphic War Violence)
Genre: War, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 1, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 6, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $78.1M
Runtime: 2h 17m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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