How accurate are Vietnam films?

Are films about the Vietnam war accurate? Films like Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, etc. are the kind of movies I am referring to here; how historically accurate are they, and to any Vietnam vets out there willing to reply, are they real or just hollywood?

 

A few years ago I had dinner with a man who led a platoon in Vietnam during the late 1960s, and had seen severe action at 'the sharp end'.

I asked him exactly this question, and he replied that the one film which seemed 'real' to him was, indeed, 'Platoon'.

 

I remember when Platoon first came out. Supposedly, Vets that went to see it had to be escorted out as they were visibly shaken. A sign of how realistic the movie was.

 

I have talked to some Viet Nam vets and I don't think film captures the despair many felt at being away from home for a year and the amount of corruption that was in the country.
One person had just gotton married and was sent over and he came back to a person that was a stranger to him. Anouther hoped his parents would die so he could go home. He knew anouther man's parents had been killed and got to go home.
Anouther Air Force Sgt. said house hold items were hard to get on base but if you went out side the gate you could buy anything you wanted. When he carried South Viet Nam troops on his C-123 he always carried a .45 because he did not trust them. After the troops got off the aircraft he always looked under seats to check for boobie traps.

I would think 'Apocalypse Now' would be a good Viet Nam movie also. The Sgt on the C-123 said he went over Laos and Cambodia all the time.

 

I recommend charlie Mopic (1984) it's a quite realistic film that is shot in a reportage way.

 

Platoon is the best so far.

 

"Apocalypse now" is too far fetched in my opinion even if I enjoyed watching it as a fiction movie.

 

This is like asking how accurate Star Trek is.

 

Some of each, all of none.
Charlie Mopic is a fair one, that TV series was heralded by Vets I know, friends, neighbors, classmates, other service acquaintances (parties & the like).
...but as was said --Platoon-- got the most votes. (from the 9th ID, 1st Air Cav, 101 Airborne, Marines, and the Air Force ones I know/knew). Many are past now.

Some have/had good memories of questionable (use your imagination) times/behaviors, if but few. Maybe to block out the grief. Some/more than some, lost friends...most lost their innocence.

If it was real, you'd be bored to death, sick, miserable, scared, tired, cheated, used, feel hopeless, depressed, homesick (until you got home), confused etc..

They're movies and project more than there was so you'll watch.

Entertainment

 

I am related to quite a few veterans and they don't beleive platoon is that good they think its got a bit of basicness but doesn't capture the feelings. My uncle says Apocalypse now (minus the crazy story line) Captures the war in the mekong very good the discorodination lack of care and intense waiting game, as far as other movies they like they said We were soldiers, Casualties of war, Hamburger hill, and a few others that I can't really remeber at this time.

 

Anouther person from Texas with great wisdom ! Welcome to the forums, we need all the Texans we can get to keep those "other people" stright.

 

The best movies are the biggest farces, the this time we win (Siskel & Ebert)
Missing in Action
Uncommon Valor
Rambo

 

I have heard from a couple of Vietnam Vets ( used to be neighbors ) that Hamburger Hill was quite accurate.... One of them actually fought in that battle.

 

When talking reality vs. Hollywood there is one major thing to remember. They are trying to keep you entertained! they will commonly alter little details to make the story more riveting