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      We Were Soldiers

      R Released Mar 1, 2002 2h 17m War History Drama List
      64% Tomatometer 146 Reviews 84% Audience Score 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. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered May 29 Buy Now

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      We Were Soldiers

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      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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      Critics Reviews

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      Nell Minow Common Sense Media One of the most violent movies ever released. Rated: 3/5 Dec 29, 2010 Full Review David Ansen Newsweek We Were Soldiers is, ultimately, a powerful and moving experience--once it overcomes its clunky, badly written and cliched first act. Aug 18, 2008 Full Review Tim Robey Daily Telegraph (UK) Gibson wears a rictus of distaste which seems more suggestive of dodgy on-set catering than the horrors of combat. Oct 19, 2003 Full Review Steve Crum Crum on Showbiz A no-punches-pulled war movie, set in Vietnam, that will make even a ‘Nam veteran cringe at the violent realism. Rated: A Jul 17, 2022 Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens 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--.' Nov 6, 2019 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 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. Rated: B- Dec 22, 2006 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

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      Trevor T A great story of valor and leadership in combat. Well told with respect. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/05/24 Full Review Nathan W I rarely rave about a movie... but I'm about to. I loved this film! It did something that most war movies don't do. And that is showing the effects of conflict from all sides. The enemy, the Americans, and the families back home. Stunning visuals and masterful cinematography. There was non stop action and suspense. Sam Elliot delivered some great one liners as only he can. Mel Gibson gave a powerful and moving performance. I could go on and on. What most surprised me most was just how wholesome it felt for a movie about the Vietnam war. I don't say this lightly... One of the best war movies I've ever seen. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/01/24 Full Review Alexi F Truly thought this movie depicted a fresh way of thinking about the Vietnam War from a soldier experience and what was faced during the first major battle of the war. There were some scenes that I was left questioning whether or not if it was too Hollywood magical or if it was too added in for more of the dramatic elements. But I would recommend this to anyone considering watching something about the pre-Vietnam War leading up to the legacy it holds in the U.S. as the film goes through the interpretations we hold over Vietnam Veterans and their experience in Vietnam, especially during the early parts of the war in 1965. I will say to watch this with caution and take the rated R seriously, at first I didn't mind it, but there were a few scenes I had to turn away on, but I think that's the good thing with it being a war movie, because it shows the brutal reality of it. Another point I wanted to make is that it depicts the Northern Vietnamese through an American perspective, but addresses them as more than just the enemy and gives them a bit of character. Again I would recommend this to anyone studying the Vietnam war or even wanting to learn more about Vietnam in 1965 as it showcases what it was like being a soldier going into the combat zone. I'm just a bit picky on my war movies so that's why I think a 3.5/5 is a good rating for it, but don't be discouraged by my review to not watch it. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/29/24 Full Review Nathan T We Were Soldiers is a brilliant movie and an outstanding depiction of the fighting in the Ia Drang Valley. Was one of the best movies of 2002. Some of the characters could have been more fleshed out, which really would have elevated it to becoming a really spectacular movie, but it is a very good movie, nonetheless. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/30/24 Full Review Gerwyn M Really good movie. If you're someone who likes war movies this is a must watch. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/21/24 Full Review David R One of the best Vietnam war films ever made based on the memoir when we were young and were soldiers. Period. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/19/24 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      We Were Soldiers

      We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - They Will Think This Was Their Victory We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - They Will Think This Was Their Victory 1:08 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Valley of Death We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Valley of Death 2:05 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Fathers and Soldiers We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Fathers and Soldiers 2:12 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Napalm Air Strike We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Napalm Air Strike 1:35 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Moving Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Moving Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death 2:11 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Arriving in North Vietnam We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Arriving in North Vietnam 1:58 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - The Telegram We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - The Telegram 1:48 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - The French Foreign Legion We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - The French Foreign Legion 2:05 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Army Housewives We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Army Housewives 2:01 View more videos

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      We Were Soldiers

      Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Left to right) Madeleine Stowe as Julie Moore and Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore in 'We Were Soldiers.' Barry Pepper as Joe Galloway in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Left to right) Madeleine Stowe as Julie Moore, Luke Benward as David Moore, Taylor Momsen as Julie Moore, Sloane Momsen as Cecile Moore and Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore. Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore in 'We Were Soldiers.' Director/writer/producer Randall Wallace on the set of 'We Were Soldiers.' (Left to right) Barry Pepper as Joe Galloway and Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Left to right) Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore and Sam Elliott as Sergeant Major Basil Plumley in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Center) Mel Gibson as Hal Moore and (center right) Sam Elliott as Plumley in " We Were Soldiers." (Back left) Sam Elliott as Plumley and (front center) Mel Gibson as Hal Moore in 'We Were Soldiers.' View more photos

      Movie Info

      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
      Jim Lemley
      Screenwriter
      Joe Galloway, Hal Moore, Randall Wallace
      Distributor
      Paramount Pictures
      Production Co
      Icon Entertainment International, Wheelhouse
      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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