If you love “Platoon,” this behind-the-scenes doc is a fascinating look at how Oliver Stone turned a low-budget Vietnam film into one of the greatest war movies ever made.
Thanks to Mark Zankel for recommending this one. He called it “a worthy addition,” and I have to agree.
Trailer for “Platoon: Brothers in Arms”
You Can’t Make This Sh!t Up
- Oliver Stone put the cast through a military-style boot camp before filming. They had to sleep in the jungle, carry full gear, and endure conditions similar to those faced by real soldiers in Vietnam.
- The actors say the shoot was so physically and emotionally exhausting that many of them were still talking about it decades later. Some say it changed them for life.
Watch “Platoon: Brothers in Arms”
You can watch “Platoon: Brothers in Arms” on Prime Video, Roku, Tubi, and Kanopy.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 95/100
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 96/100 (Users)
Director’s Note: Paul Sanchez directed this 89-minute documentary. Having acted in “Platoon” himself gives him unique access to the cast, making the interviews feel more like old friends swapping unforgettable stories than formal interviews.
Release Date: November 13, 2018
Other Unique Stuff
- Charlie Sheen explains how being surrounded by largely young, unknown actors created a believable platoon where nobody felt like a movie star.
- The documentary explores how “Platoon” won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and changed how Hollywood portrayed the Vietnam War.
Wrap Up:
If you love movie-making stories, this is one of the better behind-the-scenes documentaries I’ve seen.
Thanks for reading!
Heather Fenty Guest Writer, Daily Doc