Casualties of War Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Marty McFly goes to Vietnam, witnesses some truly messed up stuff, and tries to hold his morally bankrupt platoon accountable, but PTSD says, ‘Hold my beer.’

🍿 Casualties of War: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Eriksson and the Squad

The film opens in 1974, with Max Eriksson (Michael J. Fox) on a subway, haunted by memories of his time in Vietnam. The story then flashes back to November 1966. Eriksson joins Sergeant Tony Meserve’s (Sean Penn) squad. During a Viet Cong ambush, Eriksson is trapped, and Meserve saves his life, establishing an initial bond and highlighting the dangers of their environment.

The Kidnapping of Oahn

After a fellow soldier dies, Meserve, denied leave, decides to “requisition” a local Vietnamese girl for the squad’s amusement. Against Eriksson’s protests, they kidnap Than Tai Oahn (Thuy Thu Le) from her village. This sets the stage for the film’s central conflict, showcasing the squad’s descent into moral depravity.

Rape and Moral Conflict

Oahn is brutally raped by Meserve and most of the squad while Eriksson refuses to participate. Diaz, under pressure, joins in, leaving Eriksson as the sole objector. The film explores the themes of peer pressure and the loss of humanity amidst the chaos of war. This scene is disturbing and central to the film’s message about the atrocities of war.

The Railroad Bridge and Oahn’s Murder

The squad takes Oahn to a railroad bridge, overlooking a Viet Cong supply depot. Fearing she will give them away, Meserve orders her killed. When Eriksson refuses, Clark stabs her during a firefight, and she is ultimately shot and killed by the squad. This act solidifies Eriksson’s resolve to seek justice.

The Aftermath and Pursuit of Justice

Eriksson reports the crime, facing resistance from his superiors. He is ostracized and even threatened. His persistence leads to a court-martial. The film examines the difficulty of achieving justice within a corrupt and indifferent system.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eriksson (Michael J. Fox): A moralistic soldier haunted by the atrocities he witnessed in Vietnam, struggling to bring his fellow soldiers to justice.
• Meserve (Sean Penn): The hardened sergeant who orchestrates the kidnapping and assault, embodying the brutalizing effects of war.
• Oanh (Thuy Thu Le): The innocent Vietnamese girl who becomes a victim of the soldiers’ cruelty, symbolizing the war’s devastating impact on civilians.
• Clark (Don Harvey): A ruthless and sadistic corporal who willingly participates in Meserve’s depraved acts.
• Diaz (John Leguizamo): A conflicted soldier torn between his conscience and peer pressure, ultimately succumbing to the group’s immoral actions.
• Hatcher (John C. Reilly): A somewhat reluctant soldier who follows Meserve’s orders, contributing to the horrific events.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eriksson: “Everybody’s acting like we can do anything and it don’t matter what we do. Maybe we gotta’ be extra careful because maybe it matters more than we even know.” – Eriksson expresses his concern about the squad’s increasingly reckless behavior and the potential consequences of their actions.
• Meserve: “This is the way the world is, Eriksson. You’re gonna have to get used to it.” – Meserve tries to justify their actions and desensitize Eriksson to the brutality of war.
• Lt. Reilly: “You survive the ‘Nam, you get to live forever.” – Reilly dismisses Eriksson’s concerns and emphasizes the importance of survival above all else.
• Vietnamese Girl: “Did you have a bad dream? I think it’s over now.” – Said to comfort Eriksson on the train, implying that he can find peace after the war.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $22,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,671,317
• Worldwide Gross: $18,671,317

💥 Casualties of War Reviews

Personal Review

This movie hit me hard. I remember watching it for the first time and feeling absolutely sick to my stomach. The scene where they kidnap the girl is just heart-wrenching, and it doesn’t let up from there. Michael J. Fox gives such a powerful performance, it’s a far cry from Back to the Future, but you just feel for his character. I think what made it so impactful was knowing it was based on true events, a horrible reminder of the atrocities of war. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a film that sticks with you long after it’s over.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of war dramas”
  • “Those interested in films exploring moral dilemmas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate powerful performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Rape”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing content”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “De Palma crafts a powerful and disturbing narrative, forcing viewers to confront the brutal realities of war and the moral compromises soldiers face. While the film can be difficult to watch, it serves as a vital reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of accountability.
• The New York Times: “Casualties of War is a harrowing portrayal of the Vietnam War’s devastating impact on morality and humanity. De Palma’s unflinching direction and the cast’s intense performances create a visceral experience that challenges viewers to question the nature of good and evil in times of war.
• Variety: “Brian De Palma’s ‘Casualties of War’ delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, exposing the moral decay that can occur amidst the chaos of war. The film’s graphic depiction of violence is both disturbing and thought-provoking, making it a powerful statement against the dehumanizing effects of conflict.

Audience Reactions

Thuy Thu Le’s heartbreaking performance as Oanh is unforgettable, adding immense emotional depth to the story.: The raw and unflinching depiction of war’s brutality, with stellar performances from the cast, especially Fox and Penn, leaves a lasting impact.

Michael J. Fox delivers a career-defining dramatic performance that showcases his range and talent.: The film’s exploration of morality, conscience, and the consequences of war makes it a thought-provoking and powerful viewing experience.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and disturbing war drama that explores the dark side of humanity and the moral compromises faced by soldiers in Vietnam, with unforgettable performances and unflinching direction.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a true incident that occurred in Vietnam in 1966, which was first reported in a 1969 article in ‘The New Yorker’ by Daniel Lang.”
• “To elicit genuine reactions from Michael J. Fox, Sean Penn would often taunt him on set, calling him a ‘little television actor’.”
• “Most of the film was shot in Thailand to realistically represent the Southeast Asian locations.”

🖥️ How to Watch Casualties of War?

Casualties of War is currently available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Casualties of War, you might like these similar films:

• Platoon (1986): Shares a similar Vietnam War setting and explores the moral conflicts faced by soldiers.
• Apocalypse Now (1979): Explores the descent into madness and moral decay during the Vietnam War.
• The Deer Hunter (1978): Presents a harrowing portrayal of the Vietnam War’s impact on American soldiers and their community.
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Focuses on the moral ambiguities and extreme measures taken in the pursuit of justice after a traumatic event.
• Jacob’s Ladder (1990): A psychological horror film about a Vietnam veteran struggling with his haunting past.

🛒 Casualties of War Related Products

• Vietnam War Era US Army M1 Steel Helmet with Cover and Chin Strap: Authentic replica of the helmet worn by US soldiers during the Vietnam War. Made of steel with a fabric cover and adjustable chin strap.
• Vietnam War: The Definitive Illustrated History: Comprehensive account of the Vietnam War, including political, social, and military aspects. Filled with photographs, maps, and firsthand accounts.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War: Immerse yourself in a gripping single-player campaign where players will come face-to-face with historical figures and hard truths, as they battle around the globe through iconic locales like East Berlin, Vietnam, Turkey, Soviet KGB headquarters, and more.
• Casualties of War [Blu-ray]: Experience the gripping war drama in high-definition Blu-ray format. Includes bonus features for a deeper dive into the film’s production and historical context.

🎧 Soundtrack

Casualties of War features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Ennio Morricone
• “The Rape” – performed by Ennio Morricone
• “Everybody Loves Somebody” – performed by Dean Martin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Military Historian Reviews 250 Years of Warfare in Movies | Part Two

Ever wonder how realistic war movies actually are? This military historian breaks down a scene from Casualties of War, giving you the real story behind the Vietnam War. It’s fascinating to see how the movie stacks up against actual historical events!

Stephen Baldwin on Beef with Sean Penn Getting Fired from “Casualties of War” (Part 3)

Want some juicy behind-the-scenes drama? Stephen Baldwin spills the tea on getting fired from Casualties of War and the beef he had with Sean Penn. Trust me, you won’t believe what went down!

20 Underrated War Movie Flops (#3 Nearly Tanked the Studio)

Did you know ‘Casualties of War’ is considered an underrated flop? This video dives into why some war movies, like this one, didn’t quite hit the mark. It’s interesting to see why some films become cult classics, while others get left behind!

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