Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A company of Aussie soldiers gets sent to a rubber plantation and accidentally starts a massive firefight, proving that even trees can’t provide enough cover from bad decisions.

🍿 Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Mortar Attack and Delta Company’s Deployment

The film opens with a Viet Cong mortar attack on the 1st Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat. Major Harry Smith, the leader of Delta Company, is portrayed as a disciplined officer frustrated by the lax attitude of some of his men. He requests a transfer, feeling his skills are wasted on conscripts. Following the attack, Delta Company volunteers to investigate the Long Tân rubber plantation, suspected as the source of the mortar fire. They are sent in to relieve Bravo Company, missing a concert by Australian musicians. As they move through the plantation, they find fresh tracks, indicating a recent enemy presence.

Contact and Escalation of the Battle

11 Platoon, led by Second Lieutenant Gordon Sharp, makes initial contact with a small Viet Cong patrol. This quickly escalates into a fierce firefight. 11 Platoon comes under heavy machine gun fire, prompting Major Smith to send 10 Platoon as reinforcement. However, 10 Platoon encounters their own enemy force and is unable to provide immediate support. As 11 Platoon penetrates deeper into the plantation, they become increasingly isolated and are soon under heavy attack by a much larger enemy force. They call in artillery support, dangerously close to their own position, in an attempt to hold back the overwhelming enemy.

Desperate Measures and a Plea for Reinforcements

With 11 Platoon facing imminent overrun, Sergeant Bob Buick requests artillery fire directly on their position as a last resort. Major Smith reluctantly agrees, a decision that deeply affects his men. Meanwhile, back at Nui Dat, Brigadier Jackson hesitates to commit reinforcements, fearing another attack on the base itself. Low on ammunition and under a monsoon, Major Smith pleads for a helicopter resupply. Despite the risks, two RAAF pilots volunteer to fly in under heavy fire, delivering vital supplies to Delta Company.

The Rescue Mission and Final Assault

Resupplied but still heavily outnumbered, Major Smith organizes a rescue mission for the survivors of 11 Platoon. Against all odds, they reach 11’s position and find remaining soldiers alive. News of the survivors galvanizes the base. Under pressure from Lieutenant Colonel Townsend, Brigadier Jackson finally agrees to send in Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to rescue Delta Company. With the arrival of the APCs, the PAVN soldiers are forced to withdraw, marking a hard-fought victory for the Australians and New Zealanders.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Major Harry Smith (Travis Fimmel): The battle-hardened Major leads his inexperienced company against overwhelming odds in the Battle of Long Tan.
• Private Paul Large (Daniel Webber): A young, inexperienced conscript who faces the brutal realities of war during the Battle of Long Tan.
• Warrant Officer Class 2 Jack Kirby (Alexander England): A seasoned Warrant Officer who provides experience and support to Major Smith’s command.
• Sergeant Bob Buick (Luke Bracey): A Sergeant leading 11 Platoon who shows courage in requesting artillery on his own position.
• Brigadier David Jackson (Richard Roxburgh): The hesitant Brigadier who initially refuses to send reinforcements, creating conflict within the command structure.
• Lieutenant Colonel Colin Townsend (Anthony Hayes): An artillery unit commander, standing up to Jackson to take the fight to the enemy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Major Harry Smith: “There’s a thousand ways to die in a war zone.” – Reflects the harsh realities and constant dangers faced by soldiers in Vietnam.
• Sergeant Bob Buick: “If we don’t risk anything, we risk even more.” – Said by sergeant Buick when smoke gernades that would locate them for air support failed, suggesting a desperate measure.

💰Box Office

• Budget: A$24,000,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $2,092,198

💥 Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan Reviews

Personal Review

As an Australian, watching Danger Close was a powerful experience. I was on the edge of my seat during the battle scenes, and I felt a deep connection to the characters. The film really captured the mateship and resilience of the ANZAC soldiers. The sound during the shelling felt like the explosions were really happening around me. It made me really proud.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of war films”
  • “Those interested in Australian and New Zealand military history”
  • “Viewers who appreciate intense action sequences”
  • “People interested in the Vietnam War”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense war violence and combat scenes”
  • “Graphic depictions of injuries and death”
  • “Strong language”
  • “May be disturbing for viewers sensitive to war-related content”

Professional Reviews

• Film Fanatic Weekly: “Danger Close delivers visceral combat sequences that plunge you into the chaos of Long Tan. While character development is somewhat thin, the film excels in recreating the intensity and brutality of the battle. Fimmel shines as Major Smith, portraying a leader tested to his limits. A gripping and respectful tribute to the ANZAC soldiers.
• History Buff’s Cinema: “While liberties are taken for dramatic effect, Danger Close captures the essence of the Battle of Long Tan with impressive accuracy. The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of the strategic challenges and the courage displayed by the soldiers. The sound design is particularly noteworthy, creating a truly immersive experience.
• Action Flick Central: “If you’re looking for realistic war action, ‘Danger Close’ delivers. The battle sequences are intense and well-choreographed. Though the story follows a familiar war movie trope, the performances are strong, and the film is a fitting tribute to the ANZAC soldiers. The special effects are seamless.

Audience Reactions

The action sequences were incredibly realistic and intense, making you feel like you were right there in the middle of the battle.: Viewers lauded the film’s accurate portrayal of combat, the strong performances of the cast, and the respect it paid to the ANZAC soldiers.

The sound design was phenomenal; it made the battle feel incredibly immersive and terrifying.: Many praised the realistic depiction of the conditions and the sheer terror.

Overall Consensus: Danger Close is a gripping war film that effectively portrays the Battle of Long Tan, honoring the courage and sacrifice of the ANZAC soldiers. While some critics note a lack of character depth, the film’s intense action and immersive sound design make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the war genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot on location in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia, utilizing the region’s landscape to simulate the Vietnamese rubber plantation.”
• “To ensure authenticity, the filmmakers consulted with veterans of the Battle of Long Tan, incorporating their experiences and insights into the script and production design.”
• “The film highlights the close collaboration between Australian and New Zealand forces, reflecting the historical ANZAC bond.”

🖥️ How to Watch Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan?

As of October 2024, ‘Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing. Some streaming services may offer it as part of a subscription with add-ons, while others provide a direct purchase option.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan, you might like these similar films:

• We Were Soldiers (2002): A depiction of the Vietnam War, focusing on the experiences of soldiers in a major battle.
• The Odd Angry Shot (1979): An earlier Australian film about the Vietnam War, offering a different perspective on the conflict.
• Black Hawk Down (2001): Depicts a intense, localized battle with soldiers facing overwhelming odds.

🛒 Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan Related Products

• Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan (Blu-ray): Own the action-packed story of courage and sacrifice on Blu-ray. Experience the stunning visuals and immersive sound in the highest quality, with bonus features including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan – Limited Edition Commemorative Coin: A limited-edition commemorative coin honoring the ANZAC soldiers of the Battle of Long Tan. This meticulously crafted coin features intricate detailing and comes with a certificate of authenticity, making it a valuable addition to any military history collection.
• Danger Close: Long Tan – Tactical Board Game: Engage in strategic warfare with this tactical board game based on the Battle of Long Tan. Command your forces and recreate the historical battle with realistic miniatures and challenging gameplay.
• Danger Close: Battle of Long Tan T-Shirt: Show your support with an official Danger Close T-shirt. Available in various sizes, this comfortable and stylish tee features the movie logo and pays tribute to the ANZAC soldiers.

🎧 Soundtrack

Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Caitlin Yeo
• “Going In” – performed by Caitlin Yeo
• “Long Tan” – performed by Caitlin Yeo

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

M60 Machine Gun – In the Movies

Ever wonder about that powerful machine gun you saw in ‘Danger Close’? This video breaks down the M60’s history in movies, and it’s actually way more iconic than I realized – you’ve definitely seen it before!

Historical Detail in DANGER CLOSE: Depiction of World’s First Assault Rifle – #shorts #short

Did you know that ‘Danger Close’ features a pretty significant piece of weapon history? This short video dives into how the movie depicts the world’s first assault rifle. It’s a cool little detail I totally missed!

Aussies In Vietnam: The Battle at Long Tan

Want to really understand the story behind ‘Danger Close’? This video gives you the historical breakdown of the actual Battle of Long Tan. Honestly, the odds they faced were even more insane than the movie shows.

Australia’s Vietnam War – Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan (2019) Review

Curious to know if ‘Danger Close’ is worth the watch? This review breaks down what the movie gets right and what it doesn’t. I’d recommend you watch this before watching the movie to help you catch small details.

✨ Rate