It's possible that no Movie will ever beat the battle sequence at the
beginning of Saving Private Ryan. However, that battle does not last nowhere
near as long as it was battle in The Valley of the Death. Now some people argue
that violence is to graphic and prevailing, but I as somebody who was in the
civil war for a few months can tell you – that is how the war is – no
Hollywood big budget production, just bullets, grenades,flash and death.
And for me that is why this movie is so great – it catches the essence how
the war really is and why should we all fight hard to prevent any conflict.
I red the quote sometime ago ( I think it was President of Malaysia) that: It
must never be a good reason for any war and that any person who caused it should
be trialed for genocide thoroughly agree. Now going back to the movie, mixture
of emotions that happens amongst young soldiers on the field and their families
at home is emotional link that was captured well and shows that war knows no
borders.
The cast is excellent, Mel Gibson (Lt. Col. Hal Moore ) excels, Madeline
Stowe (Julie Moore) shows her greatness – acting without words can be as
powerful as anything, Greg Kinnear (Maj. Bruce ‘Snake’ Crandall) really
shows the horrors of battle with every “load” he drops off and pics up.
I also loved watching Barry Pepper (Joe Galloway) who portrayed journalist with
a heart with grace.
If there is downside to the movie that would be (nothing to do with the movie
though)incompetence of American headquarters who showed another good reason to
stay away from war.
I am also pleased that Randall Wallace (director) showed Vietnamese soldiers
in more humane light, after all they are humans and fighting on their soil.
All in all very powerful movie that captures you and does not let you to take
a breath until the very last scene with Mel and Barry that is for me the most
powerful scene of all.