Vietnam: Films: The Best Films on Vietnam

The Best Films on Vietnam

Apocalpyse Now, Francis Ford Coppola, 1979. Based on Vietnam vet Michael Herr’s screenplay, this film starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando and Robert Duvall captures the horror and chaos of the American’s war in Vietnam and has been compared to a modern version of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. It won the Oscar and Palme d’Or at Cannes and remains a classic for good reason.

Born on the Fourth of July, Oliver Stone, 1989. The epic adaptation of the true story of Ron Kovic’s experience in Vietnam and his return home in a wheelchair. With possibly the best performance of Tom Cruise’s career, the film won the Oscars for Best Director and Film Editing.

Deer Hunter, Michael Cimino, 1978. Winner of five Academy Awards, this film, which stars Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep, examines the ravages of war and its lingering impact on its veterans and those they go home to.

Full Metal Jacket, Stanley Kubrick, 1987. A haunting examination of the madness that descended on young soldiers sent to Vietnam and all of its gory consequences.

Platoon, Oliver Stone, 1986. Charlie Sheen (whose father Martin played in Apocalpse Now) stars with Tom Berenger and Kevin Dillon in this film that was based on Stone’s own experiences in Vietnam. It won the Oscar for Best Picture.