We Were Soldiers directed by Randall Wallace is a 2002 film based on real-time events that occurred in November of the year 1965 The film transports audiences into the spectacular world of the gruesome beginnings of the Vietnam War. The French defense forces had unsuccessfully engaged in guerrilla warfare. The United States of America had a new enemy on its hands and had no idea how to handle it. At the beginning of the film, Randall introduces the audience to most of the soldiers along with their families. This tactic not only keeps the audience engaged, but also shows how much they care about them and tells the story apart. Randall conveys two significant concepts throughout the entire film. First, it illustrates how war is a powerful tool for fighting evil or enemies. Two, although it is a difficult task, Randall illustrates the loyalty that the defense forces of both sides have towards each other and how willing they are to protect each other from opposing forces. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the beginning, Mel Gibson, who plays Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, cuts a mature figure for his family. His wife Madeline Stowie is very respectful of him and the work he does in the military. Before leaving for Vietnam, Lieutenant Colonel Moore tells his troops that they are leaving for another home away from home. He also adds by saying that if they plan an inadequate mission upon arrival and execute their tactics incorrectly, they will be severely overrun by opposing forces. This to me means that they have a responsibility to take care of each other when facing the enemy in exchanges. They also have a duty to sacrifice for each other for the success of the mission. Since the home away from home is where they will fight the enemy, for some it is a rather uninteresting place to go. The soldiers say goodbye to their families and Lieutenant Colonel Moore leads his men, the 1st Battalion of the 7th Cavalry, into Death Valley. It's an emotional and brilliant scene at the same time. Emotionally captivating as tears roll down some men, not knowing that they may not come back alive. Brilliant in the sense that they are going on a mission and what we can only expect is their life on the battlefield. We Were Soldiers exemplifies the horrors of war that those forces go through. The sense of concern towards the wives also disappears, as they pray for the safe return of their strength. There's a scene where I initially don't think about whether Lieutenant Colonel Moore will survive. Then the footage on the other side shows Madeline Stowie cleaning. This creates a stark contrast to the horrific war that the Defense Forces are waging, as well as the fact that these military wives have to go about their daily schedules with no idea what is happening in Vietnam. As one continues to watch this movie, he or she simultaneously continues to have a much better knowledge and understanding of what happened during the Vietnam War. Normally you hear war stories of people who fought, far from a hint of reality. But in this case it is not just a story; you can see how these soldiers sometimes throw themselves into bullets and grenades to save their colleagues. The film is even more touching in seeing the wives of the soldiers learn of the death of their soldiers in the war, then the fact that they will then be widowed and their children orphaned makes it emotional. In this sense it would make you cry since the film is based on a true story..