Product Description

Hailed by critics as a masterpiece CASUALTIES OF WAR is based on the true story of a squad of soldiers caught in the moral quagmire of wartime Vietnam. Witness to a vile crime Private Eriksson (Michael J. Fox TV's Spin City) is forced to stand alone against his fellow soldiers and commanding officer Sergeant Meserve (Sean Penn Dead Man Walking) a powerful and charismatic man pushed over the edge of barbarism by the terror and brutality of combat. With sweeping scope action and raw power master filmmaker Brian DePalma (The Untouchables) creates a devastating and unforgettable tale of one man's quest for sanity and justice amidst the chaos of war.System Requirements:Running Time 119 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: R UPC: 043396137271 Manufacturer No: 13727

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33554 in DVD
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2006-04-25
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
• Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese
• Dubbed in: French, Portuguese, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 119 minutes

Amazon.com
Based on a true story, this Brian De Palma film casts Michael J. Fox as a soldier in Vietnam in a squad led by Sean Penn. While on patrol, in the wake of an ambush that has left friends dead, they kidnap and rape a Vietnamese woman--then murder her. But Fox, one of the soldiers who refused to participate in the rape, is so appalled by the killing that he reports it--and finds himself being treated as the villain. Penn is scarily tough as the vindictive soldier and De Palma does a solid job of re-creating the crime, making it a thing of horror. Yet this film never quite connects, despite a strong performance by Fox and a supporting cast that includes John C. Reilly and John Leguizamo. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews

A glimpse of lost humanity
My last review was a snazzy/cute little Hollywood war flick. Here's one that definitely doesn't rely on big explosions, an imaginative script, or computer-generated effects.

War produces true heroes, some extremely brave men and women that stand tall for justice. But unfortunately harsh combat can also expose the darker side of humanity. Hollywood took some liberties with this movie of course, but it is sadly based on true events that took place in '66.

In this role, Sean Penn has ice in his veins. He plays the ruthless sergeant that kidnaps an innocent Vietnamese girl and imposes his will upon her. He uses her for his own heinous deeds--a "little portable R&R". His entire squad follows his deplorable lead.

Except for one soldier (Fox) who bravely stands up to his evil commander. Casualties of War is a riveting character study, plus a downright frightening look at man's capabilities. Not a pleasant movie.

Political Porpaganda

Only gave this two stars because the filming was so good. This is programmed propaganda because in the actual event, the squad was composed of African Americans. This is another case (and I have examples galore!) of Hollowwood turning out a "Propaganda Product" and passing it off as a documentary. Please note how the glowing reviews such as L. S. don't mention this major change in the film, though she says that the "actors are perfect for their roles". Right.

Here is an actual event in history where all parties are known, film and photographs and transcripts are availible, but De Palma and Penn just can't tell it as it happened because it would reflect badly on a minority population in the U.S.A. The race of the perps is an important aspect to the film because it had been less than 25 years earlier that the U.S. Army had been integrated.

Not content with portraying all Vietnam veterans as baby killers and psychos, De Palma works to make sure that any crimes committed in Vietnam are laid on the feet of Mr. White Man. This is like filming "Tora, Tora, Tora" and having whites in Zero's bombing brave Africans on the American Ships; with Denzel Washington playing Admrial Nimitz! Also please note that race of the victim is not changed.

Painfully Good
For many years I avoided Viet Nam era war movies. It seemed hollywood was never able to present a reasonable portrayal of the period. This movie never seemed to grope with that problem. I've read reviews of this film that criticize Fox's acting (both his ability and style), trying to say he's no different in this film than in his prior comedy roles. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fox delivers a powerful yet believeable performance in Casualties of War. He becomes a seasoned combat soldier while at the same time retaining his humanity. I will also agree with other reviewers who have pointed out that this movie is one that leaves you feeling drained but remains one to keep because it is full of emotional content, superb acting, and a well told tale.