Like  many Americans in 1986, I went to see Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning “Platoon” under the impression that the critics were right — that it would be one of those existential cinematic experiences that might help to heal and even exorcise the demons of a troubling experience our country was still grappling with a full decade after the fall of Saigon. In that way, the film was almost certainly over-hyped. If anything helped us get over the spectre of Vietnam, it was American military victories in Grenada and the first Gulf War, not a film that plays The Worst Hits of Vietnam – compressing MyLai, Tet, drug use, and fragging,  into a tight, compelling, emotionally-draining 120 minutes.

My wife, however, was interested in the experience for another reason. She lost a brother in combat over there and wanted to better understand what the final months of his life had been like as a new recruit. And this is where the film memorably succeeds. In-between all the cinematic drama and leftist politicking, the story of Charlie’s Sheen’s Chris, a green recruit who volunteered, is the story of a young young man who loses his innocence while grappling with an impossible choice. Will he choose survival in the form of the devil Sgt. Barnes (Tom Berenger) or will he openly defy the seemingly indestructible Barnes and side with the Christ-like figure of Sgt. Elias (Willem Dafoe).

This classic theme along with the sure-handed direction of a young director who himself volunteered and earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart in Vietnam, gives the story an authentic feel thanks, in large part to the many day-to-day details that ring so true. Because we’re Chris and therefore experience Vietnam through his eyes, everything from the incessant bugs and foul-smelling latrine duty to the awkwardness of not knowing your peace among the men and the cold terror of hearing movement in a pitch-black jungle, feels both visceral and immediate. Long after Stone has had his political say, these are the elements that stay with you.

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UPDATE: “The Congressional Medal of Honor” is now listed as the ”Medal of Honor” and the “Gladiator” film mentioned is no longer listed as the version directed by Ridley Scott. Thanks to our ever helpful fact-checking commenters.

Ed. Note: Starting Sunday, March 14th, HBO begins its 10-part miniseries “The Pacific,” which follows the United States Marine Corps through WWII in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. This $100 million production re-teams a number of those (including Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg) involved in HBO’s unforgettable 2001 miniseries, “Band of Brothers,” which many, including myself, consider to be one of the finest productions about WWII made for television or any other medium.

I’ve asked Michael Broderick, an actor, former Marine, and top-notch writer to be Big Hollywood’s point man on this project. He’ll be snagging whatever interviews he can, reviewing many if not all of the episodes, and keeping the Big Hollywood community up to date and informed on what is sure to be a seminal moment in television, a terrific piece of entertainment, and a worthy tribute to our Veterans. — JN

The Pacific:  An Interview with Jon Seda

What a long, strange trip it’s been.

I entered the Marine Corps in nineteen eighty *cough* at the tender age of seventeen, secure in the knowledge that upon completion of my four year hitch, I would move to Hollywood and become a popular and sought after actor.

Instead, I fell in lust and, upon leaving the Corps, followed my John Thomas to New York City.  That was okay.  They have actors in New York, right?

No contacts, no formal training and no idea what I was doing, I ended up in a fantastic little rock and roll band instead.  We made a good run of it through the 90s.  In fact, I met my wife while I was playing CBGB in 1998. (more…)