Casualties of War

Synopsis

Casualties of War is a 1989 war drama film directed by Brian De Palma, starring Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn. The movie is based on real events that took place during the Vietnam War, focusing on the moral dilemmas faced by American soldiers. When a squad kidnaps and abuses a young Vietnamese woman, a private struggles with his conscience to do the right thing in a unit that has lost its moral compass. The film delves deep into themes of loyalty, honor, and the brutal reality of war, painting a harrowing and thought-provoking picture of the human cost of conflict.

Cast

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  Michael J. Fox

  Private Eriksson

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  Sean Penn

  Sgt. Tony Meserve

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  Don Harvey

  Cpl. Thomas E. Clark

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  John C. Reilly

  Private Herbert Hatcher

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  John Leguizamo

  Private Antonio Diaz

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  Thuy Thu Le

  Oanh

Reviews

Casualties of War has garnered a mix of reviews from critics. While some praise the film for its raw portrayal of the horrors of war and the moral complexities faced by soldiers, others criticize it for its at times heavy-handed approach and lack of subtlety. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a solid 84% rating, with critics applauding the performances of the lead actors and the emotional depth of the story. IMDb rates it 7.1/10, with viewers highlighting the powerful message of the film and its ability to provoke introspection. Metacritic gives it a score of 75/100, noting the film's impactful scenes and the stark portrayal of the consequences of war. Overall, Casualties of War is a film that evokes strong reactions and sparks important discussions about the morality of warfare.