Introduction

A young soldier in Vietnam faces a moral crisis when confronted with the horrors of war and the duality of man.

Outline

Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) leaves his university studies to enlist in combat duty in Vietnam in 1967. Once he’s on the ground in the middle of battle, his idealism fades. Infighting in his unit between Staff Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger), who believes nearby villagers are harbouring Viet Cong soldiers, and Sergeant Elias (Willem Dafoe), who has a more sympathetic view of the locals, ends up pitting the soldiers against each other as well as against the enemy.

Production & Filming Details

• Director: Oliver Stone.
• Writers: Oliver Stone.
• Released Date: 19 December 1986 (limited release in the US); 06 February 1987 (general release in the US).
• Running time: 120 minutes.
• Country: US, UK.
• Language: English.

YouTube Link

Platoon – Barnes Crosses the Line: When Barnes threatens to shoot a little girl, Elias punches him and a brawl ensues.

Platoon – The Death of Sergeant Elias: Chris and the other soldiers watch helplessly from the helicopter as the wounded Elias is gunned down by the Viet Cong.