Casualties of War
Even in war… murder is murder.
Overview
During the Vietnam War, a soldier finds himself the outsider of his own squad when they unnecessarily kidnap a female villager.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released during a period of increasing scrutiny of the Vietnam War and its lasting effects on American society, 'Casualties of War' reflects the growing disillusionment and questioning of authority. The film tackles the taboo subject of war crimes and explores the psychological toll on soldiers, making it a significant contribution to the cinematic discourse on the conflict.
- Sean Penn's intense and disturbing portrayal of Sergeant Meserve is captivating and unforgettable.
- Michael J. Fox delivers a compelling performance as Eriksson, showcasing his range beyond comedic roles and imbuing the character with moral conviction.
- The film unflinchingly portrays the brutality and dehumanization of war, prompting reflection on the responsibility of individuals within a corrupt system.
- Brian De Palma's direction creates a visually stunning and emotionally powerful experience, using cinematic techniques to enhance the story's impact.
Fun Facts
- The film is based on a true story documented in a New Yorker article by Daniel Lang about the real-life events of Incident on Hill 192.
- Sean Penn reportedly stayed in character throughout the entire filming process, which created tension on set.
- The role of Eriksson was originally offered to another actor, but Michael J. Fox ultimately accepted the part after reading the script.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"Even in war… murder is murder."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Die Verdammten des Krieges
"Mord bleibt Mord ...auch im Krieg"
Français
FR
Title: Outrages
"Même en temps de guerre, un meutre est un meurtre."
Italiano
IT
Title: Vittime di guerra
"Non sono i nemici che uccidi, ma gli innocenti che non riesci a salvare."
Český
CZ
Title: Oběti války
""
Español
ES
Title: Corazones de hierro
"Incluso en la guerra... el asesinato es asesinato."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
_**Beautiful and brutal, artistic and ugly**_
Based on a true story, the arrogant sergeant (Sean Penn) of a 5-man squad on a reconnaissance mission in Vietnam in November, 1966, decides to kidnap a Vietnamese farm girl for some “portable R&R” because it would be "good for the morale of the squad." But PFC Eriksson (Michael J. Fox) refuses to participate and fears being “killed In Action” for dissenting.
“Casualties of War” (1989) separates itself from other Vietnam War movies by focusing on the incident at hand, including the build-up and aftermath. Its uniqueness is augmented by Brian De Palma’s slightly off-kilter style. The picture balances the beauty of the location and the artistry of Brian De Palma's filmmaking with the horror and ugliness of war & rape.
It's also realistic and compelling while simultaneously being mundane, which is why some viewers might find it boring. In other words, this is more of a gut-wrenching war drama with some action than a typical war flick with explosions and action thrills galore. It fairly closely follows the real story; Google Incident on Hill 192 for details.
The movie runs 1 hour, 59 minutes, with the original Theatrical Cut being 6 minutes shorter. It was shot in Phang Nga, Kanchanaburi & Phuket, Thailand, and Dolores Park, San Francisco, California.
GRADE: A-/B+
"Casualties of War" is a deeply disturbing and emotionally overpowering film which remains strictly impartial throughout and it just recounts the acutely distressing and repugnant details in a dramatically harrowing yet still compelling way. The rape itself is dealt with in an incredibly matter-of-fact fashion as indeed is the victim's very life when she is indiscriminately murdered after she becomes an inconvenience. It is also shocking but to be expected that when Private Eriksson brings squad leader Sergeant Meserve's criminal act to the attention of his superiors he is met with a lack of concern and even a measure of anger. The real area of upset for them lies not with a lack of justice for the victim, but with the lives of the young men in the platoon Eriksson is about to destroy.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar