Many of these films are also available in DVD format.
We start off with the major Vietnam flicks. In many ways, most of these are controversial for one reason or another. Some may be your favorites, and others you may detest, but they represent a broad Hollywood perspective of the war.Most of these titles are available in either VHS or DVD format.

We Were Soldiers (2002) Starring: Mel Gibson. Director: Randall Wallace. The First Cav in the Ia Drang Valley. Compelling.

Apocalypse Now Francis Ford Coppola's highly controversial surrealistic Vietnam movie. Starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, and Robert Duval. Nothing quite smells like napalm in the morning.   DVD Version

Born on the Fourth of July Starring Tom Cruise. A bitter look at the Vietnam experience by a veteran badly wounded in the war. Based on Ron Kovic's novel. Directed by Oliver Stone.   DVD Version

Coming Home A moving love story amid the turmoil of the Vietnam War. A wounded returning veteran falls in love with the wife of a fellow Marine who is in Vietnam. An insightful look into the emotions of those effected by the war. Starring Bruce Dern, Jane Fonda, John Voight.   DVD Version

Dear America: Letters From Vietnam Originally produced for HBO, this documentary is based entirely on real letters sent home from Vietnam. Moving and poignant, the film is packed with music of the era. Narrated by Michael J. Fox, Ellen Burstyn.

Full Metal Jacket (1987).Stanley Kubrick may be one of the most acclaimed directors of modern time. He created this film from a little-known novel titled The Short Timers, by Gustav Hasford. Almost two movies in one, the film explores the eccentricities of Marine Corps boot camp, then segues to Vietnam and the Tet Offensive of 1968. A most unusual film. Starring Matthew Modine, Arliss Howard.   DVD Version

Hamburger Hill A portrayal of the 101st Airborne's infamous battle in the Ashau Valley in 1969. Staring Anthony Barille, Michael Boatman.   DVD Version

Platoon (1986) Another controversial film ( as many Vietnam films seem to be), this is Oliver Stone's version of The Vietnam War. Starring Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe.   DVD Version

The Deer Hunter (1978) Perhaps the best, and one of the earliest Vietnam films, The Deer Hunter presents a poignant look at friends from a small Pennsylvania factory town that volunteered for Vietnam, and what happened to them on their return. Steller performances by Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep. Also starring Christopher Walken.   DVD Version

The Green Berets (1968) The quintessential John Wayne flick, this one was panned by the critics for bad acting, bad script, and just plain bad. But if you are a John Wayne fan, or collector of Vietnam movies, this one is a must for your collection. A classic of the genre.   DVD Version

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987). Starring: Robin Williams.Director: Barry Levinson. Barry Levinson (Wag the Dog) directed this comedy-drama about an Armed Forces Radio disc jockey (Robin Williams) whose manic, hilarious delivery from a studio in 1965 Saigon gives U.S. troops in the field a morale boost (while upsetting military brass). Based on the real-life experiences of deejay Adrian Cronauer, the film is actually more concept than story: put Williams in front of a microphone and let him go nuts. Still, the surrounding stuff about the influence upon Cronauer of the endless deaths among his listeners--as Cronauer tries to stay funny while feeling the mounting losses--is affecting. Williams got a much-deserved Oscar nomination for his work.

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