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We Were Soldiers

Play trailer Poster for We Were Soldiers R Released Mar 1, 2002 2h 17m War History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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63% Tomatometer 144 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Based upon the best-selling book "We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young" by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Ret.) and journalist Joseph L. Galloway, this compelling war drama depicts the true story of the first major battle between the United States and North Vietnamese forces. It is a film about uncommon valor and nobility under fire, loyalty among soldiers, and the heroism and sacrifice of men and women both home and abroad.
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We Were Soldiers

We Were Soldiers

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Critics Consensus

The war cliches are laid on a bit thick, but the movie succeeds at putting a human face on soldiers of both sides in the Vietnam War.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media One of the most violent movies ever released. Rated: 3/5 Dec 29, 2010 Full Review David Ansen Newsweek We Were Soldiers is, ultimately, a powerful and moving experience--once it overcomes its clunky, badly written and cliched first act. Aug 18, 2008 Full Review Tim Robey Daily Telegraph (UK) Gibson wears a rictus of distaste which seems more suggestive of dodgy on-set catering than the horrors of combat. Oct 19, 2003 Full Review Steve Crum Crum on Showbiz A no-punches-pulled war movie, set in Vietnam, that will make even a ‘Nam veteran cringe at the violent realism. Rated: A Jul 17, 2022 Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens As Lt. Col. Hal Moore opined to Sgt. Major Plumley during the throes of battle, 'I wonder what Custer was thinking when he realized he'd moved his men into slaughter.' Plumley's natural reply, 'Sir, Custer was a p--.' Nov 6, 2019 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com The war genre, vigorously energized with Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down, takes several steps backward with this old-fashioned moralistic saga, a tribute not only to the soldiers in combat in Vietnam but also to the homefront. Rated: B- Dec 22, 2006 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ralph R We Were Soldiers is a powerful war film that stands out because of its heart as much as its intensity. Mel Gibson completely carries the movie, delivering a performance full of conviction and emotional weight that grounds the chaos around him. The direction is sharp and focused, balancing the raw brutality of the battlefield with the quieter, emotional beats back home. The story feels well executed, never losing sight of the human element behind the uniforms, and the production does a great job of making every moment feel authentic. What really ties it all together is the cinematography and score. The battle sequences are shot with a gritty realism that pulls you right into the middle of it, while the music adds an emotional depth that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s brutal and moving at the same time, giving respect to both sides of the conflict while keeping the narrative personal. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/30/25 Full Review Audience Member One of the greatest war movies ever made Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/09/25 Full Review Britton O. Ranking just behind Platoon, We Were Soldiers is an extraordinary Vietnam epic that vividly portrays the harsh realities of war. Based on a true story, the film's attention to detail is a must-see for any movie buff. Mel Gibson's portrayal of Colonel Hal Moore is exceptional, making this film a standout depiction of courage and sacrifice. Don’t miss it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/09/25 Full Review Gavin F Ive heard from plenty of Vietnam veterans that this is their favorite Vietnam movie. I totally get why. The critics totally missed the point of the movie it would seem. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/05/25 Full Review tim s In the spirit of Black Hawk Down, the majority of We Were Soldiers depicts a battle. The stark difference here is that the characters have more development and depth. This fleshed-out characterization adds an emotionally charged element to the portrayal of the first American incursion during the Vietnam War. The Battle of Ia Drang Valley is depicted with considerable effort and bloodshed. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/07/25 Full Review Audience Member God bless all American soldiers who perished in Vietnam Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/06/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Randall Wallace

Director

Mel Gibson

Hal Moore

Madeleine Stowe

Julie Moore

Greg Kinnear

Maj. Bruce Crandall

Sam Elliott

Sgt-Maj. Basil Plumley

Chris Klein

Lt. Jack Geoghegan

Movie Clips

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We Were Soldiers

We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - They Will Think This Was Their Victory We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - They Will Think This Was Their Victory 1:08 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Valley of Death We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Valley of Death 2:05 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Fathers and Soldiers We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Fathers and Soldiers 2:12 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Napalm Air Strike We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Napalm Air Strike 1:35 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Moving Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Moving Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death 2:11 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Arriving in North Vietnam We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Arriving in North Vietnam 1:58 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - The Telegram We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - The Telegram 1:48 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - The French Foreign Legion We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - The French Foreign Legion 2:05 We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Army Housewives We Were Soldiers: Official Clip - Army Housewives 2:01 View more videos

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We Were Soldiers

(Left to right) Madeleine Stowe as Julie Moore and Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Left to right) Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore and Sam Elliott as Sergeant Major Basil Plumley in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Left to right) Madeleine Stowe as Julie Moore, Luke Benward as David Moore, Taylor Momsen as Julie Moore, Sloane Momsen as Cecile Moore and Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore. Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Left to right) Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore and Sam Elliott as Sergeant Major Basil Plumley in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Center) Mel Gibson as Hal Moore and (center right) Sam Elliott as Plumley in " We Were Soldiers." (Back left) Sam Elliott as Plumley and (front center) Mel Gibson as Hal Moore in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Left to right) Sam Elliott as Sergeant Major Basil Plumley and Mel Gibson as Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Left) Don Duong as Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu An in 'We Were Soldiers.' (Left to right) Keri Russell as Barbara Geoghegan, Simbi Kali-Williams as Alma Givens and Madeleine Stowe as Julie Moore in 'We Were Soldiers.' View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Based upon the best-selling book "We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young" by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Ret.) and journalist Joseph L. Galloway, this compelling war drama depicts the true story of the first major battle between the United States and North Vietnamese forces. It is a film about uncommon valor and nobility under fire, loyalty among soldiers, and the heroism and sacrifice of men and women both home and abroad.
Director
Randall Wallace
Producer
Bruce Davey, Stephen McEveety, Randall Wallace
Screenwriter
Joe Galloway, Hal Moore, Randall Wallace
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Wheelhouse, Icon Entertainment International
Rating
R (Language|Graphic War Violence)
Genre
War, History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 1, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 6, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$78.1M
Runtime
2h 17m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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