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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 145 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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Tim and Heather S Leadership at its finest is on display in this movie. America and it’s so called leaders that are actually “managers” could learn from this movie!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/11/24 Full Review Stephen H This movie is incredible and patriotic. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/30/24 Full Review Brian D Great movie in every way, shows both sides of the battle of Ia Drang, the impact on the soldiers and on the families. Does a great job telling an ignored story. Strongly recommend. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/25/24 Full Review Robert B Excellent movie about the first troops into Vietnam. The insight and direction is stunning. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/25/24 Full Review Sebastian E Mel Gibson in one of his best performance. A realy good war movie. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/31/24 Full Review Trevor T A great story of valor and leadership in combat. Well told with respect. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/05/24 Full Review Read all reviews
We Were Soldiers

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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
Icon Entertainment International, Wheelhouse
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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