We Were Soldiers (2002) | First Time Watching | Movie Reaction
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- This week we decided to watch a movie for Veterans Day that was requested by David's father who served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years. To say this movie was emotional would be an understatement. Last week, Interstellar set a record for Toni crying by earning 4 tissues. This earned 10..
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00:00 Intro
01:24 Reaction
36:49 Review - บันเทิง
Thank you. My father participated in this battle. He wouldn't watch the movie because he said he didn't need to. It's also a better depiction of the Vietnam War than other movies.
Please thank your father for his service! I can't even imagine how hard it must have been for him!
@@popculturallychallenged You're getting ready to see.
@@lw3918 This was the most intense movie we've ever seen. Most of the movie felt like a long version of the beach scene from Saving Private Ryan in intensity. 😭
@popculturallychallenged Funny you say that. My grandfather ( father's father) was on Omaha Beach that morning too, My dad watched that and cried. Literally 3rd time he did that. The first two being when his parents died.
Your father and those who served in the Vietnam War. Deserved way more honor and respect than they recieved from our society and our government. Far more disgraceful was our government's failure to defeat an enemy that was very defeatable.
As a two tour combat veteran of Vietnam I appreciate your heartfelt emotions watching this movie. I know that so many people still don’t understand what the soldiers went through in Vietnam. Always remember that all scars are not visible.
Thank you for your service, sir.
Hal Moore’s wife, Julia, was a major figure, during and following Vietnam, in setting up the system the army now has in place where a chaplain and an officer personally deliver the news of every fallen soldier. She also helped set up army family support groups for families who had a member on deployment or who lost a family member.
There's an award in the army named for her. It's for civilian contribution to the army.
Um no they was already doing it in Germany long before this war.
@@michealwolf4295 Um yes you can literally google it. The US had no system in place for casualty notification until her complaints to the pentagon following the Battle of La Drang.
@@michealwolf4295just a slight correction, What Mrs. Moore did was create a special department dedicated to notifying the family with compassion. Up until then the military just sent a telegram. The idea of a priest/minister coming with the notification is a myth perpetuated by films and novels. There were no dedicated Notification Teams pre-1965.
Bullshit. That policy was in ww2
Hal Moore's wife, Julia, pushed the Army extremely hard to create a better system for casualty notification. She's one of the big reasons that the Army has survivor support networks and casualty notification teams, that consist of actual Army officers, and that whole support network is still used today. Hal Moore himself retired from the Army as a Lt. General (three stars).
They are both synonymous with what "Army Strong" means. Fort Benning was renamed Fort Moore in their honor, one they truly deserved.
The writer of the book is actually the reporter that went with them, played by Barry Pepper. He said Sam Elliott played the guy to a T. The guy made EVERY jump in WW2 in Europe. I remember he was giving an interview when this came out and said the guy was not phased by anything.
wow!! That is so cool though I wish they didn't experience that. -Toni 😢
Hall Moore was a co-author. They wrote a second book after going back to Vietnam and meeting many of the opponents they fought that they. They formed a friendship for what it was worth.
Pepper is actually wonderful in this movie... as is everyone else in We Were Soldiers. Sam Elliott was fantastic
"Are you a f***ing weatherman now?"
I would not want to push that means buttons.
Elliott is a clown and a wimp. ''Playing dress-up'' and make believe for a living makes him all the more insufferable
As soon as Toni started tearing up when the baby was born I knew it was going to be a rough time. I am a 59 year old man. This movie gets me tearing up every time. But I still rewatch it a few times a year. Hal Moore was a genius tactician. He learned from historical battle accounts. Including Little Bighorn.
It was such a hard movie to watch. I did need to take a break. Thank you for watching with us. - Toni 😢
One of my high school classmates father was one of the medics during this battle. He was awarded a Silver Star for what he did.
WOW!! I wish I could meet one of these brave men just to give them a hug and thank them! - Toni 🥰
Everyone needs to see a movie like this before they say it’s ok to go to war. The horror is unimaginable. The people that live through it can never leave it behind. Bless you Toni for showing us your heart.
Thank you for watching with us! 🥰
99% of Congress and presidential candidates would approve of these elective wars and 99% would neither serve or have family members serve in them.
I've been there. Deployed twice but only once to combat. No matter how much they train you for it, you aren't prepared for the real thing. So far, I've lost 2 friends to combat and 6 to suicide. Since then I've become vehemently anti war
Nobody “wins” a war except for the leaders that vote for war. I’m looking at the current administration. Ukraine, Israel. Stop the war machine. Regular people get chewed up and spit out. 🤬
Try telling that to the politicians of all nations. But unfortunately, terrorist organisations like Hamas Hezbollah won't listen or care, because the first rule and objective of terrorism is to terrorise.
Don't feel too bad , I am a Vietnam Veteran , it took me 23 times watching this video to be able too see it all the way through ,Too Real You could smell the enemy before you could see them & it was the same for them on us, Food , Cigs some Fluids are different for each of us , So that helped a lot at night , Remember the War doesn't end after the War is over !! Freedom isn't free , All gave some !! Some gave it all , Great Pod cast Folks Hand Salute from an Old Tired Nam Veteran
I am 5th generation, 10 year US Navy veteran. I was born just 12 days after this battle. One of my most cherished items is an old photo. On the left a Sergeant in the Army, on the right, his brother, A Marine Lance Corporal. They met in the Buffalo NY Airport. The soldier leaving for Nam, the Marine just got home from Nam. My uncles. In between them, 18 month old your's truly. A future Navy Hospital Corpsman. Every person has their personal limits when watching movies like these. There is no right or wrong way to watch, or not watch them more than once. I watch to remember, but Toni I'll let you know this. At 58, I cry every time, no shame in tears. Hold your head up, those tears ensure you will never forget those who've given so much to all of us.
😢🤗, I would love to see that picture, I'm sure it's so meaningful. Thank you for your service and all the sacrifices your family made for all of us. Lots of hugs -Toni 😊
Ability to cry because of empathy is a sign of a decent and good hearted person. Nothing to be ashamed of.
Greetings from Finland.
@@popculturallychallengedI just realized, I left a detail out about the picture. The Soldier & Marine? My dad's little brothers.
Colonel. Moore tracked down the girl in the North Vietnamese soldiers red note book and sent it back to her with a note mentioning that war was regretable but know that he died bravely doing his duty as a soldier. Without fear nor pain.
That was amazing to me that he would go and do that. Amazing man!! -Toni 😢
ARVN? Isn't ARVN the South Vietnamese forces?
Correct I'll change it.@@hayther4590
@@hayther4590ARVN, Army of the Republic of Việt Nam, was the army of miền Nam Việt Nam (South Việt Nam). The army of North Việt Nam was referred to as NVA (North Vietnamese Army) also known as PAVN (People’s Army of Việt Nam).
@@popculturallychallenged In reality, there was no address nor name associated with the notebook, so it was never returned. Additionally, the final battle in this movie (the hill assault) never occurred. The actual end of Ia Drang was fairly "anticlimatic" and was changed into something more "victorious" for the movie.
I saw this in the movie theater, and I will never forget, there was a man in the row before me. He was obviously a Vietnam veteran there with his family and his children. In the end, this large man started gently shaking and crying in his seat. Although it was barely audible, the row he sat in, the row before him, and my row waited an unspoken amount of time before we shuffled past him in his row, and the adjacent ones. It was not my place to, but I could not help myself and put a hand on his shoulder. I will always associate, this memory, with this movie for as long as I am here.
Wow! I can only imagine how hard it is for Vets to watch stuff like this. 😢
Hal Moore studied every inch of the terrain and everything he could find of his enemies' previous tactics against the French. He was exactly the type of officer that should be leading troops into battle because he did everything possible to make sure his men would stay alive as long as possible
I have this movie. To all those who have served you r life has meaning , your sacrifice does not go unseen. Thank you s aren't enough to convey appreciation for all you have done. Looking forward to this and your reaction.
Very well said! - Toni 🥰
I am surprised that no one explained "Broken Arrow" in the comments so here goes:
"Broken Arrow" was a code phrase meaning that the unit was in danger of being overrun and massacred. In response, they received top priority for all aircraft in the Vietnam area (Air Force, Navy, and Marine), including those flying in from bases in Thailand, Korea, and aircraft carriers, and all artillery within range. In this case, the air traffic controllers stacked ground attack aircraft and fighters in a holding pattern and handed them off one flight at a time to the radio man on the ground to direct their bombing and strafing attacks. There were flights (of 2-4 airplanes each) stacked in the holding pattern every 1000 ft from 7000 ft altitude to 37,000 ft (so 60-100+ airplanes waiting their tun at any one time). As a flight came off the bottom to make their attacks, everyone else descended 1000 ft to a new holding altitude, while newly arriving flights were added at the top.
Pure Bullshit!
This is a myth that was created by this movie, and it has become so popularized that some fool entered it in wikipedia without anyone doing any fact checking.
Broken Arrow refers to a particular type of nuclear weapon accident ONLY. It does NOT, and NEVER has referred to a unit being overrun.
I served in a nuclear capable unit and learned the procedure. One does not declare Broken Arrow by just yelling 2 words into a radio. There is a very specific reporting procedure to a very specific level of command.
Toni's Hallmark movie guy, Marc Blucas, is better known from his time as a regular on the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV series.
His sergeant who called in the illumination rounds at night is played by Ryan Hurst; Opie from "Sons of Anarchy" and the deafened 506th PIR paratrooper from "Saving Private Ryan"
I've never seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer so will need to go take a look. 😉 I'll have to add Sons of Anarchy to our list. Thank you, Toni 😊
@@popculturallychallenged For something lighter, Ryan Hurst was also in the 2004 remake of the comedy "The Ladykillers" with Tom Hanks
Ryan Hurst is also Gary Bertier in Remember the Titans (2000)
Thank you for showing those names and for your dear wife. Thank you. All I can say is thank you.
Thank you for watching with us. - Toni ☺️
Sgt. Mackenzie playing on the last charge is the perfect music for this attack. Gut wrenching. The Vietnam memorial is worth the visit if you are ever in DC. This is a hard film to watch for anyone, without tears.
We have seen the Vietnam Memorial about 21 years ago but would love to take a our girls to see that as well. - Toni 🥰
Just wanted to say thank you for doing this reaction. My uncle fought through this battle, and wouldn't say anything until he was nearly passed. It's always a personal one for me.
Thank you for joining us! 🥰
🫡 A heartfelt salute and lots of love and appreciation to him, you and your family.
Which company was he with? I read the We Were Soldiers Once and Young book many years ago.
@@acdragonrider I believe he said Bravo, but at the time I was more concerned with trying to help ease him through his final days.
"I wonder what was going through Custer's mind when he realized that he'd led his men into a slaughter?"
"Sir, Custer was a pussy. You ain't."
Fun Fact: Breakout role of Jon Hamm.
Fort Moore Fact: On 11 May 2023, Fort Moore, previously named Fort Benning, in Georgia, was named in honor of Hal Moore and his wife
Action Star Fact: Jon Hamm later said, in tribute to Sam Elliott, that the fifty-eight year old actor participated in the boot camp training of the cast, without exemption.
Hell Week Fact: According to American Sniper Chris Kyle (RIP), this film is shown to the U.S. Navy special forces recruits to inspire them before they begin the "Hell Week" stage of their SEAL training.
Historical Fact: Although many of the names are never really seen, or said, throughout the movie, very careful attention was paid to ensure every member of the company was represented properly in the film. For every person that was a member of the company in real life, there was an actor on-screen, most of whom resembled the actual soldiers themselves. A total of three soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for the battle represented in this film. Joseph Marm, Jr. received his shortly after the battle, Ed Freeman on July 16, 2001, and Bruce P. Crandall on February 26, 2007. Freeman and Crandall were helicopter pilots who flew frequent relief and resupply missions into the heart of the battle when medevac choppers could not approach. Joseph Galloway was awarded a Bronze Star for gallantry for carrying wounded men to safety at the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965. He was the only civilian awarded the Bronze Star during the Vietnam War. The real Joseph D. Galloway stepped out of the movie theater during a scene, but still approved the film. His explanation was: "That was my nightmare for 36 years. I don't want to see it again."
Unfortunately I will have to miss the premiere. I tried to work on it, but I am watching something else. I will watch the reaction tomorrow.
Go in Peace and Walk with God. 😎 👍
@@BigGator5 No worries Gator! We'll see you next time! 😃
My wife always said ... hardest Job in the military is being a military spouse. Toni , your reactions reminded me of that.. The look on her face when I would leave was very hard. Thanx for the video ..and your reaction ... Happy vets day to all my brothers and sisters out there !
Thank you so much for your service. Please hug your wife a little harder for us. I don't know that I could ever do it. I would be a complete wreck daily. - Toni 🥹
As a retired Army officer, the hardest scenes for me to watch were not the combat scenes, but the scenes of the family members getting their telegrams.
As a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and seeing your mom watch this movie, it gave me a whole new appreciation for my mom and what it must have been like for her living day in and day out not knowing what news she would get. Mom’s really are a special breed. Give your mom a hug for me.
Complete agree, Mom’s are truly a special breed. Make sure to show your appreciation everyday but especially on Mother’s Day that is coming up next weekend. Thank you for your service!! - Toni 😘
My father served in the 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam War...
A few weeks before his division was set to deploy, he injured his back, which kept him state side. While he was in the hospital recovering, his best friend came to visit and before he left, he told my father "I'll see you when I get back."
His friend died over there, sacrificed himself to save his brothers in arms...
My father felt guilty over his friend dying and not himself and has lived with it for over 50 years, growing up I never understood why he was always so angry until we found out about what happened to his friend.
Before I left for bootcamp, we visited the Vietnam Memorial...he had never been there...and as we walked to the spot that had all the names in a book to find out where everyone was at he asked me to find his friend's name and where it was in Memorial...
After I found it and told him, he just stayed still while looking at the whole Memorial. As we walked up to it, he was holding back tears, and slowly started to shake as we got closer and closer to the spot.
When we found his name, my father put his hand over it and started crying.
He said "Thank you for saying bye before you left. I love you brother."
Then he saluted the Memorial and we left.
I'll never forget that day.
God Bless the Vietnam Veterans!!!
Tell Toni there is no shame in tears. I too cry when I watch the carnage in this movie. A toast to absent comrades and fallen friends, "Fair winds and following seas until we stand that watch together again on the streets paved with gold."
Thank you for your service and your kind words. - Toni 😊☺️
My father was a 20 year man served in Korean war in Vietnam war. I saw the devastation of not just a wartime, but the peace time military had on my mother military spouses are the unsung heroes. This movie brings out some things but there’s a lot of other things they deal with on a day-to-day basis That most civilian spouses can’t comprehend. When I enlisted , I made a solemn vow I would not get married as long as I was in the military, and when I found a woman I wanted to marry I got out I would not put her through that.
On a sidenote, I’m glad that y’all paused the movie I was getting worried for Toni at one point her face was extremely red
Thank s to your dad for his service David. Having someone as empathetic and sensitive as you Toni makes this reaction more powerful and genuine. There's no denying Mel Gibson directed some powerful movies. If you want to understand combat this and Saving Private Ryan are among the best films to watch.
They were definitely great movies. I know it was hard to watch but I am so thankful that I have watched it. - Toni 🥰
@popculturallychallenged thank you for the reply. And maybe someday if you decide to venture into TV or maybe on your own you could check out Band of Brothers.
@@chada7094 We actually checked that series out a while back on the channel. Go check it out! 😃👍
@popculturallychallenged I will definitely go back and have a look. Awesome . Such a great series. Thanks
I've watched the movie a couple dozen times, the first time in the theater. I never found the first quarter of it to be that emotional, until now when I watched and heard her reaction. The final scene with Mel coming home, and he's uncomfortable about what to do, that had me bad in the theater. It really got me. This movie is one for the ages. And don't forget that one of the men in this battle, also saved countless lives in the World Trades, Rick Rescorla. He went back in for more, and died in the collapse. He was the security officer, and was singing to his employees all the way down the steps, just as he had during this battle. He was a great man, lost too soon, but his heroism and sacrifice for those he led will live on. GARRYOWEN!
Seventh First!
I've only seen my old man cry twice in my life. One was when my grandmother passed. The other was this movie. It shed some light as to why he never opened up about this time of his life.
A huge Thank you to your father for all his sacrifices. Give him an extra hug from us when you see him next time. - Toni 🥰
I'm a navy vet and glad you chose this one
Thank you so much for your service!! We appreciate your courage and all the sacrifices you and your family made. - Toni 🥰
Years later Joe Galloway recalled the moment he put Nakayama on the helicopter and it was just as heart-wrenching as it was depicted in the movie. Jimmy unfortunately died from his wounds.
This was such a tremendous movie. Even Lt. Col Moore remarked that it was the first time he saw Hollywood ever depict Vietnam with any sense of reality and respect for the men who died in the battles while offering a fair perspective to both sides, depicting neither as truly good or evil. Where Vietnam movies of the 70's and the 80's portrayed the more psychological effects of the conflict on a service member's psyche, this was one of the few that actually portrayed the human side of it.
Thes air cav guys were first and developed the tactics those of us who followed would use, though it varied with the terrain. A lot of single ship and hover holes (or small LZs) in the central highlands. Larger formation combat assaults in the delta.
"I wasn't mentally prepared for this" @ 8:30. I knew at that moment, this was going to be a hard ride for Toni. Not even just the war scenes. The delivering of the telegrams makes this different from a lot of war movies. Such an amazing movie, though.
This was definitely the hardest movie we've watched for the channel so far but it was an amazing movie!
My Dad served in Vietnam he would go to that same area in the central highlands later on in the war. He told me the feel of the area and just the overall depiction of the terrain and the sounds reminded him of those times. I still dont know how me and him watched that movie, but it was truly something I appreciated and respected. truly an accurate depiction of how the Vietnam war was.
I'm an Iraqi war veteran. This is my favorite war movie, because it shows more than just our soldiers. It shows the impact on the wives and families. It also shows the human side of our opposition. They too were either fighting for what they believed in or what they were ordered to do. Thank you for your reaction.
After watching this movie 20 times, I wanted to re-enlist in the Army. I was at Fort Benning in the early 70's. I was attached to the Army Rangers and we were put on alert for Vietnam. That was cancelled. I tried re-enlisting this month. I told the recruiter I wanted to be a door gunner on the huey. He laughed. At 72, I am too old.
I didnt cry when I saw the movie...but I would have cried watching with her. The fact it touched her so....shes a patriot.
Really, you didn't cry even a little bit? did you feel like your heart was pounding in your chest? I'm sure it did.... Hugs your way either way. - Toni 😊
Fort Benning, GA (Home of the Infantry) is where they do Basic Training for the Infantry. The entire base was recently renamed Fort Moore after Hal Moore and his wife for what they did. I'm a proud infantry veteran. I trained on that base. This movie is one of my favorites. You guys are awesome! Big fan.
My brother was in this battle. He survived but would pass of Lou Gerhrigs disease 20 years later. I do watch every year to honor him. As a veteran myself I get so emotional watching it. I have a very soft spot for Vietnam vets. RIP
I worked as a Janitor for 6 months with a man that was at LZ XRAY He was a Medic in this unit. He landed in the first wave. Was wounded 3 times. He was an Immigrant from Belize. Joined the Army for citizenship. Survived the war. I met him 1998.
Wow, that's so cool. Did he share his stories with you? Did you thank him often? - Toni 😊
Saw this movie when it came out, was deeply moved. Watched it again later as a father, member of the military, and religious man, and I broke down so much. Truly an amazing an inspiring story of courage and love, and yet heartbreaking at the same time.
As a veteran I am proud to see today’s interest in the military genre of movies. The advances in special effects have presented such an immersive visual effect, those without military experience can get a little idea of the “HARSH REALITY” our military can face. I had the honor to attend a special showing of “Saving Private Ryan” the second week of its theatrical release. The first two rows (floor level and one up) were reserved for WWII veterans & family. Just before the coming attractions showed, approximately 20 people were ushered to their seats. At the end only subdued sniffles and sobs could be herd with NOONE moving to leave. After a brief pause the first of the veterans got up to leave, while the rest of us in attendance gave them ALL a standing ovation as they left. There seems to be a flow-over effect of people watching some older movies; “Full Metal Jacket”, “Platoon”, “M*A*S*H”, “Apocalypse Now” etc. I think these movies are great but need to be viewed with the filter of social commentary for the time they were made.
I would like to see reactions to two older movies, based on two of the most decorated war heroes. These movies, though not posing the fantastic special effects of today’s movies, contain just as much interest by the simple act of storytelling.
The first is the story of one of the most decorated soldiers of WWI. The main character of the story (Alvin C York) chose actor Gary Cooper to portray him. Released in September 1941, just before America entered WWII, “Sergeant York”.
The second story is about the MOST DECORATED soldier of WWII. The movie not only adapted from his autobiography (Audie Murphy) but starred him as well. From October 1955, just over ten years after the end of the war “To Hell and Back”.
Imagine graduating high school early, 2 months before your 17th birthday, 2 days after turning 17 being inducted into the army knowing that this would help pay for college. Then at 17 1/2 having to make out your will because you were being deployed but not told where to until your flight lands in Okinawa (where your Marine father fought in WWII) then being told your next stop was Tân Sơn Nhất airbase, Sài Gòn, Việt Nam.
When this came out, there was a story in the paper when PVT Nakayama's wife and daughter saw it in the theatre. I can't imagine being a family member and watching the story of their loved one's death.
Buckle up Toni, you're in for a rough ride. This a rough movie.
You were 100% correct. - Toni 🥰
Happy Veterans Day. A Toni tissue record. Yeah, the sending of a cap driver to report the death of ones husband is on par for the Vets and the fallen in Vietnam. The spitting on them at airports, the lack of support, the disrespect. Moreover, the government did not allow those boys to win. No one can tell me that our boys didn't kick the shit out of them in Vietnam ten to one. I'm a vet. The sort that went places I never went and did things I never did. Thank you, you are worth it. Whenever I meet someone who served in Vietnam I always tell them, "welcome home".
Well said! 🥰
One of the reasons and goals why I wanted to join the marines is bcuz this movie and black hawk down. Took the test and failed, maybe it was a sign of god telling me not to go.
Good fucking movie.
Well I hope you found something just as honorable to kickass at
@@xwhogafx815 I have my son, that’s my blessing.
@@xwhogafx815 I’m an operation manager and security for a club and CHANNEL 2 CHICAGO CBS NEWS.
IM BLESSED WITH MY FAMILY. ❤️
To me, We Were Soldiers is the greatest Vietnam War movie ever made
I prefer this, Deer Hunter and Casualties of War to The Platoon and Apocalypse Now
People need to understand this was the first real battle of the war. These guys were just learning hoe to fight the VC. I have watched several of these reaction videos to war movies. I can tell people who have never served or been in combat have no idea what it's about. Our military wax the greatest on earth. Right now with Biden in charge its more like the end days of the %own army. They did exactly what we are doing. Let men dressed as women join then other people that had been cong😅uered basically bidens idea of the military is lets let drag queens run the show. 😅🎉 The men in this battle are all heros in my eyes!
This is a great movie. It shows not only the toll it takes on the soldier, but also on the families. This is why we need to give all the thanks and gratitude to all our military hero's and the families. This is what they do for our nation. Thank you for doing this reaction.
Oh I love this movie! My grsndfather served in the war and regards it quite highly.
As a multi-generation veteran I appreciate y'all watching this. Its a tough watch, especially considering the accuracy taken from the book. (Next film give "Unbroken" a watch; it's a true story about Louie Zamporini...a WWII vet). David, tell your dad I salute him for his service. I did 24 years in the USAF, was a flight mechanic on C130s. Miss Toni, thank you for the sensitivity & good heart...we could use more people like you these days. God bless you both.
Thank you so much! 🥰
17:09 Tom Metsker was fatally shot right after he gave up his spot on the helicopter to his friend Ray Lefebvre. Ray's wounds were so serious that he now believes that if Tom hadn't gotten him onto that helicopter and to medical aid when he did, he would not have survived. He believes that he owes his life to Tom's selfless act.
Tom's daughter, Karen, only a year and a half old when Tom died. It was too painful for her mother to talk about in detail, so Karen grew up only knowing that her father died because he had traded places with another soldier, and she blamed that unnamed soldier for her father's death.
In 1990, U.S. News & World Report published an article about the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley which described her father's death and named Ray Lefebvre. Karen arranged to meet with Ray at a reunion of vets of 7th Air Cav (BTW they're one of the few units from the Vietnam war that hold regular reunions, and veterans believe the the support system this created has help give this group a lower than average rate of PTSD related tragedies).
Talking with Ray and the other vets, Karen learned how much they all loved and respected her dad. She learned what close friends Tom and Ray had been, and she realized that Ray would have given up his life to save Tom if he could have. The meeting gave her answers and closure, and, moreover, the vets gave her a second family that could understand and help her deal with her pain and loss like no one else could. On her way to the reunion, Karen was initially afraid that she was going to meet a bunch of cold blooded killers, but instead, she said afterwards, they were like "a bunch of teddy bears" to her.
My grandpa served in the central highlands in 69 and this is his and mine favorite war movie. We watch all the time. The charge scene gets us going
This movie resonates with me because... well.. the Colonels kids? That was me. My dad was an F-8 Crusader pilot, and spent 10 to 14 months at a stretch off Vietnam. My mom waited for "that telegram" from the Navy that his plane had gone down. Thank god it never came....
This movie is a hard watch...
I think the cheesecake better be a damn GOOD cheesecake!
Y’all need to watch Gettysburg. One of the most historically accurate movies ever made. They had over 5000 extras from civil war reenactors who volunteered their time and equipment.
Im so ready for this in 19hrs, Awesome Movie!
Hope you enjoyed the reaction! 😃
o0o0o this one is really going to test just how tough Miss Toni's skin has gotten from Band of Brothers, The Patriot etc etc...After this she will be a 4-Star General though lol
This was a rough one! But a movie that we both are glad to have seen! 👍
friend's dad was a Skyraider pilot back in Vietnam. when you heard Broken Arrow come in over the radio, shit got real.
😳 - Toni
Now this is a react I cant wait to see. Such a great movie
It was a great movie but hard to watch. :) - Toni
I have watched this full movie so many times, yes it played hard on my ptsd, but Toni you actually made me cry watching you watching this movie. This battle was historic and brutal, yes the taxi part was madness. Huge respect to Joe Galloway for covering the battle and making it out uninjured.
My dad was a drill sergeant for the US Army and served 2 tours in Vietnam, '69-'70. He was with the 173rd Airborne brigade, Bravo Co. He just died Jan. 25th, 2022 from Covid. I have my dads medals. My dad should have never had kids because I practically was in boot camp for 18 years of my life. He had flashbacks of a battle he was in. One night we were Saving Private Ryan and he fell asleep on the couch and a war scene came on and he dove from the couch to the floor and looked for "Charlie" but ended up seeing me. I was going to join the Army and I went to the recruiter and he found out about it and he flipped out. He threatened to kill the recruiter if I joined and he would have so I never did just to make my dad happy.but I've regretted it to this day.
I haven't seen the movie, but from this review I think it should be shown to junior high kids and up nationwide and really explained that kind of sacrifice is what is being disrespected with unpatriotic behaviors.
Me being retired Air Force myself, I think it's a great speech to make in front of the family. They already know that their loved ones could be killed, but now they know, either way, he will be back.
No seat belts or tie downs in the helicopter for the troops.
They were firing into the woods in case someone was there planning to trap them, just like they did later while in the creek bed.
They blew down the trees to make a new landing zone for the helicopters.
The Vietnam War was the first war that they let the media in in massive numbers. They did more harm than good in my opinion.
Another Mel Gibson directed movie you might like is "Apocalypto" (2006). I'm sure Toni will cry in this one also, but not near as much.
Thank you! And thanks for the suggestion!
As mentioned by lw3918 my father was there as well.
He NEVER said a word about it.
I was one of those 7 year old kids at Ft. Benning similar to what was depicted.
Everything I've seen or read this movie was 75/80% accurate which is awesome.
My dad was a rare breed. Quiet yet a WW2, Korea and Vietnam Nam vet yet G.D. cancer took him at 62...
God Bless our troops.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you to you and your family for your sacrifices and thank you for your Dad. - Toni 😊
I ama combat veteran ( Vietnam ) you can not possible know the good you have just done.
Thank you for this and God bless you both.
Jimmy Nakayama died two days later from his wounds. His wife and daughter would attend the movie’s premiere with the real Joe Galloway. When the scene of Joe carrying Jimmy to chopper came on. Jimmy’s daughter and Joe quietly embraced and wept together.
Joe Galloway actually came to my military school as a guest and gave us a moving speech during chapel service. When he brought up about Nakayama, he started to rub and massage his hands profusely as he spoke. That man never forgot about him. We all sensed he was in pain about it. Great guy, it was truly a privilege and honor to have seen and spoke with him in person.
Hal Moore’s wife Julia was an Army Brat. {Not mentioned in the movie} Her father told her that while Hal took care of the men it was Julia’s job, as the Colonel’s wife, to take care of the wives. {Also not mentioned in the movie} This is why Julia had that meeting with the wives regarding laundry & shopping and why she chose to deliver the telegrams to the wives that were still on base after their husband’s deployment to Vietnam. {Some had gone home}
Thank you so much for the additional insight!! - Toni 🤓
This is going to be a good one! It has highs and lows. But overall a fantastic classic. Definitely a must watch. I really like Sam Elliot in this one he reminds me of how i feel on Mondays lol
This was an incredible movie!
Elliott is a buffoon
I really love this movie. It’s incredibly sad, and by the time the scene where Hal finds Jack, wearing the bracelet with his newborn daughter’s name, among the dead I just can’t hold it in. And I usually never cry over movies. I think it’s because of how it portrays the soldiers as everyday folk, husbands, and fathers before the war, so their deaths are more impactful. I grew up a military brat too. For that, this movie really sticks with me. When I was in DC I made sure to get a good look at panel 3E on the Vietnam veterans memorial.
"Snake" Cranall was awarded the medal of honor for this battle. He was one of the only pilots that would go in the battlefield.
"Too tall" Freeman was also awarded the congregational medal of honor for his actions in this battle.
My father-in-law was in WW2, Korea and Vietnam died in 1972 as a lieutenant colonel when my wife was 11 years old. Never met the man but he gave all to his family and country. To this day it still hurts my wife. God bless these men.
When it comes to showing realism in films, Mel along with a few others, can often do it very well indeed, as he also did with the film, "Apocalypto" . . . Back when this film first came out and after being shown in cinemas - I think in an interview, Mel said, it needed to be done, but told in the right way so as to show what it was exactly like for those who would never see, or be a part of such a thing in their own lives . . . So not only did he talk to the real Hal Moore and the journalist to get any of their memories, but also to as many of the men from it who were still alive - and who wished to contribute their own thoughts for it (but only if they felt they could!) . . . Needless to say that to those who took part in this battle, they all really appreciated the dedication Mel took in bringing it to life in film for them all as a bittersweet memory . . .
As an Army combat Veteran this movie hit me hard
Thank you for this. I live in Australia and my dad is a Vietnam Vet. I never liked this movie when it came out but over the years I grew to understand it and appreciate it more.
They sacrificed their lives to defend American freedom and democracy ❤❤❤
The regiment that relieved them at LZ Xray, got ambushed on their way out and took massive casualties. So while the battle of La Drang is considered a victory. He came with heavy loss.
How can you not like Toni. LOL. And David is an excellent provoker that gets the best reactions out of her. These comments were made during the prechat stuff.
😂 - Toni
Now that was a movie reaction!!! You owe Toni a medi peti spa day for sure
I COMPLETELY AGREE!!! That is a great suggestion!! Now just need to work it into the budget. ☺️ - Toni 🥰
@@popculturallychallenged ... in honor of Bruce Willis and his early medical retirement would you consider watching Tears of the Sun??? If so I'm pretty sure your Kleenex record will be broken...
KOKODA movie was about my grandfather in WW2 based on actual event at Mission Ridge , he came home one the lucky ones
Wow, So much to be proud of. Thank you to your family for service and sacrifices. - Toni 😊
In África,during the colonial war(1961-1974), portuguese officers walked around the troops to give orders and keep the moral up..often they got killed,because up is a bad "place" to be in combat.
WOW!! Very interesting, I would have asked them to crawl around.... -Toni 😔
This is a perfect movie for Veterans Day. It's absolutely brutal, but so well done, and it has even more impact than some other similar movies because it's based on a true story. According to people who were there, it's more true than not, which is also rare for this kind of movie.
The phrase comes from an earlier war, but it still holds true. "Lest We Forget".
You really need something to counterbalance this. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend "The Emperor's New Groove" from Disney. It's just good fun silliness, zero tissues.
I am an 11 year disabled combat vet. When this came out, our entire Battalion went to the Post Theatre and watched it.
I felt this was a good depiction of seeing both sides of the conflict. We seem to forget, as in Saving Private Ryan, that the other side is just the same as us. I think we forget that and just celebrate them being killed. But even still they are also spouses, siblings, and children also.
Lastly, I just wanted to say that I hope that Toni is ok, and she shouldn’t sacrifice her mental health over getting views on a video.
When they first land in the original LZ( landing zone) they start to employ covering fire. This is shooting in a general direction to force the enemy in the direction to take cover and keep their heads down. This allows for the men to maneuver while keeping enemy fire suppressed.
The end battle starts with the two words an Infantry man never wants to hear."Fix Bayonets"
Thanks for the info!
According to their own reports, the North Vietnamese Army had to constantly modify their tactics because of the unexpected tenacity of American troops. The book "We Were Soldiers Once, And Young" was written by Col. Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) and Joseph Galloway, the young journalist portrayed by Barry Pepper in the movie.
That is so awesome!! - Toni 🤓
New to your channel and respect to you both through this film. There's a big difference in knowing something and seeing it depicted. I have served in Australian Army for almost 28 years. Kudos to you for taking your images down during the listing of the deceased veterans.
Two more movies from WWII, directed by Clint Eastwood are Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima. Both depict the US Marines taking Iwo Jima, one from American viewpoint, the other from Japanese perspective
Thank you for your military service and thank you for watching with us. We have added your recommendations to our list. - Toni 😊
12:39 Before the helicopters land, the 105mm howitzers fire into the area in order to neutralize any enemies hiding there. Then, it is up to the helicopters to fire on the area, not necessarily to kill, but to force the enemy to hide and not shoot at the soldiers disembarking from the "Hueys". that's why it seems like they're shooting anywhere.
And then, soldiers disembarking shoot all around to cover the remaining disembarking soldiers and helicopters landing.
In Vietnam, the vegetation is dense, and visibility is very reduced; you can never know if there are hidden enemies or not.
“We Were Soldiers” is one of my favorite films about the Vietnam War, it is also the most moving for me.
When I was in the First Cav I got to meet Lieutenant General Hal Moore (retired). He is a legend in First Cavalry and one of the finest leaders in the history of the U.S. Army.
This was the sweetest and most genuine reaction I have ever seen. This is a great movie. Watching it again with you made it better. It was a genuinely golden moment for me.
I’m so glad you enjoyed our reaction. Thank you for watching with us! Happy Thanksgiving!!🦃 - Toni
I know he wouldn't want to be called it, But Hal Moore was an American hero. Honestly not even just American, I am a Canadian and consider him a hero, he is a hero world wide. He truly was the first and the last one to walk off the battlefield and that in itself just speaks volumes of the man he was. We need more men and women just like his wife, both incredibly strong and caring people. Thank you to all those who serve and than you for doing this movie, it's a very hard one to sit through but needed to be shown.
Joe Galloway, civilian reporter, received a Bronze Star for his actions at LZ X-Ray in the IA Drang Valley, RVN 1965
Thanks for the info!
Bit of trivia: Rick Rescorla was a captain and one of Hal Moore's company commanders during this battle. He was the soldier pictured on the cover of the book this movie was based on. After the war, he got into corporate security and was the security officer for Morgan Stanley in the WTC in NYC. He died on 9/11 trying to get people out of the south tower when it collapsed.
That's so sad but what a hero!! - Toni 🤗
oh deer...this will be buckets...make sure Toni stays hydrated throughout the movie and the days after !!
Colonel Moore went back to Vietnam years later and met with the Commander of the Vietnamese. They both enjoyed the visit.
Wow! That's incredible! 🥰
God bless all the courageous veterans with nerves of steel who risked everything and sacrificed so much to protect our countries and preserve the freedoms we enjoy today! God bless all the souls - military and civilian - that we have lost in times of war! God bless America! God bless us all and grant us peace!
Well said! 🥰
as we Australians say about our fallen in battle, the full Quote goes " They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them."
that is the quote spoken aloud to the audience, after the speaker recites the Ode of Remembrance, the audience repeats the last words, 'We will remember them' followed by a short pause and then 'Lest we forget'.,which has also been broken down further to just Lest we forget,even that,is considered respectful
They're firing off rounds just to keep the enemy nervous. Even if they don't know where they are they want to keep them second guessing so maybe they'll keep their heads down while they're offloading troops.
If you saw Saving Private Ryan there a scene where a tank crew is doing the same thing while the infantry is passing through a village.
There is a TH-cam video on Seargant Major Plumley and his long military career and all the awards he received. The man is a certified hero and badass... served in WW2, Korea, and Vietnam.
Wow, will need to go on a search. - Toni 🤓
“Taking Chance” ~ starring Kevin Bacon. An absolutely superb movie for Veterans Day/Remembrance Day or Memorial Day…and no blood and gore. I think you will love it.
It’s only about 90 minutes long and I personally think it’s Kevin Bacon’s best film.
Every time I watch this movie it’s a waterfall of tears. One of the best war movies in my opinion.
Thank you Toni, thank you for your emotions. Vietnam Veterans got treated like crap by many Americans. Weather you agreed with the war or not you always support our soldiers. Vietnam Vets have yet to get the proper respect, recognition, love, or apology they deserve.
In 2002 and 2004, I did reserve duty at Ft Benning (now Ft Moore). The second time I was around the corner from the Ranger School. The movie We Were Soldiers was mainly filmed there and there is a cast photo at the lobby of the Ranger School.