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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1988
Runtime1h 37m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationR
GenresDrama, War, Action
Votes58
DirectorAaron Norris
WritersDavid L. Walker, Rick Marx, Andrew Deutsch
TypeFeature Film
Rating5.5 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsPlatoon Leader
About Platoon Leader
West Point graduate lieutenant Jeff Knight meets cynicism when taking command of sergeant Michael McNamara's tour veterans platoon in a Vietnamese trench camp. Unlike his predecessor, who hid till the end of his tour, Jeff takes charge, experiences the manual doesn't allow coping with all realities and gets wounded. He returns, now fully respect by men and superiors. Besides the Vietcong, the platoon wrestles with the inscrutable villagers, which the G.I.'s officially protect, but also fear as some collaborate with them, other covertly with the Cong, either way subject to bloody reprisals.
Directed by Aaron Norris, Platoon Leader leans on a strong ensemble — Michael Dudikoff, Robert F. Lyons, Michael DeLorenzo — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1988.
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