Platoon Film Analysis

Answer the following questions below and refer to the movie and what we have learned in class
about the Vietnam War. Answers need to be thoroughly explained with evidence from the film or
from the lessons to support your claim and then make connections to receive full marks. Answers
need to be on a separate piece of paper.

***PLEASE READ THIS: Remember this is an anti-war film that depicts with accuracy what it
was like for soldiers in the Vietnam War. The scenes by nature are offensive and graphic which
shows the realities of war and not glorify what the soldiers did over in Vietnam. You have the
right to leave at any time during the film (before and during) due to the offensive and graphic
nature of the film at no academic penalty to your grade. ***

1. Assess the “Historical Significance” of the film, the Vietnam War.

2. a) Who are the type of men who enlist in the Vietnam War that Chris Taylor describes in his
letter home to his Grandma (near the beginning)?

b) Why is it ironic that these people are the ones defending the country (name what Taylor
calls them and explain the significance)?

3. How does the US platoon treat the villagers at the first village they arrive at? (Why are they
in the village/ What are they looking for)?

4. Sergeant Elias said in 1965 he believed in what was doing in Vietnam, but now in 1968, he
does not. Explain with context to our lessons and the events in the movie why he no longer
believes in what he is doing in the Vietnam War and why he thinks the US will lose the war?

5. What is the attitude of the soldiers in the film?

6. How does this film impact your understanding of the Vietnam War?

7. After watching the film and learning about the Vietnam War and the harsh realities of the war,
do you think this movie is an appropriate film to show a grade 12 class? What is one aspect of
the film you liked and one aspect you did not like about the film?