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Poster for We Were Soldiers

We Were Soldiers

Seen it?

2002 | 138 min | Action, History, War

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Audiences rate it highly (7.2 out of 10) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for action fans and history buffs. If you loved Casualties of War or Platoon, start here.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Fast-moving, at 2 hr 18 min.
What might put you off
Rated R: meant for adults.

The year is 1965 and America is at war with North Vietnam. Commanding the air cavalry is Lt. Col. Hal Moore (Gibson), a born leader committed to his troops. His target: the Ia Drang Valley, called "The Valley of Death." As Moore prepares for one of the most violent battles in U.S. history, he delivers a stirring promise to his soldiers and their families: "I will leave no man behind...dead or alive. We will all come home together."

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    63% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesStrong

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $115 million worldwide on a $75 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 381K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Randall Wallace

  • Mel GibsonLt. Col. Hal Moore
  • Madeleine StoweJulie Moore
  • Greg KinnearMaj. Bruce 'Snake' Crandall
  • Sam ElliottSgt. Maj. Basil Plumley
  • Chris Klein2nd Lt. Jack Geoghegan
  • Keri RussellBarbara Geoghegan
  • Barry PepperJoe Galloway
  • Đơn DươngLt. Col. Nguyen Huu An
  • Ryan HurstSgt. Ernie Savage
  • Robert Bagnell1st Lt. Charlie Hastings