Hamburger Hill vs. Platoon

Attribute	Hamburger Hill	Platoon
Director	John Irvin	Oliver Stone
Release Year	1987	1986
Setting	Vietnam War	Vietnam War
Based on	True events	Fictional
Main Characters	Various soldiers	Chris Taylor, Sgt. Barnes, Sgt. Elias

Plot

Hamburger Hill and Platoon are both Vietnam War films that focus on the experiences of American soldiers during the conflict. Hamburger Hill follows a group of soldiers as they fight to take control of a strategic hill in the A Shau Valley, while Platoon centers around a young soldier named Chris Taylor who is assigned to a platoon in the jungles of Vietnam. Both films depict the brutal realities of war, including the physical and emotional toll it takes on the soldiers.

Character Development

In Hamburger Hill, the characters are portrayed as a cohesive unit, working together to achieve their mission despite facing overwhelming odds. Each soldier has their own unique personality and background, but they come together to form a strong bond as they fight for survival. Platoon, on the other hand, focuses more on the internal conflicts within the platoon itself. The characters in Platoon are often at odds with each other, leading to tension and distrust among the soldiers.

Themes

Both Hamburger Hill and Platoon explore themes of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the dehumanizing effects of war. In Hamburger Hill, the soldiers must rely on each other to survive the brutal conditions of battle, highlighting the importance of teamwork and loyalty. Platoon, on the other hand, delves into the moral ambiguity of war, as the soldiers struggle to maintain their humanity in the face of violence and chaos.

Visuals

Visually, both Hamburger Hill and Platoon are gritty and realistic portrayals of the Vietnam War. Hamburger Hill features intense battle scenes that are chaotic and frenetic, capturing the confusion and terror of combat. Platoon, on the other hand, uses a more intimate and immersive style of filmmaking, with hand-held cameras and close-up shots that put the audience right in the middle of the action.

Soundtrack

The soundtracks of Hamburger Hill and Platoon also play a significant role in setting the tone of the films. Hamburger Hill features a score that is intense and dramatic, heightening the tension of the battle scenes. Platoon, on the other hand, uses a more subdued and atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Impact

Both Hamburger Hill and Platoon have had a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. Hamburger Hill is praised for its realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War and the sacrifices made by American soldiers, while Platoon is lauded for its powerful performances and unflinching look at the horrors of war. Both films have been influential in shaping the way that war films are made and perceived by audiences.