Platoon (1986)

Oliver Stone's anti-war film based on his personal experiences of the Vietnam War is still a crucially important and well detailed explanation of one of America's worst decisions as a nation. Stone was met with cold resistance as he tried to make and release this film. It was the beautiful beginning of a life-long career which is now synonymous with liberal politics and a big F-U to the alt. right. Despite Stone's politics, Platoon remains a vital experience. It won best picture because of it's unrelenting documentation of Vietnam and it's unforgettable characters. The conflict between Elias and Barnes, Chris's coming-of-age tale as a private embracing the suck, Red who only has a few days left in 'Nam. It all feels real because we know it could be. This film never breaks the harsh reality it creates. Each scene serving as a testament to the brave soldiers who were senselessly sacrificed in Vietnam.

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