Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan

The movie took a little while to get to the action, making the beginning a little boring; they also didn't add in any background story to the main characters in the film, which down graded it a little more. But Once the movie picked up and you got to the battle scenes it turned into a good war film. It was very intriguing to know that this was based off of a true event that happened. Knowing that it was true made it worth while to watch. The filming was great and the actors were extremely believable. The war scenes were greatly filmed and action packed as the explosions and gun fire looked extremely real. It's defiantly worth a watch if you like war movies.

Close calls and other things that indicate that danger is ... well close by. As the title already tells you, this is about the Battle of Long Tan. I was not really aware of that battle or what went down and who won (no pun intended). And I did not just pick this from my Prime to watch because one very well known Vikings actor is in it. It was fun to see him in something else than in a Vikings setting though.

And he is front and center again in this one. He has to make decisions that have impact on not just him and his crew, but many others. Now war movies are tough to watch - but if they are as well made as this one, they are also quite beautiful (and yes I'm aware of the irony, especially in this very vivid effort, that shows us the repercussions)! For some this may feel a bit over the top at places, but overall it does stay grounded. And has us in the middle of it all ... not for the faint of hearted for sure

There's not much wrong with this film, but don't get taken in by the hyperbole in a lot of the reviews here. It certainly isn't a 10/10, and it isn't the greatest war film ever made - it's not even close to that. It's a solid, watchable film, about a real event that means a lot to Australian and Kiwi forces.

There's some decent action sequences, although I'd credit the Vietcong with slightly better tactics than simply running blindly towards automatic weapons, which seems to be the default for most of the film. You can also have fun ticking off the war film cliches - likeable character talking about what he's going to do when all this is over - check, man in desperate situation calling in fire support on his own position - check.

If you want an independent film that might actually be one of the greatest war films ever made, I'd strongly recommend Kajaki - this really isn't in the same league, good though it is.

Went to the first public screening at the Sydney Film Festival tonight with members of my family and sat in the front row in a packed cinema. Director Kriv Stenders has taken a big undertaking in telling this highly recognised Australian and New Zealand battle of the Vietnam War that has however been long overdue in getting a major screen treatment. He has succeeded brilliantly. The film's relentless action and attention to detail are mixed in with moving scenes of young conscripts and volunteer soldiers grappling to stay alive in order to return to their loved ones at home. Much like Peter Weir's Gallipoli the mateship ethos shines in this movie. However, unlike that film, most of Danger Close concentrates on the battle itself, and what a technically amazing film it is in presenting and creating a visceral and tense atmosphere for the audience.The performances are excellent all round but particular mention must go to Daniel Webber as Private Paul Large, his moving portrayal of a young conscript struggling and battling courageously to help his mates and himself survive, while looking forward to returning home to his fiance and family is brilliant. As noted earlier the action in this film is relentless, from start to finish, however it never ignores the humanity and futility of war through the loss of life of many young soldiers. The roll call of ANZAC soldiers who died in the battle, noted at the end of the film with their ages, makes that abundantly clear. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

It was very interesting and I feIt to be directly on the battle field. I bought the dvd cause i have read many good reviews about this true Vietnam war movie. The special effects were really well done and the soldiers delivered a top performance. The cinematography is very good too. The story shows how the very young Australian army planned the combat against the Vietcongs. Don't miss this if you are interested in this genre of films. Check the other one with Mel Gibson We Were Soldiers. 7/10.