Casualties of War (Extended Cut)

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Based on a true story.

The movie itself is a must-see. The blu-ray release that came out in August 2018 provides a decent picture quality - certainly an upgrade from the DVD version. It is presented in 1080p HD/ 2.4:01; Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD MA, French, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital; Subtitles: English SDH . Special Features include: "Eriksson's War: A Conversation with Michael J. Fox"; The Making of Casualties of War; Deleted Scenes & Theatrical Trailer. The disc has no artwork, unlike the DVD disc that I have. The artwork on the blu-ray cover insert is somewhat mediocre, as if printed on a lower quality printer. This movie is a classic and although the picture quality is fine, the absence of artwork on the disc and the lower quality of the artwork of the cover insert are a mild disappointment - these should reflect the nature of the film which has been described as a "masterpiece".

The quintessential capstone on the 1980s Vietnam War film. Casualties of War is a brutal motion picture with stellar cinematography and exceptional performances. Overlooked by audiences when it came out in ‘89 possibly due to Vietnam film fatigue and an inability to see Michael J. Fox as anything other than a comedic actor, but there are dramatic riches to be found in this production but they are obviously tragic in nature. Simply put, this is a crime story about the kidnapping, gang rape, and murder of an innocent Vietnamese girl by a squad of brutalized, angry, soldiers during the Vietnam War and one man who can’t go along with it but fails to stop it. It is based on a real incident which De Palma had wanted to make into a film for many years. This is not an action movie. Although CoW has several combat scenes. Living with the psychology of the soldiers particularly Fox’s character as they descend into war weary, criminality is the main thrust of the film. It’s how war desensitizes one to others suffering until one finally becomes the perpetuator. The dialog and pacing of the film resembles a play to some extent, which the writer, David Rabe, had written several of before this film. This may be why some folks don’t end up liking the movie as it has melodramatic touches here and there. But in my opinion, it works to the movie’s strengths, especially with the music, because it gives the film that touch of a dreamlike quality, as if events are tragically remembered rather than being felt in real time. Additionally, the acting was superb by all involved especially the Vietnamese girl. I rate this product 4 stars as The Blu-ray has no commentary track and it does not have the extended cut which looks to be a better film based on the deleted scenes. Also De Palma should have staged one of the combat scenes much better than what ended up on screen. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you see it. Casualties of War is worth your time if you’re looking for a different type of war film. “You Emerge from Tragedy Equipped Against Lies” -Howard Barker

Love this movie

One of Michael J. Fox’s dramatic roles ever! This was a very dark, but this was a very interesting movie, especially for the fact that this was based on a true story. It had a surprising plot, the action was intense, everything was perfect about this film! I love it so much.

Movie

Great movie, great casting, outstanding score. Very sad subject but very well done by director Brian DePalma!

Perfecto

I enjoyed seeing Michael J Fox and Sean Penn in this war movie with some action and a very moving story for Michael J Fox in a moral tale of one man’s quest for sanity and justice in a war zone.

Una pelicula clasica muy buena pero el doblaje en español es el de españa y la verdad para los latinos se escucha raro ojala la puedan vender doblada al español latino

A good buy

Although the difference between the theatrical cut and the extended version is approximately 6 minutes worth of scenes, I must recommend getting the Extended Cut. The cross-examination of Michael J Fox's character and the skepticism and undercurrents of disgust which he is met with when the investigation into the atrocities is launched add so much to the film, further emphasizing that the codes of loyalty and camaraderie in place amongst the soldiers made exposing injustice an all the more difficult task. The film is excellent. DePalma is more restrained in his tendencies to dazzle with technical prowess. There is, however, an operatic quality to the acting, more noticeable in some scenes; emotions run high, the music swells and the camera presents images (particularly on the bridge) that are painterly, masterful in how dramatic they are. These qualities contribute to the sense of what another reviewer termed as the "morality play" characteristics of the film. This film would be perfection for me if it weren't for a "big speech" convention near the end of the film, the type of speech that is too unambigious in stating the moral position of the film. It is the sort of moment that is easily parodied when looking at "oscar bait" movies made in the present era. The Special Features on the Extended Cut are limited but satisfactory. There is a 15 minute featurette with Michael J Fox looking back on the making of the film. More interesting is the half hour 'Making Of' Documentary. The ammount of superfluous talking heads are kept to a minimum- DePalma speaks at length, and it is always interesting to hear him talk about the process. I only wish he would do Director's Commentary tracks for his films. What interests me about DePalma as a filmmaker is that he is unlikely to do 'puff pieces' to gleefully promote his work. He is up front about his political convictions, whether or not you agree with him, and also he is honest about problems he faces, often being the first person to bring up and address the criticisms directed at him. In both this and the "Dressed to Kill" Blu Ray he acknowledges that his films are criticized (misogyny being the most used term with regards to Dressed to Kill). For purposes of comparison see Elia Kazan's "The Visitors", based on the same article and events as "Casualties of War". Though a much lesser film, DePalma's own "Redacted" does have it's merits, and is in some ways a Casualties of War for the found-footage, multimedia Internet generation.