10 Gut-Wrenching Moments In War Films

Vietnam saw a schism in world politics and left American citizens disillusioned of the American government. Platoon with its gritty realism and poetic introspection is a tragic masterpiece depicting this distrust and decay of ideology as men clasp onto whatever humanity they have left.

The film follows protagonist Chris Taylor and his platoon as they fight during the height of the Vietnam war. He's led by staff Sergeants Elias and Barnes, each acting as father figures and representing the dichotomy of war: Elias as humanity and idealism; Barnes as cynicism and primitive survivalism.

Following aftermath of an incident in a village, Barnes is threatened with a court-martial and fearful of Elias potentially testifying against his 'illegal killing' of a villager. It comes to a head when both leaders are behind enemy lines as their Platoon is trying to make it out alive of the jungle.

Elias goes on ahead to flank the enemy while Barnes tells the platoon to return and would search for Elias alone. As they run into each other, Elias smiles in relief to see a familiar face. Barnes - with his rifle still steadied looks up for a moment - pulls the trigger. Barnes returns telling Chris he saw him gunned down by Viet Cong soldiers.

As the helicopter evacs, the men see Sgt. Elias running from VC soldiers. Chris cries out for the pilot to return and rescue him, but the pilot tells him there's nothing they can do. The platoon look on in horror as Elias runs in vain as Viet Cong soldiers gun him down. He finally falls to his knees and raises his arms in a gesture exclaiming and lamenting the inhumanity of war -"why?"