The Making of 'Casualties of War'

Based on a true story, this harrowing film follows a unit of U.S. Army soldiers in Vietnam whose actions spiral into a brutal assault on a young Vietnamese woman. One soldier, Eriksson, struggles with his conscience and the immense pressure from his fellow soldiers and commanding officer, O'Neill, to participate in or condone the horrific act. The film explores the moral decay and psychological toll of war, forcing Eriksson to confront his own humanity amidst the barbarity.

Casualties of War received largely positive reviews from critics, who praised its powerful and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war and its complex moral questions. While some found its subject matter disturbing, many commended De Palma's direction and the strong performances, particularly from Sean Penn and Michael J. Fox. The film was noted for its bravery in tackling a difficult and controversial aspect of the Vietnam War.

• A brutal and unforgettable depiction of the moral compromises and psychological toll of war.

• Praised for its unflinching honesty and powerful performances, especially from Penn and Fox.

• De Palma's direction is noted for its intensity and effective storytelling, despite the disturbing subject matter.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's powerful emotional impact and its thought-provoking exploration of morality in wartime. Many viewers found it to be a difficult but important film that effectively conveyed the harsh realities of the Vietnam War and its psychological effects on soldiers.

Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (Sean Penn).

The events depicted in the film are based on a true story that Daniel Lang reported in a 1969 New Yorker article titled 'War Story'.