livingwithchirst

The movie follows a scrappy 21-person Vietnamese guerrilla squad that ends up in the crosshairs of a US forces search and destroy mission. Their task is to protect a newly arrived strategic intelligence team hiding at their base, no matter what it takes. The plot isn't overly complex, so the film hooks you more with the characters' inner struggles than with battlefield tactics.

I really liked how the story kicks off with a lost soldier stumbling into the guerrilla team's tunnel network. It sparks some funny and engaging moments that flesh out the bonds between the Vietnamese soldiers. But as the film hits its midpoint, the escalating tension of the war with the US army starts to drown out those emotional connections. I get why it shifts that way, but it's a pity the soldiers' sacrifices didn't land with more weight. It would've hit harder if the director had ramped up the emotional stakes, especially when the guerrilla leader, a key figure, meets his end. That moment deserved a bigger payoff.

There's a touch of sex in the film too nothing overdone, and it feels grounded. I think it's a realistic nod to something rarely explored in stories about Vietnam War soldiers. After all, these are young guys in their prime, still human despite the chaos.

The sound design really stands out. The director nails the raw punch of bombs and gunfire. Visually, it's strong too smart camera angles and solid framing. That's a huge plus in making the film feel real as it brings history to life.

One of the most entertaining anime films of this year. Although it is bereft of complex plot points or any kind of depth in that matter, it makes up for all of its flaws through its charming characters. Along with that, its flashy animation and gimmicky action scenes are enough to make you stick around

32 years ago and now, there have been big changes for the LGBT community in Taiwan. The movie still successfully builds a romantic school memory - a strong point of Taiwanese films, combined with history and love. In which, a nostalgic love, a troubled love gives you an indestructible tension. A love movie worth watching.