There are casualties in battle that require doctors to stitch you up and there are casualties that require doctors to examine your head. It is these that CASUALTIES OF WAR examines. American soldiers walk around a jungle and get blasted and then they go out on a long patrol. So there is plenty of action. A lot of time is spent on dialogue about sanity for Sergeant Meserve (Sean Penn) kidnaps an Asian woman from her home and takes her out on their long patrol like she is his prize. The other men rape her except Eriksson (Michael J. Fox) who has a soul and who is new to the Viet Nam conflict. There is so much bloodshed and animalistic activity on the part of humans that people don't act humane towards each other. That is the kewl realization that the film brings out in the open for us to ponder and discuss. The soldiers in combat feel like Genghis Khan but do they have the courage of Genghis Khan or do they overcompensate because they really feel small inside, and helpless amidst the more powerful artillery? Penn deserves accolades for this outstanding acting performance. He seemed like he was capable of doing unspeakable harm to his fellow countrymen. [4.3 stars]
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