There was a wealth of revisionist Vietnam war films in the wake of Oliver Stones oscar winning "Platoon". Occasionally a low budget B movie can surpass the big studio competition. "The Siege of Firebase Gloria" is a minimalist, straightforward film about US Marines defending an isolated outpost in Vietnam, during the Tet offensive. It is directed by British expatriate, Brain Trenchard-Smith and stars R. Lee Ermey, Wings Hauser and Albert Popwell ("Hey, I've gots to know!").
While on reconnaissance, Sergeant-Major Hafner (R. Lee Ermey) comes across a destroyed village and surmises that "Charlie" is on the move. When the patrol arrives at Firebase Gloria, Hafner takes command from the drug crazed commanding officer and desperately tries to prepare the disorganised base for the impending assault. The chain of command refuses to acknowledge any potential danger and offers no help. Meanwhile NVA Col. Cao Van prepares his men to swarm and overrun the firebase, realising that such an attack will have a heavy death toll.
There's nothing remarkable about the story. It follows all the usual standards and ticks the appropriate boxes. But it's not only told with efficient skill, it's strikingly honest about the brutalities committed by both sides during the war. The Viet Cong are depicted with as much sympathy as the Americans and we see a little of the complicated politics of the country at the time . With clear and simply drawn characters, a workman like, yet at times amusing script, effective camerawork, "The Siege Firebase Gloria" paints a more vivid and unsettling portrait of the Vietnam war than far more pretentious movies in the genre. Ermey gives a grounded, genuine performance and it can be argued that he carries the film from the average to the worthy. Wings Hauser is a little over taxed as the burnt out Corporal suffering with PTSD. Albert Popwell provides solid support as the career soldier trying to maintain standards in environment where the "rules" are breaking down.
Unfortunately, this film is not currently available on DVD anywhere and so has to be viewed via retro technology such as VHS. Overlooked at the time of release, this plain and honest film joins the niche group of credible Vietnam war films such as "The Boys In Company C" and "Go Tell The Spartans". I recommended it to discerning fans of the genre. Below is a trailer created by a fan for your enjoyment.
XoD.
2008-08-05 @ 17:52