Main Cast: Allen Payne, Eddie Griffin, Joe Morton, Vonte Sweet, Roger Floyd
Release Year: 1995
Country: US
Run Time: 89 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
Using relatively unknown actors, first-time screenwriter-director Preston A. Whitmore II examines the effects of the Vietnam War on four black Marines sent on a doomed prisoner-of-war rescue mission. The four men are what's left of a platoon that's been decimated after landing behind enemy lines. In charge is Sergeant Barkley (Joe Morton), a no-nonsense, Bible-quoting preacher who is leading three privates to find a POW camp in an abandoned temple. Cole Evans (Allen Payne) is an intellectual who is highly political, racially proud, and a devoted family man. Joe Brooks (Vonte Sweet) is a cheerful, naïve, and brave young soldier. Hoover Branche (Eddie Griffin) is a dope-smoking, foul-mouthed rebel who hates the war and fights the sergeant constantly. They eventually are joined by a crazy, bloodthirsty white soldier, Pippins (Roger Floyd). Flashbacks reveal why each character joined the Marines. Pippins entered the recruiting office to escape rival gang members who were trying to kill him. Brooks enlisted to impress his girlfriend. Branche signed up after being fired from a meat-packing plant for stealing a ham that he used as admission to a party where he wanted to woo a girl. Evans enlisted because bigoted real estate agents prevented him from buying a decent home for his family in L.A. -- he intended to become a Marine officer so that he can get free housing. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
Joe Altadonna - Art Director, Jaki Brown-Karman - Casting, Bill Carraro - Co-producer, Ileane Meltzer - Costume Designer, Thomas Patrick Smith - First Assistant Director, Preston A. Whitmore II - Director, Don Brochu - Editor, William Carruth - Editor, Gary Chang - Composer (Music Score), Adam Joseph - Musical Direction/Supervision, George Costello - Production Designer, Doug McHenry - Producer, Frank Price - Producer, George Jackson - Producer, David Watkin - Special Effects, Charlie Picerni - Stunts Coordinator, Preston A. Whitmore II - Screenwriter, Carol Bahoric - Executive in Charge of Production
In 1972 (in Vietnam), Marines are sent in to rescue the POW officers. The landing zone is hot and after a short fight, only four are left alive. The platoon they are to meet at the next day is wiped out except for one nut-case. They conclude that they are expendable decoys. Between the walking, talking, arguing and assaulting between the four, there are flashbacks to contrite life before the Marines.
