***The only Vietnam War flick shot during the war***
An intrepid colonel (John Wayne) and a team of Green Berets defend a firebase camp in Viet Cong-controlled territory in Vietnam accompanied by a cynical journalist (David Janssen). The colonel and a select group of his men eventually implement a special mission to capture a high-level Viet Cong general. Aldo Ray, Raymond St. Jacques, Jim Hutton, George Takei, Patrick Wayne & others are on hand.
Co-directed by John Wayne, "The Green Berets" (1968) is notable as the only Vietnam War flick made during the actual conflict (I’m talking about theatrical releases). The events take place well before the Tet Offensive of 1968 and the story isn’t about your average grunt conscript, e.g. “Platoon” (1986), but rather Special Forces personnel, who are highly trained & disciplined career professionals. The movie is curiously notorious because it’s pro-involvement, but it’s NOT pro-war seeing as how the flick clearly shows the horrors of war. It’s just that it honestly details the noble reasons WHY the USA got involved in the first place.
The tone & story mixes the style of 1960’s War-in-the-Pacific movies like “Ambush Bay” (1966) with a dash of “The Dirty Dozen” (1967). “We Were Soldiers” (2002) is similar, but more effective because it lacks the old-fashioned humor and quaintness. “Go Tell the Spartans” (1978) is in the same ballpark.
There’s a lot of action (with fake-looking bright red blood), but it takes forever to get to it. Still, the characters are likable and you have to respect a movie that takes its time to establish the setting and protagonists.
The film runs 2 hours, 22 minutes and was shot in Fort Benning & Columbus, Georgia; Ft. McClellen, Alabama; and WB Burbank Studios. Actually, Georgia works surprisingly well for the SE Asia sequences. It’s not like Vietnam is all palm trees; they DO have pines and deciduous.
GRADE: B-
The Green Berets (1968) stands as a powerful and unapologetic tribute to American courage and resolve. John Wayne delivers a commanding performance as Colonel Mike Kirby, leading a team of elite Green Berets in the jungles of Vietnam. The film captures the spirit of the era with bold storytelling, impressive battle sequences, and a clear message of duty. It remains one of the few major Hollywood productions that presented the Vietnam conflict from a perspective of pride rather than doubt.
At its core, this movie celebrates patriotism in its purest form. It portrays American soldiers as brave men who answered the call to serve something greater than themselves. They fight not for glory but to protect freedom and stop the spread of communism. Wayne and the cast bring sincerity and conviction to every scene, reminding audiences of the values that define the United States military tradition. The film refuses to shy away from showing the high stakes and the honor involved in wearing the Green Beret.
One of the most moving aspects is how it depicts American soldiers doing their best to help the Vietnamese people. The Green Berets build schools, provide medical care, and work closely with local villagers to improve their lives and defend them from enemy forces. These scenes highlight the humanitarian side of the mission alongside the combat, showing soldiers as protectors and builders rather than mere warriors. This balance gives the film heart and underscores the positive impact American forces sought to create in a difficult situation.
The action sequences are thrilling and well executed, with strong direction that keeps the pace engaging from start to finish. Supporting performances from David Janssen and the rest of the ensemble add depth and camaraderie that feels authentic. The movie effectively uses its runtime to honor the real life Green Berets who inspired the story, blending entertainment with respect for those who served.
Decades later, The Green Berets continues to inspire viewers who appreciate straightforward storytelling and strong national pride. It offers a refreshing counterpoint to more cynical war films and serves as a heartfelt thank you to the men who fought with honor. If you value classic cinema, John Wayne at his finest, and a patriotic view of American military history, this film deserves a proud place in your collection. Highly recommended.
