Danger Close

In the midst of the Vietnam War, Danger Close follows the story of a group of soldiers, a majority of whom are Australian, who find themselves in the battle of their lives. Led by Major Harry Smith (Travis Fimmel), these men are tasked with pushing back against an overwhelming enemy force in the dense, dangerous jungles of Vietnam.

The movie initially sets the scene on the Australian base at Nui Dat, where we’re introduced to the soldiers who will be the main focus of the film. These soldiers are portrayed as being young, strong-willed and confident, ready to take on whatever the war throws their way. We get a sense of the camaraderie between them, their easy banter and their mutual respect - this is a group of men who are willing to fight and die for one another.

The film is fast-paced, immediately throwing us into the chaos of battle. The soldiers are sent out on a dangerous mission to secure a point deep in the jungle, a task that proves to be more challenging than anyone anticipated. The movie expertly brings to life the claustrophobic nature of fighting in dense jungle terrain, with its maze-like foliage, hidden traps and cunning enemy soldiers.

The tension is high from the onset, as the soldiers are constantly fighting to stay alive against waves of enemy soldiers. The movie expertly portrays the controlled chaos of battle and the sheer brutality of war. There’s nothing glamorous about this movie - it is raw and visceral, with intense action scenes showing the brutal realities of modern warfare.

As the story progresses, we get to know the individual soldiers better - their fears, their doubts, and their unwavering loyalty to one another. We see the impact that the war has on these young men, as they struggle to come to terms with the horrors they have witnessed and the losses they have suffered.

Travis Fimmel delivers a standout performance as Major Harry Smith, a seasoned veteran with a gruff exterior but a deep sense of compassion for his soldiers. He expertly portrays the weight of command, the pressure of making life-and-death decisions, and the burden of responsibility that comes with being a leader.

Toby Blome and Alexander England also give strong performances as Private Bobby Smith and Private Dave Sabben, respectively. They both portray the youthful naivety of the soldiers, the sense of invincibility that comes with being young and the bravery that is required to face danger head-on.

Director Kriv Stenders deserves credit for his direction of Danger Close. He expertly brings to life the terror, confusion and sheer bedlam of battle, conveying the tension and sharpness of conflict in a way that is both realistic and highly cinematic. The use of sound is particularly impressive - every shot, every explosion, and every bullet whizzing by feels like it could be happening right next to you.

The film is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography showcasing the lush greenery of the jungle and the beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes. Despite the many battles and explosions that take place, the movie never loses its artistic edge - every scene is beautifully shot and expertly framed.

One area where Danger Close falls short is in its character development. While the main cast of soldiers is likable and engaging, their backstories are not fully fleshed out. We know little about their lives before the war or what motivates them, which makes it harder to fully connect with them on an emotional level.

Additionally, some of the dialogue can feel stilted and overly clichéd. There are moments where the characters’ lines veer into the realm of the predictable, and some of the dialogue comes across as forced.

However, these are minor nitpicks in an otherwise excellent film. Danger Close is a powerful and emotionally charged war movie that doesn’t pull any punches. It’s a gritty and raw portrayal of one of the most infamous conflicts of the 20th century, and it’s a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought and died in Vietnam.