Welcome to Born to Watch – the movie podcast that doesn’t take itself (or the movies) too seriously... unless it’s time to drop napalm on moral clarity.
This week, the crew gears up and dives deep into Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1986)—the Vietnam War classic that won four Academy Awards, redefined the genre, and made us all fear John C. McGinley in a foxhole.
On paper, it’s heavy artillery: Oliver Stone directing from his own war experience, Charlie Sheen as our baby-faced narrator, and Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger as ideological opposites fighting both the Viet Cong and each other. What unfolds is raw, brutal, and surprisingly emotional.
But does Platoon (1986) still hit like it did back in the VHS days? The Born to Watch crew breaks it down with battle-hardened honesty, dad jokes, and more than one Enya reference.
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:
Whitey shares how Platoon was the one war movie his dad wouldn’t let him watch (despite approving Mad Max at age six).
G-Man leads the charge through the cast, box office, and the massive influence of military advisor Dale Dye—aka the guy who’s been in every war movie ever made.
Dan makes a passionate case for the power of the headband and drops a strong “Team Elias” stance—despite years of being a secret Barnes guy.
We dissect the duality of man, the underrated brilliance of Charlie Sheen’s performance, and why Platoon hit different as teens… and hits harder now.
And of course, we debate the most iconic Vietnam movies ever. (Platoon or Apocalypse Now? Choose your side.)
🔥 Whether you’ve watched Platoon 22 times or you’re gearing up for your first dive into the jungle, this episode is one for the grunts, the film nerds, and anyone still haunted by Samuel Barber’s theme music.
👀 HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Dan’s tactical breakdown of bandana fashion in warfare.
Whitey outing his dad’s Enya obsession (and his hatred of movie swearing).
G-Man’s skirmish story that proves he’d be the first to die in real combat.
The return of Born to Watch’s favorite war movie quote: “Buns up and kneelin’, G!”
Willem Dafoe’s most iconic slow-mo death since… ever.
🎧 LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your movie fix.
💬 Join the conversation:
Team Elias or Team Barnes – whose war was more justified?
Is Platoon (1986) the ultimate Vietnam War film?
What scene hit hardest (or surprised you most) on rewatch?
📣 Want to be part of the show? Drop us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and we might just feature you in an upcoming episode!
📌 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Bell so you never miss a brutal rewatch, a hot take, or an extremely confusing snob report.
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