A tough U.S. sergeant and his sidekick roll into a demoralized firebase, where they attempt to rebuild morale and fortifications amid a climactic battle with the Viet Cong.A tough U.S. sergeant and his sidekick roll into a demoralized firebase, where they attempt to rebuild morale and fortifications amid a climactic battle with the Viet Cong.A tough U.S. sergeant and his sidekick roll into a demoralized firebase, where they attempt to rebuild morale and fortifications amid a climactic battle with the Viet Cong.
- Coates
- (as Clyde R. Jones)
- Flanagan
- (as Margi Gerard)
- Patrol Member
- (as Eric Hauser)
- Patrol Member
- (as Guel Romero)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWriter William L. Nagle was an Australian S.A.S. soldier who served tours of Vietnam between 1965 and 1969.
- GoofsCapt. A.J. "Bugs" Moran shouts "You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille" obviously referencing the song recorded by Kenny Rogers in 1977--two years after the fall of Saigon and the end of the war.
- Quotes
Hafner: [Sgt. Hafner carries two severed American heads] Anyone know who these belong to? This is Corporal Miller. He's dead. Hell, the whole gun crew's dead. And to add insult to injury, Charlie took the fifty-fucking caliber machine gun with him. I don't have any respect for Corporal Miller anymore, because he allowed his troops to relax. They let their guard down for five fucking minutes, and Charlie took advantage of it. Look at 'em, Goddammit! Pay attention. Stay alert! Stay alive! It's as simple as that!
- Crazy creditsAfter the opening credits: "In January 1968 the Tet Offensive exploded throughout an unsuspecting South Vietnam, escalating the conflict into total war. With the advantage of surprise, the Viet Cong abandoned guerrilla tactics and attacked U.S. military positions across the country. Many American units were isolated as communication and supply lines were cut by the massive Viet Cong advance. On a forgotten outpost, surrounded and outnumbered, one unit struggled for their lives on the last piece of ground they held. This is their story..."
- ConnectionsFeatured in Colli di cuoio (1989)
This is the Vietnam War just the way we thought or preferred to think about it at the time: the Americans are the good guys, Charlie's the bad guy, South Vietnamese civilians are the ones being protected, everyone loves being in the Corps, inter-service co-operation is something you can always take for granted. The reality was a bit more complicated, but it didn't seem that way to a lot of people then.
It's about time the guys who were over there, or sit-at-home strategists back here, got a movie that validates their recollections and good intentions, one that's realistic, but without being too gung ho on the one hand (like "The Green Berets"), or too negative about US involvement on the other (like most other Vietnam films). I don't think I buy this point of view personally anymore, but it's good to have it available as an option.
Lee Ermey is totally authentic as always. Wings Hauser is not at that level but he's good enough. The Vietnamese are generally played by Filipinos who don't completely look the part but do a decent job.
There's plenty of mayhem for action buffs -- much of the movie looks like the climax from "Glory" (or "Zulu"). Pot-smoking is frowned upon in this one, as is poor grooming (I did say old-fashioned). Everybody does his duty, especially Charlie.
The good guys win this time.
- Varlaam
- Oct 17, 1998
- How long is The Siege of Firebase Gloria?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Firebase - Blutige Offensive
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- A$1,600,000 (estimated)
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