"We Were Soldiers" is a 2002 war film based on the book "We Were Soldiers Once... And Young" by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Ret.) and journalist Joseph L. Galloway. The movie is directed by Randall Wallace and stars Mel Gibson as Lt. Col. Hal Moore, a commanding officer who led the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment during the Battle of Ia Drang Valley in 1965.
The story is set in November 1965, where the Vietnam War was still considered a 'police action' in the eyes of the United States government and public. Hal Moore and his troops are flown to the Central Highlands where they land at Landing Zone X-Ray. When they reach the ground, they are immediately ambushed by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). Moore's troops are outnumbered and outgunned, with difficult terrain and unreliable air support. The battle lasts for three days, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
As the fighting begins, the American troops are overwhelmed by NVA's fierce resistance and mortars. Moore's leadership and strategies keep the troops together and focused. The film gives a portrayal of the bravery and sacrifice made by the soldiers on both sides of the conflict. It also shows the impact of war on their families back home.
Apart from Mel Gibson, the cast includes Madeleine Stowe as Moore's wife, Julie, and Barry Pepper as reporter Joseph Galloway, who was present during the battle. The film tells the story of one of the most brutal and critical battles in the Vietnam War, and how the soldiers showed resilience and bravery in the face of adversity.
"We Were Soldiers" was praised for its realistic portrayal of the war, and the soldiers' heroic actions. The movie grossed over $120 million worldwide. Today, veterans of the battle consider the film as a tribute to their fallen comrades and a record of their bravery and sacrifice.