Danger Close is a brutal recreation of the battle that took place on August the 18th 1966 in Vietnam. The Long Tan engagement is widely regarded as one of the finest military actions in the face of overwhelming odds of the whole Vietnam War. While there have been many movies about the conflict, very few have focused on the Australian contribution.
It's fair to say that Danger Close didn't have a huge production budget. However, director Kriv Stenders and co-writer Stuart Beattie do a fantastic job regardless. The innovative camera work results in an immersive experience for the audience. The director previously worked on Red Dog, which is another movie based on a true story.
Many of Australia's finest young acting talent is on show in this film. Fronting up the cast is Travis Fimmel. Yes, you heard me, the one and only Ragnar Lothbrok from Amazon Hit Show ‘Vikings'. Fimmel is outstanding as Major Harry Smith.
However, it's not just Fimmel who shines in this movie. Well established names like Richard Roxburgh and Anthony Hayes also give powerful performances as the senior Officers Brigadier David Jackson and Lieutenant Colonel Colin Townsend.
So, you might be guessing by now, that I loved Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan. Let me say this, it's not often that I describe a movie as ‘Outstanding'. All in all, Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan is one of the best war films I've seen recently. The director and writers allow the story to be told but provide a perfectly balanced portrayal of the events. Plus, the intensity is as precise as a metronome keeping you hooked into every second. The film ends with poignant photographs of the soldiers who fought in the battle, accompanied by the song ‘I Was Only Nineteen'.
A giant thumbs up for Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan. Check it out on Netflix now.
