Trust America to wave their flag proudly and without shame when in retrospect the subject matter of "We Were Soldiers", that of the Vietnam War, was a big disgrace for the country.

Nauseating and suffocating is the flamboyant and laughable patriotic verve when the Vietnam War cost the U.S government more than any other military offensive other than World War 2, and subsequently turned the U.S into a recession, affecting other countries as well. This film may also be associated in spirit to the events of September 11 and garner a sympathetic viewing because of this and stir up American patriotism.

What is most annoying is that the film was probably filmed before September 11 and so the traumas of that day did not affect the story and ideology one iota. It is pre-Sep 11 American hype and if made during the terrorist attacks, it is more understandable, but still juicy patriotic morsels to pander to those easily persuaded about U.S military aggression.

"We Were Soldiers", about the leadership of Colonel Hal Moore of 400 soldiers during their first victorious land battle against the North Vietnamese, paints the "enemy" with lip service and portrays the "noble husband, father and son" grunt as the best thing since Lyndon Johnson.

"Heathen gooks", as they are called in the name of the Land of the Free, are shown at the end of the film to pander to America the Victor. Funny how Vietnam was reunified under Communism. Winning a battle does not win the war, and although many Hollywood films have lamented America’s involvement in Vietnam, this film takes a 180-degree turn without any regard for credibility and authenticity.

Considering the politics of the situation I find it difficult to separate that from the characters of the film, who are supposed to be heroic fathers, brothers and sons, but who instead get wrapped up in the ideology. Barry Pepper ("Saving Private Ryan") plays the only character with some heart, as a photojournalist disillusioned with the fighting. I like some of Mel Gibson’s roles, particularly in "Braveheart", and as Colonel Moore he is convincing at being tough and resourceful (as are a lot of Gibson’s characters), but is predominantly a pain in the neck with his larger than life Uncle Sam sermonising (especially for a guy born and raised in Australia).

The overtly violent war sequences, established now as a kind of genre since "Saving Private Ryan", are by 2002 clichéd, boring and ultimately pointless. I have seen it all before and was wowed by Spielberg but enough is enough. I do not want to think what "Windwalkers", another Vietnam flick coming out later this year, will be like since John Woo is trying to outdo Spielberg with "realistic war scenes".

Go watch "Good Morning Vietnam" or "Apocalypse Now". One’s a comedy with a satirical edge; the other a journey into the dark heart of Vietnam. They speak more profoundly than half-a-dozen Randall Wallace screenplays like "Pearl Harbor".