Because of America’s obsession with exorcising its demons, Hollywood is ever ready for a new Vietnam War angle, and We Were Soldiers offers another view we’ve never seen before — and does a good job. Based on the book by real life Col. Hal Moore, it’s is about the American soldier as a hero for going to Vietnam.

While none of us should expect actors to decide which movies to do for any reason other than their own satisfaction, some actors come off looking a bit too ‘actorly’. They don’t take on roles to entertain, they take on roles to prove to everyone (including themselves) how good they are.

The commentary is no less insightful and entertaining, Jackson remembering plenty of interesting facts about the film that would ultimately become his proving ground as an action adventure director capable of everything from drama and comedy to miniatures and CGI.