Charlie Sheen's Oscar winning 'classic' compared to father's 'masterpiece' streaming via Prime Video
Charlie Sheen hopes younger viewers will rediscover his early roles
Charlie Sheen's Oscar winning 'classic' that is compared to his father's own 'masterpiece' is streaming via Prime Video.
The actor is under the spotlight once again following the release of his memoir and a new Netflix documentary. According to its synopsis, the two-part film released this week sees the Two and a Half Men star open up on his rollercoaster life and career.
From making home movies with his brothers and friends who would also become famous actors such as Sean Penn and George Clooney, to landing his big break in the 1980s and struggling with addiction along the way - Sheen opens up on the highs and lows of his life like never before.
He has also spoken about the documentary giving younger audience members a chance to learn about his career before he starred on a sitcom and was involved in many controversies. That includes his starring role in 1986's Platoon.
Those who wish to watch the film can do so through a subscription to MGM+. It is available as a add-on with Prime Video and users can claim a 7-day free trial, before a monthly cost of £5.99.
Sheen plays Chris Taylor, who leaves his university studies to enlist in combat duty in Vietnam in 1967. Once he's on the ground in the middle of battle, his idealism fades. Infighting in his unit between Staff Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger), who believes nearby villagers are harbouring Viet Cong soldiers, and Sergeant Elias (Willem Dafoe), who has a more sympathetic view of the locals, ends up pitting the soldiers against each other as well as against the enemy.
In Sheen's documentary, it is touched on how his part was compared to one of his father's memorable roles, with that of Apocalypse Now. That too was a war movie set around the Vietnam War. Sheen even talks about visiting his father while he was filming.
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Written and directed by Oliver Stone, Platoon went on to pick up four Oscars including Best Director and Best Picture. Apocalypse Now was nominated in the same categories but only went home with the Best Sound and Best Cinematography accolades.
Platoon is also the second highest rated film starring Charlie Sheen on Rotten Tomatoes, with 89%. It sits only behind Being John Malkovich, in which Sheen plays a version of himself.
A viewer of Apocalypse Now shared online: "Apocalypse Now is an absolute masterpiece that deserves every bit of praise that it has received. From the stunning visuals to the incredible performances, everything about this film is top‑notch."
Meanwhile one fan, discussing Platoon said: "One of the slightly lesser known classic war films, some would say the definitive Vietnam movie. Oliver Stone's exploration of the depravity of men in extremity is compelling and unforgettable. A superb cast take us into jungle warfare at its worst. It is a must watch for anyone interested in this genre, or not. Great film."
Another compared the two directly, saying: "Manages to capture the sense madness of things such as conflict. The direction is good, well crafted. It stands up there with Apocalypse Now."
Someone else, claimed an opinion shared by many others as they commented: "Probably the best war movie ever made. It's a true classic."
Platoon is streaming on MGM+ available via Prime Video.