Watch The Iron Triangle

The Iron Triangle is a 1989 war drama film directed by Eric Weston, based on the true story of a Marine Corps advisor who helped to build a small army of South Vietnamese civilians to fight against the Communists during the Vietnam War. The movie stars Beau Bridges as the Marine Corps advisor, Col. David Stewart, and Haing S. Ngor and Liem Whatley as his allies in the rural villages.

The movie is set in 1976, three years after the fall of Saigon, and the disclosure of the real war of the South Vietnamese civilians. The movie gives a glimpse into the civilian side of the war, depicting the devastating consequences of the war on the local people.

Beau Bridges plays the role of Col. David Stewart, who is chosen to train a few Vietnamese civilians of a rural village to fight against the Communists. He is sent there to build up the local resistance, called "The Iron Triangle." He meets an old man named Le, played by Haing S. Ngor, who becomes his interpreter and right-hand man. Le is a retired soldier from the South Vietnamese army and has the knowledge of the area and the people.

Once there, Stewart finds that the villagers are more interested in their farming than fighting. But slowly and steadily, Stewart manages to convince them of the gravity of the situation and the need to fight to protect their families and their way of life. Through his determination and hard work, he finally builds up a small village army of over 200 fighters, trained with makeshift weapons.

The movie is shot primarily on location in Thailand, and the stunning visuals are captured by cinematographer Jack A. Marta. The lush beauty of Southeast Asia, with its pristine landscapes and traditional villages, contrasts sharply with the brutal reality of war. The movie takes us along the breathtaking beauty and scenery of Thailand, along with the everyday lives and customs of its rural people.

The Iron Triangle explores the themes of loyalty, deception, tradition, and the effects of war on civilians. The movie contains a vast number of small characters, each with their own stories and motivations. The people are shown to be living their ordinary lives, which are affected by the ongoing war. They show a side of the war that is not always captured in other movies, as these villagers are taken from their daily lives and forced into battle. The morale and the emotional states of the people are shown throughout various scenes in the movie.

Beau Bridges, in the role of Col. David Stewart, delivers a remarkable performance. He portrays the level of determination, patience and the need for the human connection. Ngor, in the role of Le, gives a strong character as well, showing the leader of his people wanting to give his best throughout the battles. Both are taken by a desire to help the civilians and the struggles they face.

The Iron Triangle is a moving tribute to the resiliency of the human spirit, set amidst the horrors of war. It depicts the lives of the everyday people and how the consequences of the war play a role in their families and societies. Weston's direction is engaging and his storytelling is profound. The cinematography, coupled with the outstanding performances of the actors, makes this a truly unforgettable movie. It is a must-watch cinematic masterpiece that will leave a lasting impact on your soul.

Overall, The Iron Triangle is a gripping and powerful movie that tells an intense story of courage and sacrifice, illustrating how people come together in times of adversity to fight for what they believe in. The movie manages to capture the essence of the war and the civilian side of it, and it is a valuable work that should be seen by anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War.

The Iron Triangle is a 1989 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.