These films will be shown at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120-5596.
Discussion will follow and will be led by a Vietnam veteran or book club volunteer.
"We Were Soldiers" (2002, R)
Date: Sun, Sep 29, 2013
Time: 1:00pm – 4:30pm
This recounting of true events during the Vietnam War is set in the Ia Drang Valley soon to be known as the Valley of Death. In a small clearing called landing zone X-Ray, Lt. Colonel Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) and 450 young soldiers, all troopers from an elite American combat division, were surrounded by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. 137 minutes.
"Platoon" (1986, R)
Date: Sun, Oct 6, 2013
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Director Oliver Stone examines the day-to-day existence of an infantry rifle platoon in Vietnam made up of 30 guys from all walks of life. Their loyalties are split into two factions by warring sergeants Barnes and Elias, (Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe) which results in a conflict that ends in tragedy. Starring Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen. 120 minutes.
"A Soldier’s Sweetheart" (1998, R)
Date: Mon, Oct 28, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
An Army medic brings his girlfriend to stay with him at an out of the way Vietnam outpost in 1967, the woman disappears one day and he begins searching for her. Starring Kiefer Sutherland, adapted by Thomas Michael Donnelly from the story “Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong” by Tim O’Brien. 112 minutes.
"The Betrayal": Film and Discussion with filmmaker Thavisouk Phrasavath
Date: Sat, Nov 9, 2013
Time: 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Filmmaker Thavisouk Phrasavath will be here! His documentary won the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award. Thavi and his family were forced to emigrate from war-torn Laos after the Secret War on Laos was waged during the Vietnam War. Refreshments will be served.