Danger Close

Australia and New Zealand mobilized their troops during the Vietnam War to assist the United States in its efforts to combat communism. This contingent was a youthful mix of conscripts and volunteers, averaging just 20 years of age, with many of them lacking any prior combat experience.

The film opens with an intense mortar attack on the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) base in Nui Dat, launched by the Viet Cong (VC) and the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN). In this high-stakes environment, Major Harry Smith (Travis Fimmel), the leader of Delta Company, maintains his composure under fire, instructing his men to take cover while others remain too casual, choosing to play cards or indulge in drinks.

The base personnel include Captain Morrie Stanley (Aaron Glenane), Warrant Officer Class Two Jack Kirby (Alexander England), Bombardier Ray Ngatai (Uli Latukefu), Private Paul Large (Daniel Webber), and Private Noel Grimes (Nicholas Hamilton). Joining them are newcomers Private Frank Topp and Private Colin Whiston, who are eager but inexperienced.

The scene intensifies as Second Lieutenant Gordon Sharp (Mojean Aria), leading 11 Platoon, neglects his responsibilities while playing cards with his men, disregarding orders from Harry. Quick thinking from Sergeant Bob Buick (Luke Bracey) assists Harry in pinpointing the source of the mortar fire. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Townsend (Anthony Hayes), commanding the artillery unit, joins in the effort.

In a display of resilience, the base manages to fend off the attack with counter-battery fire, successfully obliterating the enemy mortar crew. However, this moment of victory is overshadowed by the undeniable reality of the war, as Harry chides Private Large for drinking beer instead of being on patrol during the enemy’s offensive. Kirby steps up to confront Harry, asserting that Harry runs Delta Company harder than any other unit he has experienced, yet he sees little regard for the men’s well-being.

Harry contends that being a professional soldier managing conscripts feels like a misuse of his abilities and potential. In pursuit of a transfer to a commando unit, he approaches Brigadier Jackson (Richard Roxburgh), only to be met with refusal and told to comply with Townsend’s directives.

After the mortar attack, Major Smith proposes that his unit, Delta Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR), should investigate the nearby rubber tree plantation located 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away. Yet, Townsend declines Smith’s offer, assigning Bravo Company to determine the mortar’s firing positions and the enemy’s retreat.

The next day, Delta Company receives orders to relieve Bravo and consequently misses a concert featuring Australian performers Little Pattie (Emmy Dougall) and Col Joye with the Joy Boys. As they set off, they spot fresh tracks leading from the mortar sites and set out in pursuit of the enemy forces. Leading the charge, 11 Platoon encounters a small VC patrol that quickly escalates into a fierce firefight.

Under heavy machine-gun fire, 11 Platoon calls for reinforcements, and Harry mobilizes 10 Platoon to support them. Despite accurate artillery fire decimating numerous enemy soldiers, the VC keep advancing. Ensnared in battle, 10 Platoon faces their own enemy unit, further hamstrung in their mission to assist 11 Platoon. The situation spirals as 11 Platoon pushes deeper into the plantation, creating a dangerous gap from their supporting platoons behind.

Isolated, 11 Platoon endures ferocious attacks and resorts to calling in artillery fire, having no choice but to bring the bombardment dangerously close to their position. Miraculously, this heavy barrage forces the enemy to retreat momentarily, granting the beleaguered platoon a chance to regroup. Amid the chaos, news reaches Harry that the enemy numbers exceed 700 soldiers poised to overrun their base.

In a critical moment, Harry appeals to Jackson for reinforcements in the form of Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and air support. While Jackson dispatches the support requested from American forces, the jets fail to locate the smoke markers due to Bob Buick’s malfunctioning smoke bombs. In dire straits, Buick suggests a radical and desperate measure: Harry must authorize artillery fire directly on their position, which could sacrifice 11 Platoon. Reluctantly, Harry agrees, fully aware of the tragic consequences.

Amidst the overwhelming fire from the VC, 11 Platoon appears to endure significant casualties, straining Harry’s spirit as he fails to raise them on the radio. Back at Nui Dat, an indecisive Brigadier Jackson hesitates to commit reinforcements, breathing weight into an already tense situation as he orders Delta to withdraw. Yet, driven by an unwavering sense of duty, Major Smith decides to execute a daring rescue mission to save those left behind.

Organizing a few men from 10 Platoon, Harry manages to establish a fragile line of communication while urging the men to retreat to his position. Battling dwindling ammunition and the relentless monsoon, Major Smith pleads for a resupply via helicopter. Group Captain Peter Raw expresses reluctance due to the dangerous landing zone, but Flight Lieutenant Francis Patrick Riley (Myles Pollard) and Flight Lieutenant Robert George Grandin (Alex Neal) heroically volunteer to support Delta Company, braving hostile fire to deliver crucial supplies.

With the arrival of essential provisions, Harry quickly repositions his forces and orchestrates a determined rescue for 11 Platoon. Against all odds, the rescue team triumphantly locates survivors, reinvigorating spirits at their base. Yet, Jackson’s caution remains as he weighs the vulnerability of the remaining forces at Nui Dat with a potential enemy battalion approaching from another direction.

Eventually, the tide turns as Jackson is compelled to dispatch APCs to assist Delta and protect their beleaguered company. Facing an aggressive onslaught from the VC, Harry steadfastly holds his ground until the much-needed relief, including M113 armored personnel carriers, finally arrives, forcing the PAVN soldiers to withdraw. Tragically, amidst the conflict, Private Large sustains fatal injuries and dies instantly during the combat.

In the wake of the fierce Battle of Long Tan, a somber reality sets in as the soldiers gather for roll call, acknowledging the harsh truth of their losses. Major Smith bids a profound farewell to Private Large as he is airlifted away, encapsulating the emotional weight of the sacrifice made. The battle results in the heroism of 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers who valiantly held off a North Vietnamese force exceeding 2000 troops, resulting in the loss of 18 Australians and an estimated 245 Vietnamese lives.

Last Updated: December 13, 2024 at 06:47