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Danger Close (2019) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Danger Close (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2019 · 118 min · English
Echo score 76
Directed by
Kriv Stenders
Starring
Aaron Glenane, Luke Bracey, Daniel Webber, Travis Fimmel, Anthony Hayes, Richard Roxburgh
Budget
$24M

In a remote Vietnamese jungle, a platoon of 108 inexperienced Australian and New Zealand soldiers finds itself confronting a vastly larger enemy force of 2,500 Viet Cong fighters. Facing dwindling ammunition and mounting casualties, Major Harry Smith's men must draw upon their courage and honor to survive a desperate battle against overwhelming odds, testing their resolve and pushing them to their limits in a fight for survival.

Action Drama War Cast, crew & box office
On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (5)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Danger Close
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Danger Close (2019)

Where can you watch Danger Close? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Fandango At Home, FlixFling and Google Play Movies: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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5 main characters · contains spoilers

Danger Close Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Danger Close (2019), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Major Harry Smith (Travis Fimmel)

    Major Harry Smith demonstrates leadership under fire, tasked with making strategic decisions in dire contexts. He battles both the external enemy and internal dissent among his ranks, reflecting the burden of command. Despite facing criticism, his commitment to his men and the mission showcases a complex character balancing duty with morality.

    • 🧑‍✈️ Leadership
    • 🔫 Soldier
    • 📏 Strategy

  • Captain Morrie Stanley (Aaron Glenane)

    Captain Morrie Stanley serves as a steadfast presence within the unit, providing support and guidance during chaotic moments. His character is portrayed as dependable yet aware of the challenges faced by conscripted soldiers. His interactions with Harry highlight the struggle for mutual respect under the strain of warfare.

    • ⚓ Leadership
    • 🛡️ Supporter

  • Sergeant Bob Buick (Luke Bracey)

    Sergeant Bob Buick emerges as a crucial player in ensuring the safety of his fellow soldiers, showcasing bravery in dangerous situations. He is pragmatic and quick-thinking, often stepping in to assist in highlighting critical issues on the battlefield. His camaraderie with Harry exemplifies the importance of teamwork.

    • 💪 Tactical
    • 🪖 Soldier

  • Private Paul Large (Daniel Webber)

    Private Paul Large embodies the youthful inexperience of the soldiers, grappling with the stark differences between combat and civilian life. His casual demeanor contrasts sharply with the serious nature of the war, illustrating the internal conflicts faced by many young conscripts during this tumultuous era.

    • 👶 Youth
    • 🍺 Inexperienced

  • Brigadier David Jackson (Richard Roxburgh)

    Brigadier David Jackson serves as a high-ranking officer, faced with difficult decisions regarding troop movements and resource allocation. His character represents the tension between strategy and the welfare of individual soldiers. Through his hesitance and eventual insights, he embodies the complexities of military leadership.

    • ⚔️ Leadership
    • 🧠 Strategy

Last updated: December 12, 2024 at 23:07

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Setting

Where and When Does Danger Close Take Place?

The setting of Danger Close (2019): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1960s

The 1960s were marked by significant military conflict, particularly the Vietnam War, where various nations, including Australia and New Zealand, intervened to combat communism in Southeast Asia. This era saw young soldiers, many of whom were conscripts, facing intense combat and challenging circumstances in a foreign land. Siege, perseverance, and defining moments in military history took place during this turbulent period.

Location

Nui Dat, Long Tân

Nui Dat was a base established by the Australian forces during the Vietnam War. It served as a pivotal location for military operations against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army. Long Tân, located 2 kilometers away from Nui Dat, became synonymous with a fierce battle where Australian troops faced overwhelming enemy forces.

  • 🇦🇺 Vietnam
  • 🏞️ Battlefield

Last updated: December 12, 2024 at 23:07

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3 major themes

Danger Close Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Danger Close (2019) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Courage

    The film encapsulates the theme of courage amid chaos and fear during warfare. The characters demonstrate immense bravery when tasked with defending their position against overwhelming enemy forces. Their actions underscore the importance of standing firm in dire situations, emphasizing the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

  • Brotherhood

    Brotherhood is a central theme as the soldiers in Delta Company rely on one another for support and survival. Their camaraderie is tested under fire, highlighting bonds forged in conflict. This theme celebrates loyalty, sacrifice, and the strength of human connections in the most harrowing of circumstances.

  • Sacrifice

    Sacrifice is poignantly depicted as the soldiers make life-or-death decisions that impact their comrades. The narrative showcases the devastating reality of loss in combat, as revealed in the aftermath of the battle. This theme resonates through the personal stories of characters who face the ultimate price for their duty.

Last updated: December 12, 2024 at 23:07

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Character & theme questions

Danger Close Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Danger Close (2019): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Danger Close set?

Danger Close is set in the Vietnamese jungle during the Vietnam War, specifically at Nui Dat, an Australian military base, and the nearby area of Long Tân where the decisive battle takes place.

  • vietnam war
  • nu i dat
  • long tan
  • setting
  • australian troops
Q2

When does Danger Close take place?

The film is set in the 1960s during the Vietnam War, a period when Australian and New Zealand forces were deployed to fight alongside South Vietnam against communist forces.

  • 1960s
  • vietnam war
  • time period
  • australian army
Q3

Is Danger Close based on a true story?

Yes, Danger Close is based on the real Battle of Long Tân in August 1966, where 108 Australian soldiers from Delta Company fought approximately 2,500 Viet Cong fighters.

  • true story
  • battle of long tan
  • historical
  • based on real events
Q4

What does the title Danger Close mean?

Danger Close is a military term meaning enemy forces are in very close proximity, typically within artillery range. The title reflects the desperate situation faced by the outnumbered Australian platoon.

  • military term
  • danger close
  • title meaning
Q5

What are the main themes of Danger Close?

The film explores three interconnected themes: courage, as soldiers face overwhelming odds; brotherhood, showing the bonds forged between comrades under fire; and sacrifice, depicting the devastating cost of war.

  • courage
  • brotherhood
  • sacrifice
  • themes
  • war film
Q6

Who is Major Harry Smith in Danger Close?

Major Harry Smith is the platoon commander played by Travis Fimmel. He leads Delta Company through the battle, making difficult strategic decisions while managing both external enemy threats and internal dissent among his ranks.

  • major harry smith
  • commander
  • leader
  • travis fimmel
Q7

How does Danger Close portray brotherhood?

The film portrays brotherhood through the camaraderie between soldiers in Delta Company, showing how they rely on each other for survival. Their bonds are tested under fire, emphasizing loyalty and mutual support in dire circumstances.

  • brotherhood
  • camaraderie
  • soldiers
  • bonds
  • loyalty
Q8

What does Danger Close say about sacrifice?

Danger Close depicts sacrifice as the devastating reality of combat, showing soldiers making life-or-death decisions that impact their comrades. The narrative emphasizes the high cost paid by individuals for their duty.

  • sacrifice
  • loss
  • death
  • cost of war
  • soldiers
Q9

Who are the main characters in Danger Close?

The main characters include Major Harry Smith the commander, Sergeant Bob Buick the brave pragmatist, Captain Morrie Stanley the dependable support officer, Private Paul Large representing young inexperienced conscripts, and Brigadier David Jackson as the high-ranking决策者.

  • characters
  • cast
  • harry smith
  • bob buick
  • paul large
  • morrie stanley
Q10

How many soldiers fight in Danger Close?

The film depicts 108 inexperienced Australian and New Zealand soldiers from Delta Company facing approximately 2,500 Viet Cong fighters, creating a massively outnumbered scenario.

  • delta company
  • australian soldiers
  • viet cong
  • numbers
  • battle

Movie threads

More Movies Like Danger Close, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Danger Close tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about desperate last stands like Danger Close

Stories of heroic groups fighting for survival when all odds are against them. If you were gripped by the high-stakes survival of 'Danger Close', explore these movies that feature similar desperate battles. These films capture the tense, heroic spirit of groups fighting against overwhelming odds, perfect for fans of intense war and survival stories.

  • desperate
  • tense
  • heroic
  • grim
  • anxious
  • courageous
  • Tone: tense, grim, heroic
  • Pacing: fast, urgent, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread often follow a straightforward, chronological structure focused on a single, extended conflict. The journey is one of survival against a vastly superior force, testing the resolve, strategy, and bonds of the central characters as they face dwindling resources and mounting pressure.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared core experience: a relentless, high-intensity scenario where a group's survival is constantly in jeopardy. They share a tense, grim tone, fast pacing, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from sacrifice and the high cost of resilience.

The Siege of Firebase Gloria movie poster

The Siege of Firebase Gloria

1989
Bataan movie poster

Bataan

1943
Danger Close movie poster

Danger Close

2019
Danger Close movie poster

Danger Close

2017
Lone Survivor movie poster

Lone Survivor

2013
Uncommon Valor movie poster

Uncommon Valor

1983
Saints and Soldiers movie poster

Saints and Soldiers

2004
The Walking Dead movie poster

The Walking Dead

1995

Grim and realistic war movies like Danger Close

Harrowing and authentic portrayals of combat's psychological and physical toll. For viewers who appreciated the somber, authentic feel of 'Danger Close', this collection features similar gritty war films. Discover movies that focus on the grim reality of combat, based on true stories, and explore the profound emotional weight and sacrifice of soldiers.

  • grim
  • somber
  • tense
  • harrowing
  • authentic
  • traumatic
  • Tone: grim, somber, tense
  • Pacing: variable, with fast, chaotic action
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern is often a straightforward recreation of a historical battle or campaign, focusing on authenticity over complex plotting. The emotional journey is one of enduring trauma, highlighting the camaraderie of soldiers amidst the bleakness of their situation, frequently leading to a bittersweet or somber conclusion.

Why they belong together: These movies are united by their commitment to a grim, realistic tone and a heavy emotional weight. They share a tense atmosphere, often fast pacing during combat, and a focus on the true cost of war, making them coherent for viewers looking for a sobering and immersive experience.

Warfare movie poster

Warfare

2025
The Great War movie poster

The Great War

2019
Danger Close movie poster

Danger Close

2017
The Lost Battalion movie poster

The Lost Battalion

2001
Battle of the Bulge movie poster

Battle of the Bulge

1965
Danger Close movie poster

Danger Close

2019
Border movie poster

Border

1997
The Beast of War movie poster

The Beast of War

1988

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Movies Like Danger Close

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Platoon movie poster

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1986
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Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan

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Battle of Long Tan

2006
Beyond the Call of Duty movie poster

Beyond the Call of Duty

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Soldier Boyz

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Every angle

Danger Close (2019) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Danger Close in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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