Danger Close (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is set primarily in Nui Dat, Vietnam, where the 1st Australian Task Force established its base during the Vietnam War. Rubber plantations near this location became significant combat zones where fierce skirmishes occurred between opposing forces.

• nui dat
• vietnam war
• vietnam
• vietnam setting
• australian task force
• rubber plantation

Danger Close is set during the Vietnam War era in the 1960s, a period marked by intense conflict as multiple nations intervened in the fight against communism. Young soldiers, often ill-prepared, faced the brutal realities of warfare amid complex military strategies.

• vietnam war era
• 1960s
• vietnam war
• time period
• 1960s war

Danger Close explores three central themes: Sacrifice, showing the harrowing choices soldiers face and the emotional and physical toll of warfare; Heroism, depicted through the courage and resilience of soldiers facing overwhelming odds; and Desperation, highlighting the dire conditions troops faced with dwindling supplies and intense enemy fire.

• sacrifice
• heroism
• desperation
• war themes
• vietnam war themes

Major Harry Smith, played by Travis Fimmel, is the film's central leader who navigates the chaos of battle with strategic acumen. He is composed and determined, focused on the safety of his unit while seeking recognition for his efforts. His character embodies the struggles of leadership during warfare, facing both internal conflict and external pressures.

• major harry smith
• travis fimmel
• commander
• leader
• special forces

Captain Morrie Stanley, played by Aaron Glenane, serves as a supportive officer working alongside Major Smith. He displays bravery and camaraderie, contributing to the morale of the unit. His character highlights the importance of teamwork and loyalty in overcoming the adversities faced by soldiers in combat.

• captain morrie stanley
• aaron glenane
• supporting officer
• teamwork
• soldier

Private Paul Large, played by Daniel Webber, is depicted as a youthful soldier who grapples with the realities of war. He often exhibits a carefree attitude until forced to confront danger. His character journey reflects the transition from innocence to the harsh truths of combat, underscoring the mental toll on young conscripts.

• private paul large
• daniel webber
• young soldier
• conscript
• innocence

The theme of sacrifice in Danger Close illustrates the harrowing choices faced by soldiers in battle, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll of warfare. It shows how bravery is met with loss and mourning, reflecting the cost of conflict on individual lives and families left behind.

• sacrifice theme
• war sacrifice
• cost of war
• loss
• mourning

Heroism in Danger Close is depicted through the courage and resilience of soldiers facing overwhelming odds. Major Harry Smith's leadership embodies this spirit as he navigates combat challenges and rallies his men to persevere. The film celebrates the valor and determination of those who fought in difficult circumstances.

• heroism
• courage
• valor
• bravery
• military leadership

Nui Dat served as a pivotal strategic hub for the 1st Australian Task Force, used for troop deployment and military operations during the Vietnam War. The nearby rubber plantations became flashpoints for combat, making this setting essential to understanding the film's military context and the nature of the battles depicted.

• nui dat base
• australian task force
• vietnam location
• rubber plantation combat
• military hub

Danger Close has a predominantly tense and heavy emotional tone, characterized by constant threat from overwhelming enemy forces and urgent need for reinforcements. The narrative deals directly with sacrifice, death, and psychological toll, creating an atmosphere of claustrophobic urgency that culminates in a bittersweet acknowledgment of tactical victory paired with profound personal loss.

• emotional tone
• war film intensity
• bittersweet ending
• tension
• psychological toll