TheVietnam Warwas re-examined from multiple perspectives in major Hollywood productions throughout the 80s.
War dramas such asPlatoonandFull Metal Jacketdepicted the horrors of combat and the psychological toll it put on American soldiers.
Within this wave of Vietnam-era films, however,Willem Dafoereturned to the setting differently with 1988sOff Limits.
Image via 20th Century Fox
What Is ‘Off Limits’ About?
The Saigon setting creates an atmosphere of danger, distrust, and often impending death at every turn.
It is never meant to be comfortable popcorn entertainment.
Image via 20th Century Fox
Rather,Off Limitswants the audience to feel like they are in the middle of scorched-earth chaos.
Some ofOff Limits gloomy tone is offset by the laid-back banter between Dafoe and Hines.
But unlikeLethal Weapons buddy movie humor,Off Limitshas virtually no room for comedy.
For Dafoe as McGriff, he continues to deliver the nihilistic attitude he presented as Sgt.
The naturally charming Hines dials up the anger in ways uncharacteristic of the legendary tap dancer.
Off Limitscaptures the moral decay triggered by the Vietnam War within the context of a detective story.
Its a highly underrated thriller thatmissed moviegoers radarin 1988.
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