I saw the clip of the leading actor shouting the catchphrase title, and eventually watched it during my time at college, and I'm glad I got see it again to get a proper opinion, directed by Barry Levinson (Diner, The Natural, Rain Man, The Bay). Basically, set in 1965 during the Vietnam War, Airman Second Class Adrian Cronauer (Golden Globe winning, Oscar and BAFTA nominated Robin Williams) arrives in Saigon to work as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio Service. Private Edward Garlick (Forest Whitaker) takes him to the radio station and is introduced to Second Lieutenant Steven Hauk (Bruce Kirby) and Sergeant Major Phillip Dickerson (J.T. Walsh). Cronauer's show, which opens with his catchphrase "Good morning, Vietnam!" consists of reading strictly censored news and irreverent humour segments mixed with rock and roll music, which is frowned upon by his superiors. Hauk adheres to strict Army guidelines and Dickerson is generally abusive to all men. But Cronauer and his show become very popular with the troops, Brigadier General Taylor (Noble Willingham) and his fellow DJs, including Sergeant Marty Lee Dreiwitz (Batman's Robert Wuhl). Whilst exploring the streets, Cronauer is infatuated with a Vietnamese girl named Trinh who attends an English class. He tries to talk to her but is confronted by her brother Tuan (Tung Thanh Tran). Croneaur tries instead to befriend him, only for two soldiers to get into a brawl with him. One afternoon, while relaxing in Jimmy Wah's, a local GI bar, Croneaur steps outside, two soldeiers are killed and he is shaken after the building explodes, caused by a bomb. Dickerson censors the news, but Croneaur locks himself in the studio and reports it anyway, outraging Dickerson. Dickerson cuts off the broadcast and Cronauer is suspended, to the delight of Hauk and Dickerson. Hauk takes over the show, but his bad humour and choices of music are unpopular and many letters and phone calls come demanding that Croneaur is reinstated. Feeling down, Cronauer spends his time drinking and pursuing Trinh. At the radio station, Taylor intervenes, ordering Hauk to reinstate Cronauer, but he refuses to go back to work. Garlick and Cronauer's vehicle is stopped by congestion caused by a convoy of soldiers. Garlick persuades Cronauer to do an impromptu "broadcast" before the troops are due to fight in Nha Trang. The soldiers appreciation reminds Cronauer why the job is important, and he returns to work. Dickerson seizes an opportunity to permanently rid himself of Cronauer by approving his request to interview soldiers in the field. Whilst travelling, Cronauer and Garlick's Jeep hits a mine, and they are forced to hide from Viet Cong patrols. In Saigon, Tuan realises Cronauer did not show up at the English class and steals a van to go after them. After finding Cronauer and Garlick, the van breaks down and they manage to board a helicopter to take them back to the city. Back at the base, Dickerson tells Cronauer that he is off the air for good after Tuan is revealed as a VC operative and is responsible for the bombing. Dickerson has arranged for Cronauer's honourable discharge, and General Taylor is unable to help him as his friendship with Tuan could damage the reputation of the US Army. After Cronauer leaves, Taylor informs Dickerson that he is being transferred to Guam, citing his vindictive attitude as the reason. Cronauer chases down Tuan, who explains that his actions against the Americas were retaliation against the U.S. army devastating his hometown, resulting in the deaths of family and friends. Before disappearing back into the jungle, Tuan reminds Cronauer that he did save his life despite this, implying that their friendship was true. On his way to the airport with Garlick and MP escort, Cronauer visits the English class for a quick softball game, with the MPs joining in, and says goodbye to Trinh. He gives Garlick a taped farewell message and boards the plane to take him back home to Queens. Garlick takes Cronauer's place as DJ, and plays the tape on air the next morning, which opens with Cronauer saying "Goodbye, Vietnam!" Williams gives a terrific performance that suits his rapid-fire improvisational stand-up comedy style perfectly, including funny voices and impressions. It is based on a true story, it is funny at the right moments, it has a good soundtrack of 1960s music, especially the clever use of juxtaposition, using the happy song "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong during the explosions and tragedy of the war, and it is serious and dramatic when it needs to be, it is a worthwhile black comedy war drama. It was nominated the BAFTA for Best Sound. Robin Williams was number 19 on The 100 Greatest Movie Stars, the film was number 31 on The 100 Greatest War Films, and it was number 100 on 100 Years, 100 Laughs. Good!
Review of Good Morning, Vietnam
