This is probably one of the best movies I have watched. Period. I'm not gonna dwell into the plot (a bunch of other guys here already did). So what I will say is that it is indeed as realistic - in terms of the actors who played the veterans called upon to settle some "unfinished business", the fears that viet vets harbor even after all these years, and the realistic nature of the POWs (who I must say performed really well, one not being able to speak English, another can't leave the garden he is forced to tend to). Even to the point of the senator not wanting to see "that old MIA colonel again." From what I have read on the issue over the last 20 years, the film (to me at least) hits it "right on the nail." And who can forget French restaurant owner with his parrot. The directors made it look to seem that he has been around since the French were in Vietnam, and who managed to crave a little business for himself, gun dealing. And the introduction! Awesome! Awesome! (Marines under fire dashing across the field being pursued by NVA as choppers hover overhead; all in slow motion with haunting music). It's a great movie.
None of that nonsense like what was featured in Missing in Action and Rambo II; now those are bad comedies. They are just an example of a good story that's mishandled to turn into complete garbage.
My thanks to all who were involved in the research and making of the film. You've done a great job, Ted, Gene, Reb, and all you others.