The Green Berets is a 1968 American war film directed by John Wayne, Ray Kellogg, and Mervyn LeRoy. Based on the 1965 book of the same name by Robin Moore, it portrays the Vietnam War from the perspective of the U.S. Army Special Forces (the "Green Berets").
The film stars John Wayne, David Janssen, Jim Hutton, Aldo Ray, and Raymond St. Jacques. It follows a skeptical journalist who is given the opportunity to observe and report on the Green Berets' activities in Vietnam. The narrative focuses on their training, combat operations against the Viet Cong, and the complexities of the war.
The Green Berets was released during the height of the Vietnam War and was met with considerable controversy. Critics argued that it presented a one-sided and propagandistic view of the conflict, downplaying the brutality and moral ambiguities of the war. Supporters, however, defended the film as a tribute to the courage and dedication of American soldiers.
Despite the critical response, The Green Berets was a commercial success. It is notable for being one of the few major films produced during the Vietnam War that openly supported the U.S. involvement. The film's score includes the popular patriotic song "The Ballad of the Green Berets." Over time, it has become a subject of study and discussion related to the portrayal of war in film and the impact of media on public opinion during the Vietnam era.