Danger Close 2019
Directed by
Kriv Stenders
Made by
Saban Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Danger Close (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Australia and New Zealand mobilized their troops during the Vietnam War to assist the United States in its efforts to combat communism. This contingent was a youthful mix of conscripts and volunteers, averaging just 20 years of age, with many of them lacking any prior combat experience.
The film opens with an intense mortar attack on the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) base in Nui Dat, launched by the Viet Cong (VC) and the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN). In this high-stakes environment, Major Harry Smith (Travis Fimmel), the leader of Delta Company, maintains his composure under fire, instructing his men to take cover while others remain too casual, choosing to play cards or indulge in drinks.
The base personnel include Captain Morrie Stanley (Aaron Glenane), Warrant Officer Class Two Jack Kirby (Alexander England), Bombardier Ray Ngatai (Uli Latukefu), Private Paul Large (Daniel Webber), and Private Noel Grimes (Nicholas Hamilton). Joining them are newcomers Private Frank Topp and Private Colin Whiston, who are eager but inexperienced.
The scene intensifies as Second Lieutenant Gordon Sharp (Mojean Aria), leading 11 Platoon, neglects his responsibilities while playing cards with his men, disregarding orders from Harry. Quick thinking from Sergeant Bob Buick (Luke Bracey) assists Harry in pinpointing the source of the mortar fire. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Townsend (Anthony Hayes), commanding the artillery unit, joins in the effort.
In a display of resilience, the base manages to fend off the attack with counter-battery fire, successfully obliterating the enemy mortar crew. However, this moment of victory is overshadowed by the undeniable reality of the war, as Harry chides Private Large for drinking beer instead of being on patrol during the enemy’s offensive. Kirby steps up to confront Harry, asserting that Harry runs Delta Company harder than any other unit he has experienced, yet he sees little regard for the men’s well-being.
Harry contends that being a professional soldier managing conscripts feels like a misuse of his abilities and potential. In pursuit of a transfer to a commando unit, he approaches Brigadier Jackson (Richard Roxburgh), only to be met with refusal and told to comply with Townsend’s directives.
After the mortar attack, Major Smith proposes that his unit, Delta Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR), should investigate the nearby rubber tree plantation located 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away. Yet, Townsend declines Smith’s offer, assigning Bravo Company to determine the mortar’s firing positions and the enemy’s retreat.
The next day, Delta Company receives orders to relieve Bravo and consequently misses a concert featuring Australian performers Little Pattie (Emmy Dougall) and Col Joye with the Joy Boys. As they set off, they spot fresh tracks leading from the mortar sites and set out in pursuit of the enemy forces. Leading the charge, 11 Platoon encounters a small VC patrol that quickly escalates into a fierce firefight.
Under heavy machine-gun fire, 11 Platoon calls for reinforcements, and Harry mobilizes 10 Platoon to support them. Despite accurate artillery fire decimating numerous enemy soldiers, the VC keep advancing. Ensnared in battle, 10 Platoon faces their own enemy unit, further hamstrung in their mission to assist 11 Platoon. The situation spirals as 11 Platoon pushes deeper into the plantation, creating a dangerous gap from their supporting platoons behind.
Isolated, 11 Platoon endures ferocious attacks and resorts to calling in artillery fire, having no choice but to bring the bombardment dangerously close to their position. Miraculously, this heavy barrage forces the enemy to retreat momentarily, granting the beleaguered platoon a chance to regroup. Amid the chaos, news reaches Harry that the enemy numbers exceed 700 soldiers poised to overrun their base.
In a critical moment, Harry appeals to Jackson for reinforcements in the form of Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and air support. While Jackson dispatches the support requested from American forces, the jets fail to locate the smoke markers due to Bob Buick’s malfunctioning smoke bombs. In dire straits, Buick suggests a radical and desperate measure: Harry must authorize artillery fire directly on their position, which could sacrifice 11 Platoon. Reluctantly, Harry agrees, fully aware of the tragic consequences.
Amidst the overwhelming fire from the VC, 11 Platoon appears to endure significant casualties, straining Harry’s spirit as he fails to raise them on the radio. Back at Nui Dat, an indecisive Brigadier Jackson hesitates to commit reinforcements, breathing weight into an already tense situation as he orders Delta to withdraw. Yet, driven by an unwavering sense of duty, Major Smith decides to execute a daring rescue mission to save those left behind.
Organizing a few men from 10 Platoon, Harry manages to establish a fragile line of communication while urging the men to retreat to his position. Battling dwindling ammunition and the relentless monsoon, Major Smith pleads for a resupply via helicopter. Group Captain Peter Raw expresses reluctance due to the dangerous landing zone, but Flight Lieutenant Francis Patrick Riley (Myles Pollard) and Flight Lieutenant Robert George Grandin (Alex Neal) heroically volunteer to support Delta Company, braving hostile fire to deliver crucial supplies.
With the arrival of essential provisions, Harry quickly repositions his forces and orchestrates a determined rescue for 11 Platoon. Against all odds, the rescue team triumphantly locates survivors, reinvigorating spirits at their base. Yet, Jackson’s caution remains as he weighs the vulnerability of the remaining forces at Nui Dat with a potential enemy battalion approaching from another direction.
Eventually, the tide turns as Jackson is compelled to dispatch APCs to assist Delta and protect their beleaguered company. Facing an aggressive onslaught from the VC, Harry steadfastly holds his ground until the much-needed relief, including M113 armored personnel carriers, finally arrives, forcing the PAVN soldiers to withdraw. Tragically, amidst the conflict, Private Large sustains fatal injuries and dies instantly during the combat.
In the wake of the fierce Battle of Long Tan, a somber reality sets in as the soldiers gather for roll call, acknowledging the harsh truth of their losses. Major Smith bids a profound farewell to Private Large as he is airlifted away, encapsulating the emotional weight of the sacrifice made. The battle results in the heroism of 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers who valiantly held off a North Vietnamese force exceeding 2000 troops, resulting in the loss of 18 Australians and an estimated 245 Vietnamese lives.
Timeline
Track the key events of Danger Close (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Vietnam War Involvement
Australia and New Zealand deploy their forces to Vietnam in support of the United States against the communist threat. The troops, consisting of both conscripts and volunteers with an average age of 20, face the daunting task of combat for the first time in a foreign land.
Mortar Attack on Nui Dat
The film opens with a sudden mortar attack on the 1st Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat, executed by the Viet Cong and People's Army of Vietnam. This assault serves as a wake-up call to the Australian soldiers, many of whom had been underestimating the seriousness of their deployment.
Harry Smith's Leadership
Major Harry Smith leads Delta Company during the chaos of the mortar attack, demonstrating calmness and decisiveness amid panic. He orders his men to take cover and stand their ground, while some soldiers choose to ignore orders and continue playing games.
Command Conflicts
Conflict arises between Major Smith and Captain Morrie Stanley over leadership styles. Harry criticizes his troops for their lack of seriousness, while Kirby expresses discontent about Harry's perceived lack of respect for his men’s capabilities and sacrifices.
Mission Assignment
Following the mortar attack, Major Smith voluntarily offers his unit to investigate nearby rubber tree plantations for enemy activity. However, he is met with refusal from Lieutenant Colonel Townsend, who prefers to send Bravo Company on the mission instead.
Delta Company Deployment
The next day, Major Smith’s Delta Company is sent to relieve Bravo Company instead of attending a scheduled concert. This marks the beginning of their critical mission to identify and engage the enemy forces responsible for the attack.
Contact with VC Patrol
Delta Company quickly begins trailing fresh tracks leading away from the mortar firing sites. When they encounter a small Viet Cong patrol, 11 Platoon engages in an intense firefight, demonstrating the dangers the soldiers are about to face.
Heavy Casualties from Enemy Attack
As 11 Platoon ventures deeper into the plantation, they come under heavy machine gun fire. Major Smith dispatches 10 Platoon to provide reinforcement, realizing that the situation is escalating and that their forces are in dire peril.
Desperate Measures and Artillery Fire
When 11 Platoon becomes increasingly isolated, Major Smith recognizes that they are significantly outnumbered. He reluctantly agrees to call in artillery support to target their own position in a desperate bid to fend off the advancing enemy forces.
Casualty of 11 Platoon
As the situation deteriorates, Major Smith receives word that the enemy has deployed hundreds of soldiers, confirming his worst fears of a major assault. He faces backlash from his men for the decision to call fire on his own troops, leading to heightened tensions.
Efforts for Reinforcements
In the midst of a growing monsoon, Major Smith urgently requests helicopter resupply, but senior officers hesitate due to the dangerous conditions. Despite reluctance, two brave pilots volunteer to deliver much-needed supplies, risking their lives in the process.
Finding Survivors
After receiving a resupply, Major Smith leads a rescue mission back to 11 Platoon's position and discovers surviving soldiers. This moment galvanizes both Delta Company and the base, bringing a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos of battle.
Rescue Operation
Brigadier Jackson finally agrees to send APCs to support Major Smith's unit, though it leaves the base vulnerable. As 11 Platoon and Delta Company prepare to fend off the enemy, Smith demonstrates heroic leadership under pressure.
Decisive Battle and Aftermath
Under Major Smith's command, Delta Company successfully holds the advancing enemy at bay until reinforcements arrive. Nevertheless, the aftermath of the battle is solemn, with the loss and sacrifice of soldiers, including the tragic death of Private Large.
Legacy of the Battle
The battle of Long Tan becomes a pivotal moment in Australian military history, where 108 soldiers faced overwhelming odds against over 2000 North Vietnamese forces. The conflict culminated in a heavy toll, marking 18 Australian and 245 Vietnamese lives lost.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Danger Close (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Major Harry Smith (Travis Fimmel)
Major Harry Smith demonstrates leadership under fire, tasked with making strategic decisions in dire contexts. He battles both the external enemy and internal dissent among his ranks, reflecting the burden of command. Despite facing criticism, his commitment to his men and the mission showcases a complex character balancing duty with morality.
Captain Morrie Stanley (Aaron Glenane)
Captain Morrie Stanley serves as a steadfast presence within the unit, providing support and guidance during chaotic moments. His character is portrayed as dependable yet aware of the challenges faced by conscripted soldiers. His interactions with Harry highlight the struggle for mutual respect under the strain of warfare.
Sergeant Bob Buick (Luke Bracey)
Sergeant Bob Buick emerges as a crucial player in ensuring the safety of his fellow soldiers, showcasing bravery in dangerous situations. He is pragmatic and quick-thinking, often stepping in to assist in highlighting critical issues on the battlefield. His camaraderie with Harry exemplifies the importance of teamwork.
Private Paul Large (Daniel Webber)
Private Paul Large embodies the youthful inexperience of the soldiers, grappling with the stark differences between combat and civilian life. His casual demeanor contrasts sharply with the serious nature of the war, illustrating the internal conflicts faced by many young conscripts during this tumultuous era.
Brigadier David Jackson (Richard Roxburgh)
Brigadier David Jackson serves as a high-ranking officer, faced with difficult decisions regarding troop movements and resource allocation. His character represents the tension between strategy and the welfare of individual soldiers. Through his hesitance and eventual insights, he embodies the complexities of military leadership.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Danger Close (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1960s
The 1960s were marked by significant military conflict, particularly the Vietnam War, where various nations, including Australia and New Zealand, intervened to combat communism in Southeast Asia. This era saw young soldiers, many of whom were conscripts, facing intense combat and challenging circumstances in a foreign land. Siege, perseverance, and defining moments in military history took place during this turbulent period.
Location
Nui Dat, Long Tân
Nui Dat was a base established by the Australian forces during the Vietnam War. It served as a pivotal location for military operations against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army. Long Tân, located 2 kilometers away from Nui Dat, became synonymous with a fierce battle where Australian troops faced overwhelming enemy forces.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Danger Close (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Courage
The film encapsulates the theme of courage amid chaos and fear during warfare. The characters demonstrate immense bravery when tasked with defending their position against overwhelming enemy forces. Their actions underscore the importance of standing firm in dire situations, emphasizing the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.
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Brotherhood
Brotherhood is a central theme as the soldiers in Delta Company rely on one another for support and survival. Their camaraderie is tested under fire, highlighting bonds forged in conflict. This theme celebrates loyalty, sacrifice, and the strength of human connections in the most harrowing of circumstances.
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Sacrifice
Sacrifice is poignantly depicted as the soldiers make life-or-death decisions that impact their comrades. The narrative showcases the devastating reality of loss in combat, as revealed in the aftermath of the battle. This theme resonates through the personal stories of characters who face the ultimate price for their duty.
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