Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan, directed by Kriv Stenders and released in 2019, is a gripping Australian war film that dramatizes one of the most famous engagements of the Vietnam War involving Australian forces. Unlike some war films that focus on politics or philosophical musings, Danger Close dives headfirst into the chaos, courage, and camaraderie of soldiers facing impossible odds. It tells the story of the Battle of Long Tan, fought on August 18, 1966, where 108 men of D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), faced an overwhelming force of approximately 2,000 Viet Cong soldiers in a rubber plantation near Long Tan, in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam. The film is both a tribute to Australian soldiers’ bravery and a sobering look at the realities of combat.
At its heart, Danger Close is about human endurance under extreme circumstances. It explores the bonds forged between soldiers, the split-second decisions that define survival, and the emotional and psychological toll of warfare. Through its meticulous attention to historical detail and intense combat sequences, the film immerses the audience in the battlefield while highlighting the leadership, camaraderie, and sacrifice that defined the engagement.
Historical Context
The Vietnam War was a complex and controversial conflict, but for Australian forces, the Battle of Long Tan became a symbol of courage, determination, and tactical skill. D Company, composed of mostly young, inexperienced soldiers, was sent to patrol the rubber plantation near Long Tan when they unexpectedly encountered a massive Viet Cong force. Outnumbered roughly 20 to 1, the Australians fought with limited ammunition, scant reinforcements, and under intense fire from mortars, machine guns, and infantry assaults.
The battle lasted for hours, with D Company holding their positions against waves of attacks. Despite the overwhelming odds, the Australians inflicted significant casualties on the enemy while sustaining 18 fatalities and 24 wounded themselves. Reinforcements from other units, including cavalry and artillery, eventually arrived, helping to stabilize the situation and repel the Viet Cong. The engagement became a defining moment for the Australian Army and is commemorated annually on Long Tan Day.
Danger Close brings this historical event to life with a focus on both individual heroism and collective effort. It depicts the soldiers not as invincible warriors but as young men caught in a terrifying, chaotic situation, forced to rely on training, instinct, and each other to survive.
Characters and Leadership
The film centers on Lieutenant David “Dick” Smith (Travis Fimmel), the commanding officer of D Company, whose leadership under fire becomes pivotal to the survival of his men. Smith is portrayed as a disciplined yet human leader—calm under pressure, decisive in his orders, and deeply committed to the welfare of his soldiers. His leadership style is contrasted with the young soldiers’ initial fear and inexperience, highlighting the importance of guidance, trust, and morale in combat.
Supporting characters, including Corporal Bob Buick (Luke Bracey) and Private Kevin Conway (Sam Worthington), offer diverse perspectives of the battle. Buick, representing the seasoned soldier, demonstrates courage and tactical understanding, while Conway embodies the fear, vulnerability, and humanity of the young men thrown into extraordinary circumstances. The ensemble cast effectively conveys the diversity of experience within the platoon, from the adrenaline-fueled moments of firefights to the quieter moments of doubt, camaraderie, and reflection.
The interactions between soldiers in Danger Close emphasize the bonds that form under extreme pressure. Shared danger, mutual reliance, and the constant threat of death create relationships that are as central to the narrative as the combat itself. Moments of humor, encouragement, and grief punctuate the tension, humanizing the soldiers and making the stakes feel personal rather than abstract.
Realism and Cinematic Style
Director Kriv Stenders and cinematographer Geoff Hall crafted Danger Close with a commitment to realism, particularly in its depiction of combat. The film avoids excessive stylization, instead using handheld cameras, close-up shots, and immersive sound design to place viewers in the heart of the battle. Gunfire, explosions, and the chaos of the battlefield are portrayed with both immediacy and precision, conveying the unpredictability and terror of combat.
The rubber plantation, with its dense trees and rows of rubber plants, becomes a character in itself. It creates natural cover, obstacles, and tension, allowing the filmmakers to simulate ambushes, flanking maneuvers, and the claustrophobic nature of jungle warfare. The setting emphasizes both the tactical challenges faced by D Company and the physical and psychological strain of fighting in a hostile environment.
Stenders also balances action with moments of emotional reflection. Scenes of soldiers tending to the wounded, communicating with artillery support, and writing letters home provide contrast to the relentless violence, reminding viewers that war is experienced not only through combat but through human relationships, fear, and resilience.
Themes of Courage and Sacrifice
A central theme of Danger Close is courage in the face of overwhelming odds. The soldiers of D Company are heavily outnumbered and outgunned, yet they maintain their positions through discipline, training, and sheer determination. The film emphasizes that heroism is not about fearlessness but about acting despite fear—making decisions that protect comrades, complete objectives, and survive under pressure.
Sacrifice is another prominent theme. Soldiers risk life and limb for the men beside them, for orders that may seem arbitrary, and for a mission whose larger strategic significance they may not fully understand. The casualties among D Company are portrayed with sensitivity and respect, highlighting the emotional and moral weight of loss in war. By focusing on individual experiences within the collective struggle, Danger Close personalizes historical events, ensuring that the audience feels the human cost behind statistics and tactical descriptions.
The film also touches on the psychological impact of combat. Soldiers endure exhaustion, fear, and the constant threat of death, and these pressures affect both decision-making and emotional stability. Danger Close does not romanticize war; it portrays the mental and emotional toll as clearly as it portrays bullets and explosions, making the story both thrilling and sobering.
The Role of Artillery and Support
One of the critical aspects of the Battle of Long Tan, accurately depicted in Danger Close, is the role of artillery and reinforcements. While D Company fought valiantly, they relied heavily on fire support from nearby artillery units. The film portrays the coordination required between infantry and artillery, emphasizing communication, strategy, and trust under extreme pressure. These sequences also highlight the tension between direct action and long-range support—soldiers on the ground are directly exposed to danger, while those providing artillery fire operate with precision and professionalism from a distance.
This interplay reinforces the idea that survival in combat is not just about individual bravery but also about teamwork, coordination, and reliance on training and procedure. The battle’s eventual outcome, with reinforcements arriving to stabilize the situation, underscores the collective nature of military operations, where each component—infantry, artillery, command—plays a critical role.
Cinematic Impact and Reception
Danger Close received acclaim for its action sequences, historical accuracy, and character-driven storytelling. Critics praised the film for avoiding sensationalism while maintaining the intensity and tension expected of a war movie. The performances, particularly Travis Fimmel’s portrayal of Lieutenant Smith and Luke Bracey’s depiction of Corporal Buick, were noted for their authenticity and emotional depth.
The film’s emphasis on the human experience of war, rather than grandiose spectacle, distinguishes it from many Hollywood war films. It does not romanticize combat or focus on patriotic rhetoric; instead, it presents the battle as a combination of skill, courage, luck, and endurance. By doing so, it honors the soldiers’ sacrifice without resorting to melodrama or oversimplification.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Battle of Long Tan is one of the most celebrated engagements in Australian military history. It serves as a symbol of courage, tactical skill, and resilience, illustrating how well-trained soldiers can hold their own even when heavily outnumbered. Danger Close preserves this story for contemporary audiences, highlighting both the heroism and the human cost of combat.
The film also encourages reflection on the broader context of the Vietnam War and the challenges faced by soldiers operating in foreign lands. While it celebrates courage and leadership, it also reminds viewers that war is chaotic, morally complex, and profoundly taxing on those who fight it. By focusing on a single engagement, the film personalizes history, making it accessible and emotionally resonant.
Conclusion: A Tribute to Bravery and Brotherhood
Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan succeeds as both a thrilling war film and a respectful tribute to the men who fought and died during the Vietnam War. It captures the tension, fear, and unpredictability of combat while emphasizing the bonds formed between soldiers, the sacrifices they make, and the courage required to face overwhelming odds.
Through its meticulous attention to historical detail, immersive cinematography, and character-driven storytelling, the film immerses viewers in the intensity of battle while honoring the humanity of those who endured it. It is a film that reminds audiences of the cost of war—not only in lives lost but in the emotional, psychological, and moral challenges faced by soldiers.
At its core, Danger Close is a story of resilience, leadership, and brotherhood. It celebrates the courage of ordinary men confronting extraordinary circumstances and ensures that the heroism displayed at Long Tan is remembered and honored. The film stands as a testament to the enduring power of human spirit in the face of adversity, offering both a historical record and a deeply moving cinematic experience.
