The critics can say what they will, but Mel Gibson has been associated with some movies that get to me- this is one of them. There are some FReepers who were actually at Ia Drang, and if you didn't realize what they went through for us then, this film will bring it home to you.
(BTW, I first saw this film while my son was home on leave... it was actually unsettling for a dad whose only kid was headed back to Iraq within two weeks. And maybe it was supposed to be.)
I truly hope your son is safe & sound.
I've waited to see it - because I was in Kentucky watching my kiddo graduate Army boot camp - the very same day the film was released...
We saw this movie the night we before we sent our son off to basic....buy the DVD....