Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan

A central theme in Danger Close is the extreme youth of the soldiers involved. Many were recruits and volunteers confronting combat for the first time. The film highlights their inexperience and vulnerability, juxtaposing it with the immense courage they displayed when faced with the horrors of battle, underscoring the psychological toll of such an encounter.

The Battle of Long Tan is one of the most significant and widely remembered engagements involving Australian forces in the Vietnam War. It represents a moment of immense bravery and sacrifice by a small group of soldiers facing overwhelming odds. For Australians, it's a crucial piece of military history, illustrating the resilience and courage of their nation's servicemen.

While films often take creative liberties, Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan is based on the historical events of August 18th, 1966. It seeks to depict the courage and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan against a numerically superior enemy. The film aims to honour the experiences of those who served.

Danger Close aims for a visceral and intense portrayal of a pivotal Vietnam War engagement. The tone is largely serious and grim, reflecting the brutal nature of the battle. Expect a gritty, immersive viewing experience that captures the claustrophobia of jungle warfare and the sheer terror of facing overwhelming odds, highlighting the youthful bravery of the soldiers involved.

The film features a cast of Australian talent, with Travis Fimmel, Luke Bracey, Daniel Webber, Alexander England, and Aaron Glenane taking on key roles. These actors portray the young, often inexperienced soldiers thrust into the brutal realities of combat during the Vietnam War, bringing to life their courage and the harrowing experiences they faced.

The film dramatises the Battle of Long Tan, which took place on August 18th, 1966, during the Vietnam War. It focuses on a small contingent of Australian and New Zealand soldiers from Delta Company, who found themselves outnumbered by a vastly superior enemy force. Facing overwhelming odds in a rubber plantation, these young men fought for survival against a human wave of communist soldiers.