Casualties of War is a 1989 American drama film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn. The movie is based on a true story that took place during the Vietnam War. The film tells the story of Eriksson (Michael J. Fox), a young soldier who is part of an elite army unit stationed in South Vietnam. The group, led by Sergeant Tony Meserve (Sean Penn), is known for their brutal and reckless behavior towards the local Vietnamese population. One day, while on patrol, the squad comes across a young Vietnamese girl, Linh (Thuy Nguyen), who is out picking fruit with her friends. Without provocation or warning, Meserve orders his men to kidnap Linh, claiming that she is a VC sympathizer. Eriksson, who has grown close to the villagers and respects their culture, feels uneasy about the situation but is unable to intervene. As the squad continues to mistreat Linh, Eriksson becomes increasingly disillusioned with his comrades' actions. He tries to reason with Meserve, pointing out that they are only making things worse for themselves and for the Vietnamese people. However, Meserve refuses to listen, believing that he knows better than everyone else. Despite his reservations, Eriksson finds himself swept up in the chaos, forced to participate in the group's brutal treatment of Linh. As the days pass, Eriksson becomes more and more withdrawn, struggling with the moral implications of their actions. As tensions escalate, Eriksson's own sense of humanity is tested when he discovers that Linh has been brutally mistreated by Meserve and his men. With a growing sense of moral outrage, Eriksson knows he must take a stand against his comrades and fight for what is right. Casualties of War is a powerful exploration of the psychological effects of war on individuals and groups. Through Eriksson's story, the film highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked power and the importance of empathy and compassion in human relationships.