The film's protagonist, Private Witt (Jim Caviezel), is a young and idealistic soldier who is disillusioned by the brutality of war. He arrives on the island of Guadalcanal and is assigned to C Company, 27th Infantry Regiment. The company is led by Captain John Gaff (Sean Penn), a tough and experienced officer.
As the battle progresses, Witt and his fellow soldiers face intense fighting and overwhelming odds. They must deal with the physical and psychological challenges of war, including the loss of friends and the constant fear of death. The film explores the themes of courage, cowardice, and the futility of war.
Throughout the film, we also see the perspectives of other soldiers, including Sergeant Welsh (Sean Astin), Private First Class Bell (Ben Chaplin), and Private Train (John Cusack). Each character has their own unique struggles and motivations, and the film delves into their thoughts and emotions as they try to survive the horrors of war.
The film ultimately serves as a powerful and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of war, the human cost of conflict, and the sacrifices made by soldiers.