BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

SoTrumpBelieve Must See Movie...

Micransix Crappy film

TaryBiggBall It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

wsuddock Coppola's fine production is unparalleled. The conflict between Caan and Huston is a tremendous and balanced treatment of the anti-war v. the military. If there is one movie which reflects the times. in all its facets ... this is it.Caan's finest role, I believe, played perfectly.Jones' voice, his carriage, etc. all combine into a truly believable, hard nosed yet, compassionate Sergeant Major. I think every member of the cast brought something to the movie, something good and grand."Here's to us and those like us.""Damn few left."

grantss Not anywhere near Coppola's best, but not bad. Mostly a movie on how war affects those at home, especially during times of tragedy, and the relationships involved. Quite moving, especially towards the end.However, not flawless, not by any measure. Francis Ford Coppola, who gave us three of the greatest movies in history - Apocalypse Now, The Godfather and The Godfather II - plus the excellent The Conversation, is not in his best form here. (In fact, the only time he was in form was in the 70s...). The plot drifts, whole scenes are there for no reason other than padding, there are continuity issues, and the point seems a bit murky at times. Also, the first scene spoils the movie, to an extent, in that it gives away the ending. Remove the first scene and the movie would have been more impactful.Mixed performances. DB Sweeney is a bit weak and unconvincing in the lead role. Best performances come from the old hands - James Caan and James Earl Jones - who give the movie gravitas and feeling.Anjelica Huston is unconvincing and touch irritating in her role.Interesting to see that real-life father and daughter Peter Masterson and Mary Stuart Masterson play father and daughter in the movie.Worth watching for Francis Ford Coppola fans but not a must-see otherwise.

KyleFurr2 This is a very underrated movie and belongs up there with some of Francis Ford Coppola's best movies. The movie has a great cast that includes James Caan, Anjelica Huston, James Earl Jones, Dean Stockwell and several more people. Caan plays a solider who fought in Korea and Vietnam but is now in charge of Arlington national Cemetery and wants to train young soldiers going into Vietnam but is turned down. Huston is Caan's girlfriend and Jones is his friend who fought with him in Vietnam and now serves with him. Stockwell is the man in charge and D.B. Sweeney is a young soldier who can't wait to get to Vietnam. It's a really great movie that is one of Coppola's best films.

Jack Pitts This Book and subsequent Movie was a Powerhouse of writing and movie making. The author nailed the story line with powerful emotions. Mr. Coppela has always had a gift with turning the written word into movie magic. The Cast could not have been picked better. At the time this book came out I was in the National Guard and I was blown Away and wanted to be an Honor Guard but transporters cannot be a part of that Time Honored tradition. If you did not feel anything when you watched this movie...watch it again! Honor,Integrity,Selfless Service are only a few of the traits that are portrayed here. I had a tremendous feeling of Pride when I read the Book. I have an old VHS tape I recorded Gardens of Stone from TV and it is about worn out. I do not know how many times I have seen it but each time I do I am instilled with Pride and Honor for my fellow soldiers. Heavy TruckSSG Pitts