Featured Audience Ratings

• Chris W

  
  This wasn't the first film to deal with the issue of soldiers coming home after war, and trying to transition back into a "normal" life, but it was one of the earliest to deal specifically with the subject in regards to Vietnam, as well as the first film to tackle the… More
  This wasn't the first film to deal with the issue of soldiers coming home after war, and trying to transition back into a "normal" life, but it was one of the earliest to deal specifically with the subject in regards to Vietnam, as well as the first film to tackle the issue of sex and disabilities. Despite the good subject matter and plot, since Hal Ashby is at the helm, you just know that it is primarily going to be a character driven piece that mostly leans to the left, though the movie isn't completely one sided. The main plot focuses on a woman named Sally whose Marine Captain husband gets shipped off to Vietnam. Feeling lonely and bored, she decides to volunteer at a VA hospital, and while there she develops a strong relationship with a former classmate who got wounded in the war, and is now a bitter, angry, and disillusioned paraplegic trying to get his life back together. When Sally's husband returns home, also wounded, the impact of the war, and the love triangle comes to a boil. and the full effect of everything comes to a head. So yeah, this isn't the most original movie, but it is a well made and thoughtful melodrama anchored by some strong performances and Ashby's knack for good character pieces. It really didn't teach me anything I didn't already know, and it is a bit slow at times, but I still think it is a worthwhile film. Maybe I'd be more impressed had I seen it earlier, or before I saw The Deer Hunter and Born on the Fourth of July, which tackle the same issues in far better ways. The soundtrack is pretty good, with lots of tunes from the Rolling Stones, as well as other great, albeit typical songs from the time period. Some of the transitions and editing with the music were rather abrupt and jarring, but not enough to make me lessen my rating too much. All in all, a good, if overrated take on the various damages that war can have on people from all walks of life.

• Jim H

  
  It's hard to divorce this film from its context, namely some considered Fonda's anti-war activism to be ... "un-calculated" would be a nice word ... if it were a word. Out of that context comes this thesis-driven film that puts the anti-war message in the mouths… More
  It's hard to divorce this film from its context, namely some considered Fonda's anti-war activism to be ... "un-calculated" would be a nice word ... if it were a word. Out of that context comes this thesis-driven film that puts the anti-war message in the mouths of the soldiers who know the war best. But Fonda's character remains fairly apolitical; she is not given any rousing speeches about giving peace a chance, and her character is not reduced to the depths that Dern's is. And for that reason, among others, the film wreaks of misogyny. Sally (Fonda) is confined to the role of the helper. Beyond the anti-war message, which glares through every frame, this is a classic story of a man saved by the love of a good woman - a good woman who, by the end of the film, is all-too-willing to provide the same service for her estranged, openly misogynistic husband. Female sexuality is portrayed in an equally reductive fashion. Throughout Sally's first orgasm, the most prominent sight is her wedding ring, constantly reminding us that whatever pleasure she feels is a violation of sexual mores. Though I don't blame the film for its anti-war thesis, it is open season on its reductive view of women. What is more, the film "feels" unbalanced to me. The heavy moments are too heavy, the light moments are too light, and the connective tissue between them is almost non-existent. So, why 2.5 stars? Because Dern's and Voight's performances are astounding. Dern scores a ten the Christopher Walken Creepometer, and Voight's ending monologue made my eyes leak. It is unfortunate that such work wasn't in service of a better script.

• Tim S

  
  I have to say that the reason that I like this movie is the filmmaking is so right on in every aspect. The cinematography, editing, and acting are all top notch and it carried me through the script which, at times, I thought was mind-boggling bad. Jon Voight and Jane Fonda give their… More
  I have to say that the reason that I like this movie is the filmmaking is so right on in every aspect. The cinematography, editing, and acting are all top notch and it carried me through the script which, at times, I thought was mind-boggling bad. Jon Voight and Jane Fonda give their best performances (that I have seen) and make every scene believable with realistic performances which I attribute to the direction of Hal Ashby. There is also the incredible Bruce Dern who gives an outstanding performance as Bob Hyde. The reason the movie irks me is the anti-war stance which works on some levels (the ending of this film is genius) and then totally distracts on other levels (the scene between Dern, Fonda, and Voight at the house with the gun is ridiculous and the whole FBI sub-plot is just plain dumb). I will give Ashby this, that he provides a world that you never know what is going to happen next which is rare. I enjoyed the film for the filmmaking experience, but otherwise, thought it was the love story is a little thin considering that she chose the hottest guy in a wheelchair.

• Anthony L

  
  This film is just as good as the Deer Hunter and Apocalypse now as far as Vietnam films are concerned. The acting is first rate, as is Ashby's direction, as always. The world would be a better place if more people had watched this film, i cant understand how forgotten its become!

• jay n

  
  Top flight acting and a compelling story make this a very worthwhile viewing experience. Jane's character is a great one because of the enormous changes she goes through within the course of the film and she handles them expertly. Such is the skill of all the perfomers that even… More
  Top flight acting and a compelling story make this a very worthwhile viewing experience. Jane's character is a great one because of the enormous changes she goes through within the course of the film and she handles them expertly. Such is the skill of all the perfomers that even though the people they portray are not always likable, you do, and care what happens to them

• Byron B

  
  Another returning vet movie (returning theme). Jane Fonda was excellent especially in the late 60's and here through the 70's. A great performance by a young Jon Voigt too. And I was surprised but impressed to see Robert Carradine. I prefer this movie over The Deer… More
  Another returning vet movie (returning theme). Jane Fonda was excellent especially in the late 60's and here through the 70's. A great performance by a young Jon Voigt too. And I was surprised but impressed to see Robert Carradine. I prefer this movie over The Deer Hunter.

• John B

  
  One of a number of fabulous Vietname films that were developed in the late seventies. They all kind morph into one another at some point but they are worth all taking a look at it.

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