James Caan, Anjelica Huston, James Earl Jones, D.B. Sweeney, Dean Stockwell ...( see more  see more... ) , Mary Stuart Masterson , Elias Koteas , Laurence Fishburne , Casey Siemaszko

The subtext of this grim, snail-paced Francis Ford Coppola film is the death of Coppola's son, Giancarlo, in a boating accident. Coppola came back with this Vietnam-era military drama about the men as...( read more  read more... )signed to patrol and serve at the funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. James Caan is the world-weary patrol leader with a fatherly interest in a gung-ho cadet (D.B. Sweeney). Caan tries to show Sweeney the potentially fatal future that awaits him if he volunteers for combat, but he can't break through his young charge's zealousness. The subplot involves crusty Caan's attempts at romance with Anjelica Huston, who can't quite fathom his contradictions. The story is all glum and lumbering, despite a warm, full-bodied performance by James Earl Jones as one of Caan's buddies. --Marshall Fine

Flixster Users

59% liked it

1,741 ratings

R, 111 min.

Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

Release Date: May 8, 1987

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: June 25, 2002

Get It:

Stats: 72 reviews

Your Rating



clear rating

Flixster Reviews (72)


  • June 6, 2009
    Coppola directs an all star cast in a gripping drama set during the Vietnam War but told from the perspective of Arlington National Cemetary. I've watched this movie over a hundred times.
  • March 15, 2008
    Well with this film Caan's character is great. He is a deep man and a soldier. Most people with A-type personnalities are not as in touch and articulate with their feelings. It shows the human side of a career enlisted infantryman. This is an emotional and dark movie.
  • March 7, 2008
    Honourable and thought-provoking. A shame it tends to drag. Skip it.
  • January 28, 2008
    JC at his best. Great depiction of the Old Guard.
  • October 2, 2007
    "Soldiers they say 'Killing is our business and business is good. Here we say burying's our business - our business is better." Never forgot that quote. Interesting if somewhat sappy film about the Honor Guard at Arlington Cemetery. Great cast.
  • September 27, 2007
    Another flick on Vietnam from Coppola, but this time it"s COMING HOME style, with a poignant character study about the post-war effects on a deceased soldier's family. James Caan makes a comeback with a surprisingly toned down performance that makes this one worth of interest.
  • August 2, 2007
    Caan's character is great. He is a deep man and a soldier. Most people with A-type personnalities are not as in touch and articulate with their feelings. It shows the human side of a career enlisted infantryman. This is an emotional and dark movie. Bring kleenex...
  • July 29, 2007
    GREAT MOVIE!! Must see!
  • June 15, 2007
    this movie is awesome!
  • April 27, 2007
    I was moved to tears and had thoughts of those left behind

Critic Reviews


No recent reviews.

Comments


This board looks lonely. Be the first to talk about "Gardens of Stone" !

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Official Trailer

More Like This


This list looks lonely.
Add a suggestion!

Facts


No facts approved yet. Be the first

Gardens of Stone : Watch Free on TV


Gardens of Stone Trivia


  • Which director links the movies "The Rainmaker", "Jack", "The Conversation", "Finian's Rainbow", "Gardens of Stone", "Rumble Fish" and the yet unfilmed "Megalopolis"?  Answer »
  • What actor has appeared in these films? Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Sneakers Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back Gardens Of Stone  Answer »
  • In what movie did James Caan and James Earl Jones bury soldiers for the Army?  Answer »
  • What Godfather actor did Francis Ford Coppala give a starring role to in Gardens of Stone?  Answer »

Movie Quizzes


No quizzes for Gardens of Stone. Want to create one?

Video Clips


No video clips yet. Want to upload one?

Recent News


No recent headlines. Got one?

Most Popular Skin


No skins yet. Interested in creating one?