A Near Masterpiece!

Rating: 9/10 (2 October 2010)

Francis Ford Coppola is one of the most talented filmmakers to have stepped in Films. He is one master-mind, who can make cinema violent and vibrant at the same time. 'Apocalypse Now' is a yet another classic from the film legend.
Set during the Vietnam War. The plot revolves around two US Army special operations officers. One has been said to have gone insane, and the other, is appointed to chop him off.
'Apocalypse Now' has almost everything on it's cards. But, for some reason, this one cannot be called 'A Complete Masterpiece'. It's about 153 minutes, in which, about 10-15 minutes take away it's glory. Some scenes are boring, especially post the Robert Duvall chapter.
Francis Ford Coppola is at his best. His direction is absolutely brilliant from scene A to Z. John Milius's dominating Screenplay is of near-milestone category. Vittorio Storaro's Cinematography is striking. Editing is razor-sharp.
Performance-Wise: Marlon Brando is electrifying as an insane man. He comes towards the end of the film, and is hardly there for 20-minutes, but he steals the show. Martin Sheen is very convincing as the Hero. Robert Duvall & Dennis Hopper are terrific in small roles. Harrison Ford is efficient. Laurence Fishburne is superb, one of his finest performances folks! Frederic Forrest is good.
On the whole, A Must Watch! Without doubt, One of the finest films associated with the infamous Vietnam War. Two Thumbs Up!