A surreal, powerful film portraying war's insanity

Rating: 9/10 (5 January 2002)

Apocalypse Now is the greatest war film I have ever seen. However, I haven't seen that many, so my view will likely change. This film is a surreal journey through insanity and Vietnam. The acting is perfection, from Duvall's immortal Kilgore to Sheen's growing madness to the despair and sorrow of every soldier. The film's electronic score is beautiful and makes the film's finale disturbing as Coppola intended. However, Dennis Hopper's character was unneccesary and Brando's monologue was stupid and pointless. The battle scenes aren't "cool" or "awesome," but instead help Coppola make his point that war is insanity . These scenes are depresssing, disturbing, and powerful.
Overall, this excellent film gets 9/10. It's flawed, yet a masterpiece.