Greatest War Film of All-Time

Rating: 10/10 (5 May 2013)

Best war film and the best of 1979. Even the filming of Apocalypse Now was a war with the many production problems it had. Francis Ford first asked Roger Corman for his opinion on shooting at the Philippines with Corman responding, "Don't Go." At first the film starred Harvey Keitel but due to arguments with Coppola he was fired. Then Martin Sheen was hired for the part and later on had a massive heart-attack. A typhoon also ruined the film's production and set them behind schedule. Also Marlon Brando arrived at the set late to admit that he never read the "Heart of Darkness" and was overweight. Coppola even threatened suicide a couple of times and lost 100 pounds while filming. Even though Apocalypse Now had many production issues, Coppola didn't give up and made it which turned out to be one of the greatest movies ever.
The beginning of the movie starts off with Capt. Willard (Martin Sheen) being drunk and troubled. He is assigned to find Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando) who has gone AWOL. Willard is told that Kurtz has gone insane and is commanding a group of his own Montagnard troops. He is also told to terminate with extreme prejudice. Willard and his crew take off in the search of Kurtz and encounter many things on the way.
This film shows the glory yet sadistic side of war with the Robert Duvall part playing "The Ride of the Valkyries" in the helicopter scene, forcing people to surf, and giving his speech stating that he wishes that war never ends. It also shows the mentally endorsed pain that the war can give you with the Marlon Brando part.
The direction was amazing by Coppola; it's his best work besides The Godfather films. Coppola did an outstanding job filming a bloated Brando to make him seem stronger and thinner by avoiding his belly, making him wear black and filming him in the shadows. The cinematography was also at an all-time best especially at the night scenes.
The screenplay was amazing and the ending had a good twist to it. The acting by Sheen, Brando, Duvall, a young Fishburne, Hopper, Forrest, and Glenn was amazing. This film made Martin Sheen a notable actor, was one of Duvall's best performances and started Fishburne's acting career.