The insanity of war from a master of cinema

Rating: 10/10 (27 February 2013)

Francis Ford Coppola knew exactly what message he wanted to send with this film and he nailed it perfectly. He captured the inhumanity of war and the whole thing echoes of evil. We are shown into the mind of Captain Willard in the opening scene. Which is as nightmarish as the war around him. His crew can be summed up into the stereotypes that are found in war, from the pacifist chef who never wanted to join to the drugged out Lance. They show us the alternative views on the war and on their mission.
Most people seem to lose interest as the film progresses due to the film slowing down as Willard's idiosyncrasy is manipulated by the environment. After watching both the cinematic and director's cut, the cinematic one, to me, is the superior. I found myself getting tired in the director's cut as certain scenes seemed to drag on beyond their use.
Overall the film is an enthralling and intense message, and it sets the bar higher than any war film released after it can reach.