Haunting, yet powerful

Rating: 10/10 (26 February 2002)

I usually watch movies purely for the entertainment factor. However, after watching Apocalypse Now Redux, I will no longer do that. Movies usually don't have an effect on me, but, this film certainly did. In particular, I find that Marlon Brando's performance was nothing short of amazing. I can't get his image out of my head. And even the soundtrack adds to the already-haunting surroundings of the Cambodian "exploration."
However, I made the mistake of watching the Redux version first. It's not completely a flop: in fact, I think most of the new footage makes the film even better. But, I think that the USO and Medivac scenes could have been left on the cutting room floor. The French plantation scene, though, was absolutely great. And that scene where Colonel Kurtz reads an article from Time Magazine to Lieutennant Willard is just as good.
Personally, I give this film four out of four stars. However, if you are new to this movie, do yourself a favor: watch the original 1979 version first, then proceed to Redux. Don't make the same mistake I did.