Sad, beautiful film.

Rating: 9/10 (23 July 2012)

This film always breaks my heart, and it does it on a number of levels. All the joys and sorrows are there in these characters, all their longings. Nick, who liked the way the trees looked. Beautifully acted by a young and handsome Robert Deniro, and a radiantly beautiful Meryl Streep, still in her twenties when the film was made. Chris Walken's benchmark performance that is so memorable. All of them so young, and at the top of their game as actors, immersed so completely in their roles. America in transition, and involved in a war that no one really understands. Having worn the uniform during that period of time, having been to some of those places, although not in combat, but still physically there, with life running through you like electricity, you feel a kinship with those characters, and you remember when every soldier wanted to look like DeNiro, with his beret and trench coat, and neatly pressed uniform. War is the crucible where all these emotions are melted together, a terrible war, as all wars are, that continue to claim casualties long after the last shot is fired. The music score, the casting, and the direction are all excellent. A truly worthwhile film. Here's to Nick and Mike, and all the boys who fought that war, especially those who didn't come home. See this film.