A Cult Movie With Money??

Rating: 9/10 (13 July 1999)

I am not a professional critic or anything, but if one should state a "cult movie" as a movie which only appeals to those who want it and doesn't appeal to the majority, although the essence is really deep and thick, then this is the one.
All the things in this film just tickles my lace curtain, old fashioned door knob and Vietnamese War images that I grew up with in LA, and I'm not lying when I say that this 3 hour movie did not bore me one bit. As I have said "Vietnam", although the story is about the 1940s, there is hardly any clue to what the era is. No big round cars, no baggy pants or funny hats. If you come into the theater in the middle of the film (which I really don't want you to do), you may think that this is about the 70s or even the 90s, and this is what makes the whole thing look so real. World War is no longer a heroic specialty of long ago. It's right there, right next to you, and hugging you whether you like it or not, sending the message "it doesn't matter which war it is". This is enough for me to cover up the too handsome looking actors (which I must confess that I did enjoy), too much calm words coming from the minds of the battle field, too much resemblance to "Days Of Heaven" and Travolta who looks too much like (my favorite, you know who) rock vocalist who passed away.
The water, river and sea, is so beautiful to your eyes and soul. But then, a cult movie often does not have a good budget because you don't know how many people will like it. So this is such a luxury for me; watching a dream (or a nightmare) with one of the world's most richest scenery, acting, and technical effects.