Gardens of Stone (1987)

Powerful

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

hyped garbage

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

The proposal of Coppola was show this anti war picture under two different chains of thinking,the first one around US Army perspective where the soldiers must to defend own country in any menace situation that's means whatever will be such menace they'll get ready to fight wherever the place,in other hand as James Caan's character such thing are unacceptable starting of point of view that the Army should be maintened to defent against foreign's powers which put the USA under attack only,then the main subject about these two kind of understanding are in clash,Caan has another convincing acting like always,he don't stay alone acctually he has been accompanied by James Earl Jones, Dean Stockwell and Anjelica Huston,in time D. B. Sweeney too!!!Resume:First watch: 1993 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 7.5

The garden is Arlington National Cemetery, where soldiers fallen in combat are interred under the watchful eyes of the Old Home Guard, a spit and polish regiment of self-styled Toy Soldiers organized for one purpose: to honor the dead, with pomp and circumstance. It's hard to imagine a better setting for a home front reflection on the horror of Vietnam, half a world away, but any war film so far removed from the battleground runs a risk of being too remote and detached, which is exactly what happens here. What could have been a stateside companion piece to 'Apocalypse Now is', instead, a strangely inert melodrama insulated from any genuine feeling for the era. The notable cast is let down by a sometimes overwrought screenplay (step forward, Ron Bass) with little to offer except a surrogate father/son relationship torn apart by the distant war. All that remains are some tantalizing hints of what the film could have achieved, as seen in the contrast between the formal precision of military ceremony and the illogical slaughter in Southeast Asia.

Being a former drill instructor , I can testify to the fine portrayal of the lead character by Mr. Caan . The entire film is an excellent depiction of the dedicated military man , without the usual condemnation of the military in general , so often found in films made since the Viet Nam conflict . The acting , in general , is superb , making the characters believable and the story touching . It is certainly one of Mr. Caan's finest roles and he is accompanied by a terrific cast who contribute magnificently to the overall effectiveness of the story telling . I have seen this film a number of times and will continue to do so on a periodic basis , because of the subject matter and the acting in it. It is highly recommended !!!

Certainly the film is worth viewing. James Caan turns in yet another first rate performance proving once again that you don't have to be a Hoffman/Pacino 'ARTIST' to deliver honest, moving performances. Anjelica Huston in a rather controlled, understated role is also interesting as Caan's love interest and anti-war reporter. Lonette McKee who was so good in Coppola's Cottin Club is wasted in this flick as James Earl Jones wife though Jones uses his famous voice particularly well in this movie. D.B. Sweeny is effective as the gung ho army brat who wants desperately to get to Vietnam while Mary Stuart Masterston is wasted in a tiny role as Sweeny's girlfriend. Watch the movie for the performances if not for the cinematic virtuosity.