Review of Apocalypse Now (1979) by Danc. — 18 Sep 2005

I find this film stunning. I also recall seeing the original version in high school and thinking it was terrible and disjointed (compared to a film I loved at the time and still do, Full Metal Jacket).

I said as much to my high school English teacher, who told me I didn't know what I was talking about. He was right. This isn't a movie that most teenagers can appreciate. Now at age 32, I think it's one of the best-realized meditations on war and insanity ever made.

I strongly disagree with the handful of critics who pan Brandon's performance and dismiss the final 40 minutes of the film. I found the added material in "Redux" to be enriching, not excessive.

Martin Sheen is amazing throughout. This is one of those great movies that is also addictively watchable, because of its stunning visuals, genuine excitement, and serious consideration of how human beings can be tempted to play God.