Gardens of Stone

I thought I knew a lot of war movies or movies who's subject has something to do with war. When I think of Vietnam movies, I immediately think of Apocalypse Now, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, Hamburger Hill, The Deer Hunter, Casualties of War... But Gardens of Stone was completely new to me. When I have to compare it to one of the movies above, than I would compare it to The Deer Hunter. Both movies show the Vietnam war, without actually showing a lot of action. It's more about the families and friends that are left behind and about the soldiers that once served in Vietnam and came back as a completely different person. While The Deer Hunter is one of my all time favorites, I can't say the same about Gardens of Stone. It's a very good movie, but it never is as touching and impressive as The Deer Hunter is. That doesn't mean that this movie isn't any good. It is, but in a different way... It's about a young soldier who is serving in the Honor Guard, responsible for the burial ceremonies of all the soldiers who came back from Vietnam in a body bag. He doesn't want to do that job, he wants to go where the real action is, he wants to be in Vietnam harvesting honor and medals, which eventually will really happen to him, but at a certain cost. Although I expected more from this movie, I have to say that I liked it. Thanks to the real action footage incorporated in the movie, the good acting by all the actors and the interesting story, this movie was certainly worth a watch. Too bad that it was a bit predictable. From the beginning on everyone who pays a little attention will know what will happen at the end of the movie. Nevertheless I still reward it with an 8/10

After 'Apocalypse Now', it's hard to believe that this film was directed by Francis Ford Coppola with such sensitivity. Truly a testament that in many ways demonstrates that Coppola is one of film's greatest directors. This film shows the lives of many different people and their backgrounds in opposing the Vietnam war. James Caan is a military officer working as a home guard at Arlington National Cemetery during the casualties of America's most tragic conflict. It shows his relationship with Anjelica Huston and James Earl Jones as his closest friends. D.B. Sweeney and Mary Stuart Masterson are great as the younger and more naive observers of the times. Part documentary style, part sentiment and all inclusive drama showcase its impact in a more sedated manner than most other films dealing with its subject but worth a look as an alternative.

I saw this movie on video, soon after its original release, while attending college on a NROTC scholarship. It is a fine work, with a unique perspective on the Vietnam War. It was especially poignant, as I was preparing for military service during the Reagan/Bush years. This was not a film about the soldiers in the rice paddies; or protesters in Washington. This is the story of the men who had to bury the dead and honor their memories. These were soldiers who might be going to Vietnam, and those who had come back from there. It's about the senseless loss of life that war brings and the hubris of youth. Spoilers- James Caan gives an outstanding performance. He has seen Vietnam and would rather be over there or in a training position, where he feels he could help bring some of these boys back alive, rather than burying them. He is torn up by the knowledge that he can't help. He meets and falls in love with Anjelica Huston, a reporter who opposes the war, but is attracted to Caan. Caan tries to make her see his point, that he doesn't love the war, but has the knowledge hat could save some of the men who have to fight it. DB Sweeny has some fine moments as the young soldier who is itching to be in the middle of the war. He is the face of so many who did their duty and paid a horrible price. There are many fine performances in this film, but it doesn't always come together. Still, it is greater than its faults. I didn't notice this in the goofs; but, in the original video release, you could clearly see the boom mic in frame during the restaurant conversation between Sweeny and his girl. My friends and I used to laugh hysterically during this scene, as the mic would swivel between actors as they said their lines. When I later bought a copy, the mic was missing. I assume it was erased when it was remastered for laser and dvd.

I don't know why Francis Ford Coppola thought he had to make another film about Vietnam after he had made the best possible with "Apocalypse Now", but with this film he definitely destroys a part of his reputation as being critical about the United States' role in the war. The problem of "Gardens of Stone" is that it is not uncritical, but seemingly critical. It all seems as if Coppola would use the dead soldiers' bodies or Anjelica Huston's role as an excuse for saying: "Hey, I know that maybe not everything was alright, but you have to do what your country asks you to." This movie is so obsessed with the military and tries so hard not to decide whether it's for or against the war, that it doesn't even notice, that it already has decided with its blind patriotism and denunciation of the peace movement. Rarely have I seen such a laughable characterization as it is done here with Anjelica Huston's "peace activist". Not one of the highlights of Coppola's career.

I spent 6 years in the military. And while I never saw combat, I can say, that this was a well made movie. It dealt with the issues of a war, that nobody liked. And it did so, from a different point of view. It was that point of view that made Gardens of Stone on of my personal favorites. Ever detail of this movie was authentic. From the spit shine of the boots to the characters that both James Caan and James Earl Jones played. It was truly, on of the most realistic military movies ever made. Brilliant. Truly brilliant. Francis Ford made a movie, that was true to life, A movie that didn't choose a side on one of America's darkest moments. Ever character in this movie was well thought out, right down to the last detail of each actor. I joined a movie rental store, solely because they had a copy of this movie.

This is a great movie and it makes a very interesting pairing with Apocalypse Now to achieve Coppola's complete take on the Vietnam war. While Apocalypse Now was a surrealistic view of the front lines and insanity of war, Gardens of Stone is pulls no punches with a realistic portrayal of the home front, which presented its own type of warfare during Vietnam. As the other reviewers said, the acting is top notch throughout. Caan and Jones are perfect, but I disagree with the comments about Masterson and Huston. Theirs are key supporting roles and critical to the success of the movie. Huston is especially good in her scenes with Caan to bring the story full circle. This is an overlooked gem and highly recommended.

Trailer—Gardens of Stone

Gardens of Stone

An excellent film. The subject matter is not one that I thought would hold my attention....but I was wrong. The characters in this movie will involve you in their lives, so be prepared to stay awhile. The writing is first-rate. But I was most impressed with the directorial abilities of Coppola....and here's the reason why: he reined in the actors so that they gave marvelous, realistic performances (James Caan and Dean Stockwell are not always the most subtle of performers - but here, they are perfect). There is one exception - Coppola allows Angelica Huston to shine, and brings her out to full advantage (what is the opposite of 'reining in?'). For all the actors to turn in such great portrayals says something about the director, I think.

I wanted to like this film and some parts of it, I did. However, over all I found the movie a major disappointment. The film was filled with stereotype characters; the dedicated lifer who needs to train "his boys" so they can survive the war in Viet-Nam: the soldier with two left hands who ends up winning the medal of honor: the journalist who is a hippie jack-ass: and the hero who is hated by his father-in-law, yet marries his daughter, but gets killed in Viet-Nam. As is typical in almost every Hollywood movie about the military, 99% of it is pure bull. James Caan was his typical angry, hot headed, over emotional character that he played in most of his movies. After awhile, his yelling gives you a headache. I am sorry, but Gardens of Stone is a badly acted and greatly disappointing movie.