BrianSez's Review

Summary - Very Good 3.5

Gardens distinguishes itself by delivering a no-nonsense view of Vietnam from the eyes of soldiers dealing with the situation back home. On the surface, the outcomes are predictable, but the journey that this film takes you on was not. Instead, this film produces world class drama and a unique perspective delivered by best-in-class acting talent James Earl Jones and James Caan

Acting - Great 4.0

James Earl Jones and James Caan make quite the pair, and are a good fit for showing that military camaraderie and that special brand of humor appreciated only by those who have been in. Angelica Huston shines as always, and the rest of the cast puts in an admirable show, notably Mary Stuart Masterson and DB Sweeny as a young in-love couple.

Film - Very Good 3.5

You can tell Coppola had something to do with this movie. For coming at Vietnam from the complete opposite end of the spectrum as Apocalypse Now, it nevertheless manages to impact almost as much.

Edge - Tame 1.5

Reality - Glib 1.2

1 Comment

• Wick Nov 15, 2009 10:22AM

  Regarding BrianSez’s Review
  Solid review Bri.

  I recall what a big deal this movie was when it came out since it was Francis Ford Coppola revisiting the Viet Nam war a decade after Apocalypse Now. What I mostly recall though is the acting tour de force of Jones and Caan, which you nicely describe in your review.

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