It is the dawn of World War III. In mid-western America, a group of teenagers band together to defend their town—and their country—from invading Soviet forces.
Acting
Swayze's tortured patriot face carries the whole thing.
Practical Effects
Real tanks, real explosions, real 'they actually did this' energy.
Score
Basil Poledouris makes teen warfare sound EPIC.
Director
John Milius
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was the first PG-13 movie ever released, created specifically because of its violence. The rating didn't exist until this film forced the issue.
The NRA's Charlton Heston loved this movie so much he screened it at Reagan's White House. The president reportedly cried.
US
