Two rebellious youths, Ralph and Scott, find themselves struggling with adulthood as the Vietnam War rages. Feeling trapped in their small town, Scott battles with his conservative veteran father, Cliff, and Ralph deals with his desperately sexual mother, Ev. When tragic news arrives from overseas, the entire town, inspired by Ralph and Scott's antiwar efforts, reevaluates its attitude toward the war.
Acting
Baby-faced Sutherland and Downey Jr. crackling with pre-fame chemistry.
Production
Nostalgia-soaked 1969 recreation that feels more 80s than 60s.
Director
Ernest Thompson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Ernest Thompson also wrote On Golden Pond; this was his only other feature. Explains the daddy issues.
Released during Reagan's final year, its antiwar stance felt oddly dated—Vietnam movies peaked with Platoon and Full Metal Jacket two years prior.
US
