1969 (1988)
Director: Ernest Thompson
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
Thompson's evocation of the spirit of the '60s protest is most moving when it abandons the soapbox and concentrates on domestic discord. We follow the fortunes of college buddies Ralph (Downey) and Scott (Sutherland), opposed in temperament but united in ideals. They both despise American involvement in Vietnam, but Scott's the one with a social conscience, while Ralph likes to get stoned and strip down to his underwear. Inevitably the two rebels clash with their parents, inspiring support from their mothers (splendid perfomrances from Cassidy and Hartley) and hostility from Scott's gung-ho father (played with conviction by Dern). The film effectively recreates the fear and defiance which accompanied Nixon's support of the draft lottery, with 19-year-olds designated as the first for the slaughter.Author: CM
User reviews of this film
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- steve-o said...
- Posted on Apr 09 2009 21:29 Can you say "Hallmark"?
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- Susan said...
- Posted on Mar 24 2009 07:55 Encore just ran this film, my first time ever seeing it. The soundtrack takes you back. Downey and Sutherland are so natural you forget they're acting. Bruce Dern is riveting. Mariette Hartley surprises you with her outrage. Overall it's elegant and understated.
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Cast & crew
Director: Ernest Thompson
Producer: Daniel Grodnik, Bill Badalato
Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Kiefer Sutherland, Bruce Dern, Mariette Hartley, Winona Ryder, Joanna Cassidy full cast
Duration: 95 mins
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