Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Teringer An Exercise In Nonsense

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

DoubleTee41 Being a former drill instructor , I can testify to the fine portrayal of the lead character by Mr. Caan . The entire film is an excellent depiction of the dedicated military man , without the usual condemnation of the military in general , so often found in films made since the Viet Nam conflict . The acting , in general , is superb , making the characters believable and the story touching . It is certainly one of Mr. Caan's finest roles and he is accompanied by a terrific cast who contribute magnificently to the overall effectiveness of the story telling . I have seen this film a number of times and will continue to do so on a periodic basis , because of the subject matter and the acting in it. It is highly recommended !!!

film_riot 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.

jmorrison-2 Strangely quiet, gentle movie considering the subject matter. Not much action, but quite a bit of discussion of the ramifications and consequences of war.Portrays the contrasts between p*ss-and-vinegar young soldiers, and the old-hand leadership of Sergeant Hazard and the Sergeant Major.The death of Jackie Willow is stunning, and the scenes afterward are sensitively done, and very sad. There is much to consider in the prices we all pay for being so ready to get into combat. Sergeant Hazard understands the costs, and wants to get back into the action, if only to ensure no more young men enthusiastically stumble into death.Very well done, and very well acted.

mrcaw1 Certainly the film is worth viewing. James Caan turns in yet another first rate performance proving once again that you don't have to be a Hoffman/Pacino 'ARTIST' to deliver honest, moving performances. Anjelica Huston in a rather controlled, understated role is also interesting as Caan's love interest and anti-war reporter. Lonette McKee who was so good in Coppola's Cottin Club is wasted in this flick as James Earl Jones wife though Jones uses his famous voice particularly well in this movie. D.B. Sweeny is effective as the gung ho army brat who wants desperately to get to Vietnam while Mary Stuart Masterston is wasted in a tiny role as Sweeny's girlfriend. Watch the movie for the performances if not for the cinematic virtuosity.