I don't get it, but, apparently, Lionsgate has given this YouTube channel ("Wendigoon" with 4.5M subscribers) permission to publish the film, unadulterated.
This is the 1979 theatrical release version, 147 minutes in length, 2.39:1 aspect ratio, and not the 197 minute "Redux" version.
I downloaded it in case it disappears, 2.2GB file in 1080.
I'm puzzled at Lionsgate's move, but I won't question a gift like this. This is not merely one of the greatest war films, but one of the greatest films ever, in any language- one of the top ten. You read that right.
If you try to watch it in Chrome, you'll be interrupted with a thousand ads, I imagine. Watch it in Firefox (or Brave) with an ad blocker, or better yet, use Video Download Helper or other app to download it.
I’m aware of the movie. I think I’ve seen bits and pieces of it over the years. I know that it’s generally popular and well regarded.
But I’ve never really watched it and have never felt compelled to do until now given para’s praise for it.
Can I ask: what makes it so popular and so well regarded? Big name actors so one presumes the acting is superb. That’s a gimme. The story? The theme? The meaning? A statement about something?
I’m aware of the movie but don’t really know anything about it.
"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy "A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
Posts: 14780 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007
Thanks. I see, the movie is based on a book. Same theme, commentary but different time, location, characters.
It sounds rather complicated and the societal commentary may go over my head. But I’m gonna try to at least watch the movie and see if I can find a copy of the book at the library.
"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy "A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
Posts: 14780 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007
Originally posted by parabellum: This is not merely one of the greatest war films, but one of the greatest films ever, in any language- one of the top ten. You read that right.
Yep, it is in my top ten. I have four copies on disc-laserdisc, DVD, Blu Ray, 40th Anniversary box set.
"I’m not going to read Time Magazine, I’m not going to read Newsweek, I’m not going to read any of these magazines; I mean, because they have too much to lose by printing the truth"- Bob Dylan, 1965
Posts: 19267 | Location: Texas | Registered: May 13, 2003
It’s a transcendent story, as evidenced by it working just as well in the jungles of Vietnam as the African Congo. It is certainly not a war movie like The Longest Day or Saving Private Ryan. It explores much more complex themes of colonialism, civilization, chaos, and madness.
And of course, the film is expertly made and acted.
There ain't much difference in the man I want to be and the man that I really am.
Posts: 10980 | Location: Marietta, GA | Registered: February 10, 2009
I'm not that sophisticated so I'd probably watch the movie and just accept face value.
I'm probably gonna need some help with the themes, metaphors and symbolisms of the movie / story. I'll see if I can find the book and do some research.
Sounds like yet another thing I've missed out on in life.
ETA: local library has a copy of the book.
"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy "A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
Posts: 14780 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007
I saw it in the theater when it first came out and was just in awe of it. I've seen it several more times over the years. In my opinion, the Director's Cut is not worth putting the time into watching. The original theater release is perfect just the way it is.
Posts: 5395 | Location: WI | Registered: July 02, 2006
Originally posted by konata88: I'm not that sophisticated so I'd probably watch the movie and just accept face value.
I'm probably gonna need some help with the themes, metaphors and symbolisms of the movie / story. I'll see if I can find the book and do some research.
Sounds like yet another thing I've missed out on in life.
Watching it raw the first time is the better experience to see how it, both the images and the story, affects you
I saw it when it came out in theaters,it does tend to leave an impression...plus then you'll know where the phrase "I love the smell of napalm..." comes from
No, Daoism isn't a religion
Posts: 14507 | Location: northern california | Registered: February 07, 2003
I'm probably gonna need some help with the themes, metaphors and symbolisms of the movie / story. I'll see if I can find the book and do some research.
The outstanding theme for me was govt politicos try to make “nice war, politically correct” war while hogtying the warriors in the actual fighting of said war. Things are surreal and FUBAR and insane all at the same time. DC overwatch, overthinking and general dumbassery pervades the entire operation.
“Never get out of the boat!”
-------- After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.
Posts: 4433 | Location: Central AZ | Registered: October 26, 2006
The eeriness of the scene at the last forward outpost that had been hit by the enemy always is impactful to me. It's just such a great movie and now I'm going to have to watch it again.
Posts: 5395 | Location: WI | Registered: July 02, 2006
This is one with genuine layers to it, so it can be enjoyed in as many ways as there are viewers really.
If one is so inclined, there are some good documentaries on the making of it. When you consider how much went into it by everyone involved, you will appreciate it in yet another way.
the "Final Cut" version is my favorite version, but simply one of the best films ever produced, no matter the version. Jerry Ziesmer's "terminate with extreme prejudice" is just my favorite line in any film.
Regarding the different cuts, I can understand why the studio cut out the plantation scene, as many of the audience wouldn't understand the geo-politics of why the French were in Indo-china. But as a history junkie, I very much appreciate it's inclusion at least the 20 minutes from the finalcut.
_____________________________________________ Proverbs 3:31 "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
Posts: 9275 | Location: Great Basin | Registered: July 24, 2009