Apocalypse Now (1979) - Critical Reviews

Synopsis

It is the height of the war in Vietnam, and U.S. Army Captain Willard is sent by Colonel Lucas and a General to carry out a mission that, officially, 'does not exist - nor will it ever exist'. The mission: To seek out a mysterious Green Beret Colonel, Walter Kurtz, whose army has crossed the border into Cambodia and is conducting hit-and-run missions against the Viet Cong and NVA. The army believes Kurtz has gone completely insane and Willard's job is to eliminate him. Willard, sent up the Nung River on a U.S. Navy patrol boat, discovers that his target is one of the most decorated officers in the U.S. Army. His crew meets up with surfer-type Lt-Colonel Kilgore, head of a U.S Army helicopter cavalry group which eliminates a Viet Cong outpost to provide an entry point into the Nung River. After some hair-raising encounters, in which some of his crew are killed, Willard, Lance and Chef reach Colonel Kurtz's outpost, beyond the Do Lung Bridge. Now, after becoming prisoners of Kurtz, will Willard & the others be able to fulfill their mission?

Critical Acclaim

Upon its release in 1979, Apocalypse Now received widespread critical acclaim and quickly became a defining film of the Vietnam War era. Critics praised Francis Ford Coppola's audacious direction and the film's ambitious narrative, which delved deeply into the psychological and moral complexities of war. The film's intense, surreal imagery and its epic scope were lauded as groundbreaking achievements in cinema. Despite some production challenges and delays, the film was celebrated for its bold storytelling and visual ingenuity.

Vincent Canby of The New York Times described the film as "the most elaborate visual spectacle ever devised by an American director," highlighting its powerful imagery. Roger Ebert hailed it as "one of the greatest of all films," praising its ability to capture the chaos and madness of war. In contemporary times, Apocalypse Now maintains an impressive 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its enduring relevance and critical consensus. The film's performances, particularly those of Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando, continue to be celebrated for their depth and intensity.

The film's impact has been profound, influencing countless filmmakers and continuing to be a staple in discussions about war in cinema. It won the Palme d'Or at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival and received eight Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Cinematography and Best Sound. Apocalypse Now is frequently cited in "greatest films of all time" lists by the American Film Institute and other prestigious organizations, solidifying its legacy as not only a cinematic masterpiece but also a poignant exploration of the human psyche amidst the horrors of war.