Lumsdal Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

Listonixio Fresh and Exciting

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Myron Clemons A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

wsuddock Coppola's fine production is unparalleled. The conflict between Caan and Huston is a tremendous and balanced treatment of the anti-war v. the military. If there is one movie which reflects the times. in all its facets ... this is it.Caan's finest role, I believe, played perfectly.Jones' voice, his carriage, etc. all combine into a truly believable, hard nosed yet, compassionate Sergeant Major. I think every member of the cast brought something to the movie, something good and grand."Here's to us and those like us.""Damn few left."

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.

lovetruthpeace It's Dec. 4, 2005 and I've just watched "Gardens of Stone" on T.V. The importance of this movie is impossible to rate as it specifically addresses the absolutely critical and horribly unfortunate issue of our collective ability to forget. In this case, forgetting how completely morally indefensible and reprehensible is the nature of war. We don't remember. Remembering would make it too difficult to aggress against each other. So while we couch our forgetting by using beautiful words like "honor" and "character" we continue to wage war for what we believe are the "noblest" of reasons. This film, while not being preaching like me, calls into remembrance the reality that is war....body bags...orphaned children...blown off limbs...sheer chaos...destroyed lives and land. This film makes us remember that nobody wins in war. I expect excellence from Coppola and, par usual, he delivers as do some unforgettable performances by a stellar cast. "There is no such thing as a good war or a bad peace."

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.