Apocalypse Now

Deserves its spot as one of the best movies ever made. You can’t tell that the production was hell from the final product. I can’t say much that hasn’t been said before, but holy shit y’all can’t miss this one

The greatest war film of all time. Why? Because of the cinematography, score, soundtrack, acting, casting, dialogue, location, practicality, stunt work, emotion, morals, and everything in between. I hadn't even realised 3 whole hours had passed. Every shot had something to glare at with either your eyes or ears. I really doubt we will ever get a film on this level of practicality again. If you think you know cinema, then watch this because you can physically feel the number of movies inspired by this. I don't think I'll ever forget the horror of uncertainty i felt. Iconic.

Note:Upon my first time viewing “Apocalypse now” I viewed the Redux edition instead of the theatrical version. Which has a total runtime of 3 hours and 22 minutes.

When viewing Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” for the first time, I pondered the brilliant and horrific evaluation of what it means to be human in the time of an unjust and bitter war. The film's exploration of the depths of human nature and the moral complexities of war transcends the typical war film by delving into philosophical questions and the darkest recesses of the human soul.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its exploration of the dark and morbid nature within humanity. The jungle, an omnipresent force throughout the narrative, symbolizes both the physical and psychological wilderness. It represents a space where societal norms disintegrate, exposing individuals to their inner demons and the primal chaos within. This setting reflects the characters' psychological deterioration and the overarching madness of war, creating a metaphorical descent into the subconscious as the narrative progresses.

One of the central points of the film is about the character Colonel Kurtz, which is portrayed by Marlon Brando (The Godfather,On the Waterfront). His character essentially embodies the ultimate consequence of the war's madness. His transformation from a well respected decorated officer to a demigod-like figure ruling over a band of followers reveals the fragility of the human psyche when confronted with absolute power and moral ambiguity. Kurtz's chilling monologues, particularly his final reflections on horror and morality, challenge the viewer to question the nature of evil and the human capacity for cruelty. His statement, "The horror, the horror," which put me into a state of petrification, encapsulates the film's central thesis: that the true horror lies not in external forces but within the inner reaches of the human soul itself.

The film's visual and auditory elements further enhance its thematic depth. The cinematography, with its use of shadow and light, often reflects the internal states of the characters. The journey through the river is captured in a dreamlike manner, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. The soundtrack, featuring The Doors' "The End" and Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries," juxtaposes the serene with the chaotic, underscoring the surreal and often grotesque nature of war. Coppola's direction, with its long takes and immersive style, pulls the audience into the disorienting and nightmarish world of the film.

The moral ambiguity of *Apocalypse Now* is perhaps its most unsettling aspect. The film refuses to offer clear answers or moral judgments, instead presenting a series of ethical dilemmas that challenge conventional notions of right and wrong. The mission to eliminate Kurtz raises questions about the justification of violence and the limits of duty. Kurtz's actions, while abhorrent, are portrayed with a certain tragic nobility, complicating any simplistic condemnation. This ambiguity extends to the film's portrayal of the Vietnam War itself, which is depicted not as a righteous struggle but as a senseless and destructive endeavor.

In reflecting on *Apocalypse Now*, which had released 46 years ago, one cannot ignore its cultural impact and legacy. The film was both a critical and commercial success upon its release and has since become a seminal work in the war film genre. Its influence can be seen in numerous other films and works of art that explore similar themes of war, madness, and the human condition. The film's production, plagued by delays and challenges, has also become a legendary story in its own right, further cementing its status as a cinematic masterpiece.

In examining *Apocalypse Now*It becomes clear that the film offers a profound and disturbing exploration of human nature in the context of an unfair reality. Its portrayal of the darkness within, the moral ambiguities of conflict, and the thin line between civilization and chaos make it a timeless and thought-provoking work.As I viewed the film’s various events for the first within it’s 3 hours and 22 minutes, I was struck by its unflinching depiction of the horrors of war and the complexities of the human soul’s unending conflicts. The film's brilliance lies in its ability to evoke both horror and empathy, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world.

Upon purchasing and viewing this film, I hadn’t realized how I would receive the films contents. I applaud the acting in this film, especially Martin Sheen’s and Marlin Brando’s performance. I tend to wonder how the other versions compare to the redux version of the film

Watched the extended cut. Was very good but definitely lost me with some over dramatic bits at times. Definitely a movie that I felt I should have seen

wow, this was a helluva movie

- Watched the directors cut and it was honestly so pointless
- The original would’ve probably changed my opinion, but the directors cut was so long for no reason
- Idk it was honestly not that crazy