source: 1969

Trailer—1969

1969

Small town America, 1960s. Two friends, Ralph and Scott, are opposed to the Vietnam War and are determined to not fight there. This disappoints Scott's father, Cliff, and alienates Scott from him. Ralph and Scott leave the town but return when Scott's brother is declared MIA in Vietnam. This gives Cliff and Scott a chance to patch up their differences. Entertaining. Not very profound: covers ground that has been covered before, and is a tad idealistic. Still, good story, with good performances. Features Robert Downey Jr and Kiefer Sutherland in their early careers and Winona Ryder in only her 4th movie (previous was Beetlejuice, next was Heathers...). Great supporting cast: Bruce Dern, Joanna Cassidy, Mariette Hartley. Excellent soundtrack.

Anybody who lived in the 60s, studied the 60s, or even heard about the 60s, knows that this movie reflects what the 60s were like about as accurately as the Barney movie shows us what dinosaurs were like. The script does all it can to tug at our emotions and make us feel all gushy about a better time while supplying no real plot and no interesting characters. Big loser of a movie. If you want to see a good movie about the 60s that also stars Kiefer Sutherland check out the great film Flashback.

i can see why some people dislike this movie, but i enjoyed it. good stuff: music (CSNY, Canned Heat, Creedence), costumes, subject, issues dealt with, cast! young Winona, Keifer & Robert Downey Jr., plus the van and cars, conflict btwn generations bad stuff: melodramatic, simplistic, like a TV movie or Walt Disney. there was a 1999 'mini-series' (2-part) on cbs i think that was a lot like this. ie; it's more a TV movie than an Easy Rider or Platoon. If you go in with the 'TV' mindset i'm sure you'll enjoy it if you like this subject and/or era -- the Vietnam War and its effects on American families. i only knew of this era thru documentaries and books, but living in America in 2003, there are real war-tearing familial similarities that are only likely to get more exaggerated. seeing a portrayal, even a 'TV movie' version, just helps a little bit.

This was one of my Favorite 80s Films. It had Great Music a Wonderful Cast. It went Wright into 1969 it really hit alot of hearts in many ways. When the Mother would NOT go to the Bus Station to give her SON A HUG GOOD BYE. Because he was going off to Vietnam you just seen it in her Eyes. She could NOT say Goodbye She knew he was going to DIE. But that BUS STOP. As he got out and walked out front of the Bus and waved at his Mother as she was Jogging. She did Stop and YELLED OUT TO HIM. But that Ending at his Funeral his Brother and Family and Friends Walked the Streets to get his Best Friend out of Jail. Because he did NOT WANT HIM OFF TO WAR. It really hit your Heart. The Film made you Cry you have to think back Years ago on how Many Young Men Really did DIE FOR NO REASONS.

I admit that I rented this because of Miss Ryder's name on the cover. However, this isn't really a Winona-Ryder-movie, she is secondary to the plot. Kiefer Sutherland and Robert Downey Jr. play the main characters, two irresponsible kids at the end of the 1960s, trying to avoid getting drafted or growing up. However, it didn't really touch me. The anti-war message could have been stronger if the war had felt more present. As ususal for a movie about kids, their parents are portrayed as being clueless about how things have changed since they were young. Scott's father seem to be thinking 'Whatever happened to the 1950s?' all through the movie.

This would have been better titled "1988 with 1969 fantasies." The opportunity to re-do the sixties idealism to a new crowd was squandered here by stereotypes. It was clear the writers and/or producers got their ideas from nothing but a few library books. While the attempts to not go OTT with the fashions was honorable, they didn't go far enough. A few short dresses didn't cut it. And the older brother becoming an MIA was so predictable it was pathetic. The best thing about this flick was the soundtrack. I could listen to Cream's "White Room" all day. I kept waiting for Keifer to repeat Daddy Don's line from "Kelly's Heroes." "Give me those positive waves." Shaky at best.

This is a very strange movie but not in a very bad way.Some of the acting is poor and could have been much better.I liked most of the movie but the story is off the road and rather "drunk".1969 is a good movie to view by yourself.A lot of 80's films such as this one are corny but good at the same time.