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Apocalypse Now

Apocalypse Now

1979
Drama, Action
2h 27m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 75.69% from 14674 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(14674)
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Rated 06 Mar 2007
6
98th
My favorite film, a surreal, haunting, visually flamboyant masterpiece. It's one awe-inspiring sequence after another, from the "Ride of the Valkyries" bombing to the incredibly nightmarish encounter at the Do Luong bridge. ("Who's your commanding officer?" "Ain't you?") Few other epics so freely embrace their own insanity, and it works to brilliant effect. Some movies transcend their genres; this one transcends its medium. This is the end...
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
91st
While still an incredible film I slightly prefer the original version.
Rated 10 Jul 2007
4
83rd
Prefer the original. Some of the additional material grinds the entire thing to a halt, specifically the scene with the French colonists. Still, enormous, sweeping epic about the Vietnam War made even more enormous and sweeping by an extra two hours worth of material.
Rated 20 May 2017
97
99th
I've never been in a war, but the scene where they first meet Col. Kilgore is one of the few moments in cinema that creates a feeling of insanity that I expect one would feel in war. Memorable scene after memorable scene, with performances brilliant to pull you in. A meditative descent into insanity, punctuated by violence and death, that all comes down to the final confrontation between Willard and Kurtz.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
95
99th
Interesting extended version of the original,while it has some great new scenes I think the original better.
Rated 30 Jan 2008
91
90th
The original was a lot better. The extended scenes in the first act were very pointless, and took out alot of the atmosphere in the film. Whereas the second act\'s extended scenes were alot better, it could have still done without.
Rated 15 Mar 2008
70
53rd
Sitting through that plantation segment was my Vietnam.
Rated 16 Jul 2009
100
99th
my score for Redux somehow overrode this. I feel ashamed that it ever showed anything other than a perfect score. the horror.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
14
75th
Not as good as the original, which is all that needs to be said I think.
Rated 17 Aug 2009
90
94th
The added scenes really aren\'t needed, and it draws out the film, screwing up the pacing. Still a great film, but the original cut is superior.
Rated 19 Jan 2010
100
99th
So someone deleted the original entry for Apocalypse Now and this used to be Redux (which I would give about 85 for unnecessary scenes that feel awkward and fucking up Duvall's exit after the Ride of the Valkyries sequence) in case anyone new is confused by other reviews. While it's not a unique opinion, the original 1979 version is the greatest film ever made - though I have yet to see the Final Cut, which might also deserve a perfect score.
Rated 03 Jul 2016
92
93rd
A fever dream war. Strange performance from Brando, but that his "Syd Barrett post-Floyd" ramblings and doughy presence come after Willard builds Kurtz up so extensively in his head seems to suggest that we've gone up the yellow brick road as much as Conrad's river. The audiovisual pulse of this movie hits you in waves - big ten foot swells that break both ways. One guy can break right, one left, simultaneous. What do you think of that?
Rated 09 Feb 2007
6
99th
Probably the best war film ever made, able to transcend the confines of that genre and enter the realm of psychological horror. It's a nightmare descending through increasingly surreal levels of insanity, until the last act when it finally teeters over the edge. The iconic set pieces are innumerable.
Rated 26 Sep 2007
40
17th
Now even longer and more boring!
Rated 01 Dec 2008
90
97th
While some of the extra material presented here seems almost pointless and self-indulgent (the plantation dinner scene), the majority of it fits right in.
Rated 11 Jun 2010
95
96th
The extra scenes add nothing much. Most annoyingly the redux version caters to Kilgore lovers, and his extended stay in this movie sadly undermines his character. It\'s still one of the best tours of war you will ever take, but this travels a road less scenic.
Rated 10 Dec 2013
99
99th
Apocalypse Now is filled with amazing direction from Francis Ford Coppola and great performances from Martin Sheen and the rest of the cast as well. The film has a real sense of dread and, in all honesty, might be what the war(s) felt like for some people. I guess I can't really say that by experience, but this film did seem pretty scary and convincing, even if the story isn't real. This also had quite a few memorable scenes and quotes. Hands down my favorite war movie.
Rated 04 Oct 2019
93
99th
I loved this movie until my 11th grade history teacher made me read Heart of Darkness. And watch Hearts of Darkness, the making of Apocalypse Now. Why would you do that to a 16 year old?
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
71st
This movie clearly possesses numerous fine elements, but it is nevertheless, and without doubt, a confused and meandering mess. It is clear from the film itself that the director was unable to devise a third act, and HEARTS OF DARKNESS extinguished all doubt that this was Coppola's fundamental problem. In the case of this movie, his vision exceeded his talent. 2020 UPDATE: I now consider this score and review to be too harsh but will leave as is and refer readers to see also my FINAL CUT review.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
94
96th
The added scenes detract from the rest of the movie.
Rated 21 Sep 2008
90
90th
One of the best films of all time and probably Coppola's true masterpiece. While "The Godfather" relied on fantastic performances and an engaging story, here the direction takes center stage, from the inspired Doors/hallucination opening, to the infamous chopper-storming of the beach set to Wagner, to the finale. This is filmmaking at its most epic and while it may have bankrupted Coppola creatively for the rest of the decade (and more), it's always welcome on my TV.
Rated 27 Oct 2008
80
71st
Long ass movie but has some of the most memorable scenes in American cinema.
Rated 03 Jun 2021
80
65th
Coppola's music, psychedelics, and arguments create a perfect time capsule of the Vietnam era. The craftsmanship deserves kudos as the screenplay updates a classic novel, three editors build a cohesive mood, and the wonderful imagery came about even while battling the conditions. Most of all, the story rewards you with insight into PTSD via two deeply wounded characters. If you want to know why Film Bros lose their shit over this movie, do a double bill with the Hearts of Darkness documentary.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
90
86th
The redux cut of Apocalypse Now is flawed but still among the best movies around. If only because it\'s cut from what may very well be the greatest war movie ever created.
Rated 30 Mar 2007
95
75th
I've seen this movie...you may not have seen it. But you have no right to call me a critic. You have a right to ignore me. You have a right to do that... but you have no right to judge me. It's impossible for words to describe what is necessary to those who do not know what this movie means. Horror. Horror has a face...
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
Well, what else is there to say about this film except, it is best understood while under the influence of the favorite mind-altering drug of the time... Enter the fever-dream!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
97th
A disturbingly beautiful adaptation of Joseph Conrad's melancholy tale of the savage heart.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
97
97th
A maddening and brilliant look at Vietnam and the effect war has on humanity. That makes it sound too lofty - this movie is hard-hitting.
Rated 11 Nov 2007
6
70th
It\'s Apocalypse Now with the pacing ruined. Yay? I can\'t support this.
Rated 22 Jan 2008
95
99th
War movies can be about many things related to war. They may be passionately anti-war, or study how people are affected by war. Sometimes they are adventure films set during war, and sometimes they are unapologetically patriotic. Apocalypse Now is the only film where the subject is war as essence. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is a realistic film. It is not and was never meant to be. Vietnam didn't look like this - well, on the surface it didn't. It is a poetic, even idealistic film.
Rated 14 Jun 2009
95
94th
The French scene was rather out-of-place. The added content in general make Apocalypse Now\'s hallmark intensity and pacing take a small dive. Still an unforgettable experience if you\'ve never seen either cut; however if you have a choice between the two, go for the 1979 version.
Rated 29 Mar 2010
90
92nd
The new scenes, for the most part, do more harm than good. The plantation scene especially yanked me right out of the story and slowed the pacing to a screeching halt. This version is definitely inferior to the original, but it\'s still Apocalypse Now, so it\'s still pretty freaking great.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
100
99th
Everything in this wonderful film is dialed up to maximum volume. From the great performances to the truly outstanding visuals and sound design, this is my all-time favorite movie by far. I could watch it 1,000 times and be captivated every time.
Rated 07 Nov 2012
95
98th
Coppola's masterpiece. A slow journey down the river and into the mouth of madness. A hypnotic fever-dream that lays bare the folly of war and the hubris of those who wage it. Each shot is beautifully composed, the music is used to great effect and the acting is brilliant from everyone involved.
Rated 18 Feb 2007
99
99th
The great play, the better story, and for me definitive one of best screenplays and films ever... If I ever think that is there something for score 100 it will be this film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
43rd
The overall thrust of the original is severely cut down due to some of the inclusions, namely, the encounter with the French.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
25th
Wow.... um.... wow. This was a little too artsy for me. By which I mean WAY too artsy. I know it\'s supposed to represent \'the madness of Vietnam\' and everything, but it\'s also supposed to be a movie folks, and that requires a little bit of entertainment. Wow... watch it once only because it\'s a classic.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
97
99th
If it wasn\'t for the french, this could very well be the perfect movie.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
53rd
All the extra stuff is unnecessary and just slows things down. Definitely go for the original cut.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
94th
A terrifying glimpse into the soul of man. Also: surf\'s up for Robert Duvall!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
97th
Spectacular film. I\'m not one for war movies, but this really takes he cake. It\'s 3+ hours, so it takes dedication to sit down and watch, but since I didn\'t know what was going to happen, it was worth it. Only qualm was the huge build-up, and not much from Brando or Ford, but that\'s alright - Sheen is great, Coppola is a genius.
Rated 21 Oct 2007
80
32nd
Puts me in mind of the old Mark Twain (I believe) quote wherein he apologized for writing such a long letter because \"he didn\'t have time to write a short one.\" The added scenes in the \"Redux\" version were a net negative to the experience. Stick with the original, which is deservedly called a masterpiece.
Rated 07 Dec 2007
74
34th
Overrated! Overrated, overrated, overrated. And did I mention, overrated? I know--heresy, right? But I disliked "Heart of Darkness," and I dislike this. Who cares about high-budget helicopter ambush shots? IMO: masterful portrayal of war means stark realism, not Coppola bravado. Watch "Platoon" instead.
Rated 04 Jun 2008
81
74th
Not nearly as good as the original cut. The extra scenes hurt more than they help, particularly the French plantation which grinds the whole thing to a halt.
Rated 27 Jul 2008
45
16th
Bloated. Really drags after the first 90 minutes or so, and it was never that interesting to begin with.
Rated 02 Apr 2009
96
96th
I thought I knew what darkness was before I watched this movie. But instead I was surprised as I was dragged deeper and deeper in, not by heavy-handed brutalism, but by the words that the men used to describe their memories. When they spoke, it was as if they were channeling Kurtz to read repulsive poetry to me, as though Kurtz was the heart of darkness beating in everyman. A slug crawling on the edge of a razor. The horror... the horror...
Rated 11 May 2009
97
98th
I don\'t know what to say about this movie, or how it compares to the original version (yet), but this is such an overwhelming, monstrous movie. It just steadily heads down to madness with outstanding performances from every single one of the actors in it, everything just fits together which is amazing for a movie that was plagued with so many problems. Everyone was just on top of their game and it\'s an amazing insight into Vietnam. \"This isn\'t a movie, it is Vietnam.\"
Rated 06 Aug 2009
95
89th
Pretty spectacular, in every sense of the word, with one of the best scenes in film history--the "Ride of the Valkyries" storm. But, the fact that everyone involved with the making of the film was on a lot of drugs the whole time really shows in some parts, especially the final act. I know I will be hated for this, but the film is fairly overrated.
Rated 24 Oct 2010
50
22nd
This is one of those rare, frustrating films that doesn't work at all for me, but I can't figure out why. The acting and cinematography are great and the story has some really interesting elements to it. Yes, the ending is a letdown but the rest of the film was such a chore that I can't complain about the end too much. So why don't I like this? Believe me, I'd love know, but every time I try to re-watch it, I'm not able to stay awake long enough to figure out exactly what the problem might be.
Rated 05 Jun 2011
90
94th
The French plantation sequence sucks the life out of the movie for 30 minutes, but otherwise it\'s fantastic
Rated 08 Apr 2012
90
97th
I still prefer the theatrical edition but I will happily substitute this every other time from now until I die.
Rated 04 Aug 2017
67
66th
A lot better than I remembered, but I still hate the fucking Doors...
Rated 04 Mar 2018
95
99th
War movies, usually, tackle two themes: they are either full of heroic experiences or the suffering following the devaluation of life. Ever wondered where did all the crazies go? They are all here. It is still all about breaking point of moral values and coping mechanisms backed by on point acting and grandiose scenes, but with every little detail nonchalantly twisted. Now, you might think craziness is not serious enough to show the war for what it really is. Watch this. Think again.
Rated 16 Aug 2019
36
99th
The last time I saw my uncle before he passed he was in and out of sane consciousness. At one point he briefly talked about his favorite movies and albums. He mentioned this being one of his favorites as it covered the "depravity of man". When I said bye for the last time he was awake but not present. I've long put off seeing Apocalypse Now because of how he talked about it but Brando's appearance in the film felt like my uncle finally giving a haunting yet overdue goodbye.
Rated 08 Dec 2020
100
99th
This is such a different breed of war film that it's tough to compare, but it is without a doubt the best I've seen so far. What Apocalypse Now does more so than others is to strip back the patriotism, the glory of it all, and to leave us with horror, on all sides and by all parties. Coppola almost revels in showing it to us entire, without any sort of filter or remorse, yet with a healthy dose of exasperation over that he must do so. It's really magnificent, and it deserves to be seen by all.
Rated 22 Feb 2021
95
98th
I prefer the Redux 2001 version: The second-encounter-with-the-playmates adds to the moral unhingness (although the downside is that it's a bit out of character for Willard). The French-colonists scene adds to the complexion of the historical background. In general, these scenes strengthen the premise that the movie isn't about war or some bloke, but about human views during a certain period, time and place in the canon of mankind: to me, the holy grail in literature and film.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
88
90th
Watched it every day I got stoned for a whole summer while living in a trailer.
Rated 01 Feb 2007
98
97th
One of those movies that you don't want to end because you're enjoying it so much. Robert Duvall surprised me and Brando just... creeped me out.
Rated 22 Feb 2007
75
89th
It is a bit long, but a great war film.
Rated 29 May 2007
90
96th
Memorable and gripping in all aspects of the words, the definitive war film seems to keep getting better with time.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
68th
I love the theatrical cut of this film and don\'t get me wrong, the redux adds quite a bit of depth to the story and the characters, but I felt a lot of it was unnecessary and just dragged on.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
93rd
The added visuals and extended scenes do not warrant this film replacing the near-perfect original.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
35th
Coppola is overrated as a director. Very far from the best Vietnam films.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
34th
The added scenes (sans the pretty cool surfing scene with Duvall) were totally pointless, and wrecked the pacing of the original cut. It\'s not BAD, but why bother when the original cut is so easy to find?
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
98th
Coppola's adaptation of Hearts of darkness transposes all too easily into the Vietnam war. The cast is fantastic (even the almost incoherent Marlon Brando, shot in darkness to hide how fat he was). Haven't seen redux, but the documentary about the making of this film is very good also
Rated 14 Aug 2007
87
95th
Still very good, but some of the additional material harmed the film for me. Worth seeing, though.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
94th
I have only seen the Redux version, but knowing the differences between it and the original, I think I\'d actually like the original better. The scenes with the playmates in particular seemed a bit superfluous.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
58th
Worth seeing if you are a fan of the original, but I found the extra scenes to be fairly tangential to the main thrust of the film. The movie itself deserves its reputation as a profound meditation on war and man as innately savage, but also indulges in the pornography of violence: It exults in the destruction it portrays.
Rated 18 Aug 2007
89
89th
Maybe the best Vietnam war movie? Not sure, but it\'s in the running.
Rated 25 Sep 2007
95
97th
There's the napalm quote--and Martin Sheen's great moment killing the Vietnamese (which launches us into another world). Unfortunately we end up getting stuck in the middle of a Brando mumblefest. But the rest (opening scything helicopters and Sheen screaming and all) is marvelous--although apparently not too great a filming experience for all concerned.
Rated 29 Dec 2007
100
95th
Usually I am quite cynical about \"Director\'s Cuts\", but this one really is a larger and deeper version of the same movie we all know
Rated 11 Feb 2008
70
30th
The documentary about making of this movie (Hearts of Darkness) is more entertaining than this.
Rated 27 Feb 2008
89
62nd
"I love the smell of napalm in the morning."
Rated 03 Mar 2008
98
99th
I have not seen any other film that could match the sheer intensity, power, scope and rawness of Apocalypse Now viewed on a large screen. The Valkyrie sequence alone is... something words can not describe. (Just for reference, I have seen only the Redux version and I think I would really miss the added scenes when watching the original cut.)
Rated 06 Jun 2008
100
98th
The way Apocalypse Now affects me with every little detail including the colors and musical score, how it defines a tragically senseless and gratuitously brutal war, how the psychological and emotional rape of it all is captured with equal parts real and romantic - this entire movie is just unreal and at the same time so real that it rends me to tears in parts where most would simply shake their heads in fascinated amusement. Colonel Kurtz is the greatest character in anything ever.
Rated 10 Jun 2008
60
68th
Is there any doubt at all that John Milius is some kind of conscious fascist?
Rated 15 Dec 2008
60
32nd
I know war is silly and terrible, I don\'t need French people telling me that for twenty minutes.
Rated 22 Dec 2008
80
87th
Apocalypse Now: Redundant. The added scenes in this spoil the pacing and manage to reduce one of the greatest to merely great.
Rated 31 Dec 2008
100
97th
It's on the long side (I saw the director's cut) but it's so intense that you probably won't care.
Rated 27 Feb 2009
91
95th
first watch: the plantation scene doesn\'t work that well although i like Copolla\'s intention. other than that, this is pretty much as good as cinema gets. 99. second watch: i wasn\'t crazy about Heart of Darkness the book, and rewatching this right afterward kinda took it down a notch for me - maybe it\'s not as richly nuanced as I first thought
Rated 19 Mar 2009
90
94th
Quite an extraordinary movie, especially since I have never seen the original, so I don\'t have that measuring stick that most have to compare the two. Well acted even though there were a couple of times when the scenes were a bit too long.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
88
47th
Has some interesting additions, but the French plantation sequence is agonizingly long and pedestrian.
Rated 19 Jun 2009
50
97th
One of the few movies that delivers on all fronts. The masterful adaptation of Conrad's novella totally absorbs me every time I watch. Brilliant acting but even more brilliant set design. The details are what pull you in.
Rated 11 Aug 2009
96
98th
The all-time greatest war film, and potentially cinema's best exploration into the darkness of the human spirit. One of the most well-shot films of all time, with incredible, unnerving performances from Sheen and Brando.
Rated 24 Sep 2009
95
97th
With a veritable all-star lineup, a beloved soundtrack, innovative cinematography... part of me wants to say this writes the book for war flicks (even though it's much more than "a war flick"), whether it's the definitive one or not has some debate. But what can be said for sure is that this flick is near-perfect, badass in every way, and shows unequivocally that the classics never die, as a 2009 audience would get as much (if not more) appreciation out of it as did the 1979 audience.
Rated 12 Oct 2009
95
98th
(REDUX) The added content is needless at best, and destructive for the overall movie at worst, so -5 points on pure principe.
Rated 10 Nov 2009
95
89th
Simply brilliant. Coppola creates an utterly convincing and chaotic war-zone with some amazing cinematography and incredibly detailed use of sound. Top class performances from Sheen, Duvall and Brando ensure that the brilliant dialogue is delivered with great effect.
Rated 14 Nov 2009
85
92nd
Coppola's statement about the nature of evil and the horror of war is still fresh, haunting and strong. Kurtz's monologue is brutally unforgettable.
Rated 13 Jan 2010
67
71st
Man takes boat ride to kill another man.
Rated 28 Jan 2010
94
93rd
Even though the ending is bloated and pretentious, this is still a film of extraordinary power that lays bare the horror of war.
Rated 02 Feb 2010
100
99th
Beautiful! Masterpiece! I don't even know what to add, since no human words wouldn't express those emotions that fill my heart. I was hammered down by the camera work. Everything looks so large, vast and beautiful. The characters are so meticulously worked out. Every dark corner of their souls is shown under microscope, which makes this film a real diamond in the crown of cinematography.
Rated 04 Mar 2010
60
51st
worse than the original
Rated 29 Mar 2010
94
99th
When I walked out of the cinema my life was changed - the earth moved and nothing ever stood still again, the end, the horror, the horror.
Rated 05 May 2010
61
69th
The sheer beauty of the original was hurt by making it into a 3.5 hour movie, which caused some major pacing issues at times.
Rated 09 May 2010
90
95th
Insane, fantastic movie. Flawless, and I love the use of the shadows. Some parts are so chilling and eery
Rated 11 May 2010
95
97th
The extended scenes didn\'t really ruin the pacing for me. I\'m a fan of watching what was left on the cutting room floor. Plus tits.
Rated 05 Jun 2010
98
98th
Excellent Film. Good use of light, sound and cinematography to potray a slow descent into madness and surrealism. Martin Sheen is excellent, and the beach attack is a fantastic piece of cinema. Brando makes a good use of his limited screentime, creating what has to be one of the most exciting anti-climax endings ever. Some supporting characters could have been fleshed out more. Small complaint in otherwise near perfect movie.
Rated 28 Sep 2010
75
82nd
The film vividly captures the insanity of the Vietnam war and transfers to it the feeling of unimaginable horror that marked Joseph Conrad's novel _Heart of Darkness_, which was its first inspiration. It uses hyperbole and overstatement to convey in great detail the true nature of the first drugs and rock'n'roll war, a hallucinatory, terrifying, jungle nightmare accompanied by an insistent beat.
Rated 22 Oct 2010
89
81st
Moments of greatness in Coppola's epic mix with an occassionally uncertain tone, and an episodic structure which results in a slackening of pace and haphazardness at times. All performances are first rate, with Brando, Sheen and especially Duvall standing out. Attack scene set to Wagner is justifiably famous and impressive, as are many other set pieces, but Coppola cannot capture the grace and ease that marked his earlier GODFATHER films. Still an impressive achievement in many ways.
Rated 12 Dec 2010
70
50th
So the truism is "three great scenes, and no bad ones." What is it when there's three great scenes, and two hours of boring ones? I don't know. I had seen this a number of years ago but I had forgotten most of it. Here's the thing, it turns out that I actually remembered most of it, and I had just disregarded most of the meaningless monotony in the middle. The key scenes? Yeah, I knew those by heart. There was actually no need for me to re-watch this. Everyone has to watch it once though

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